Reviewed by the Nanny Lane team · Last updated

How much does a full-time nanny cost in Indianapolis, IN in 2026?

In Indianapolis, IN, the average full-time nanny earns about $19.01 per hour. For a typical 40-hour week, that works out to roughly $760/week or $3,295/month. Most Indianapolis families pay somewhere in the $8–$30/hour range, depending on experience, the number of kids, and what's expected on the job.

Average hourly rate$19.01/hr · Indianapolis average

These numbers come from 322 live full-time nanny listings in Indianapolis on Nanny Lane. We update this page whenever the data moves.

$760
$3,295
$39,541

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What drives the price

Most Indianapolis families pay somewhere in the $8–$30/hour range. Where a given family lands depends on a handful of factors. Three of them drive most of the spread.


01

Experience

More experienced full-time nannys command higher rates. Entry-level (0-2 yrs) average $17.74/hour, while the most experienced (6-10 yrs) charge around $21.73/hour.
Avg hourly rate by years of experience

02

Number of kids

One child is the baseline. Each additional child usually adds $1–$2/hour. Twins and infants tend toward the high end.
+$1 to $2/hour per additional child
Hourly rate by number of kids
1 kid (baseline)$19.01
2 kids~$20.01
3+ kids~$21.01+

03

Hours & schedule

Standard weekday daytime hours are easiest to staff. Early mornings, evenings, weekends, and last-minute coverage all push rates up.
10–20%premium for off-hours coverage
Hourly rate adjustment by schedule
Weekday 9–5 (standard)—
Evening/weekend+$2–4/hr
Last-minute+$3–5/hr

Also factor in: live-in vs. live-out · household duties beyond childcare · driving · cooking · travel.

Full-time, part-time, and live-in full-time nanny rates

ArrangementTypical hoursAverage rate
Full-time35–50 hrs/week$19.40/hr
Live-inSet by family$18.98/hr

Live-in rates are close to live-out here — but the package usually still includes room and board, so the all-in cost can be lower than it appears. The trade-off is space — you'll need a private bedroom and ideally a separate bathroom for the full-time nanny.

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How do Indianapolis full-time nanny rates compare to state and national averages?

Indianapolis runs below the U.S. average for full-time nanny rates — a meaningful budget advantage for families looking here.

Hiring full-time nannies in Indianapolis, IN typically costs about 9% more than the Indiana average of $18/hour and 5% less than the United States average of $20/hour.

Average hourly full-time nannies rates compared across Indianapolis, IN and reference areas.
AreaAverage hourly ratevs. Indianapolis, IN
Indianapolis, IN$19/hr—
Indiana$18/hr-8%
United States$20/hr+5%

Tips to find a great full-time nanny without overpaying

  • Be flexible on experience. Some of the best full-time nannies on the platform have 3–5 years on the job and charge meaningfully less than experienced full-time nannies with 10+ years. References matter more than years.
  • Consider a share. If your kids are similar ages and you live near another family, a share is the single biggest cost reduction available without compromising on care.
  • Be specific about hours upfront. Most full-time nannies will take a slightly lower rate for a guaranteed steady schedule than for a higher-rate, unpredictable one.
  • Bundle benefits thoughtfully. Two weeks PTO, a health stipend, transit passes, education assistance, or an annual raise commitment can help close the gap with families offering a higher hourly rate.
  • Match rate to responsibilities. A higher rate often makes sense once you add cooking, errands, or driving. Don't compare apples to oranges across listings.

How to reduce nanny costs?

Split the cost of a nanny with another family
and enjoy flexible child care.
Learn more about nanny sharing

How families use Nanny Lane to find a full-time nanny in Indianapolis, IN

Nanny Lane is a marketplace built specifically for connecting families with full-time nannies — no recruiters in the middle. Most families work through it like this:

  1. 01

    Browse full-time nanny profiles in Indianapolis, IN

    Filter by hourly rate, experience, languages, and availability.

  2. 02

    Message the ones who look like a fit

    Reach out to the full-time nannies whose experience and rate match what you're looking for.

  3. 03

    Schedule a phone call, then a paid trial day

    Trial days feel awkward at first — that's normal. They're the best way to see how a full-time nanny fits with your family in real time.

  4. 04

    Hire your full-time nanny

    If you'd rather not handle taxes and payroll yourself, our payroll team can take care of it.

Available full-time nannies in Indianapolis, IN

322 active listings in Indianapolis

Danna S. - Seeking Work in Indianapolis

Nanny Danna

Indianapolis, IN
$20 - $26/hr
Full-time
< 1 year experience

A little bit about me

My name is Danna! I am 20 years and currently in school majoring in Secondary Education! I love spending moments with my family and best friend! I enjoy traveling and going to concerts. I love being creative, not sure if I have mega talent but I have fun! On my free time I love to binge any good series or movie. Currently obsessed with squishes lol.

Have experience working with

Special Needs

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Shawanda G. - Seeking Work in Indianapolis

Nanny Shawanda

Indianapolis, IN
$20/hr
Full-time
10+ years experience

A little bit about me

I'm a glam-ma of six with one on the way i'm 45 years old. I have four kids of my own. my oldest grandson has autism. He's very smart,he taught me a lot of stuff.i had a difficult life growing up. My mom let her husband molest me, and he did it for a long time and that just had me a different type of person. I couldn't focus right in school cause. I was just thinking about why was this man doing this to me I met my husband and I met his dad and his dad told me, daughter you have to forgive, but you never forget. So you have to forgive the man in your mother and little-by-little. I did forgive her and him, but sometimes back in my mind. I still think's about it. So going through stuff like that, back in my younger days, it made me a stronger person that I am today.I love kids. And I always try to tell people stories about me, how I grew up and how my kids was I use some of my kids stuff that they did back in the days to try to help other kids. email me at [email hidden]

Have experience working with

Infants
Special Needs

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Keyona B. - Seeking Work in Indianapolis

Nanny Keyona

Indianapolis, IN
$20/hr
Full-time
10+ years experience

A little bit about me

Hi, I'm Keyona Bennett. I have over 15 years of experience caring for people in their homes. I'm a Certified Home Health Aide, and I've worked as a caregiver and housekeeper for families and private clients. I'm warm, dependable, and hardworking. I'm looking for a live-in nanny and housekeeper role. I can help with light housekeeping, laundry, cooking, and driving. I have a valid driver's license. I'm a mom myself, so I'm comfortable with teens and family life. I'd love to help your family.

Have experience working with

Infants
Special Needs

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Kendra S. - Seeking Work in Indianapolis

Nanny Kendra

Indianapolis, IN
$20/hr
Full-time
1 year experience

A little bit about me

Hello! My name is Kendra, i am 19 years old and I’m looking for a full time job working with children! I love children and they love me. I’m over a year certified in CPR and first aid, and I’m an early childhood education swim instructor.

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Lucia A. - Seeking Work in Indianapolis

Nanny Lucia

Indianapolis, IN
$20/hr
Full-time
3 years experience

A little bit about me

Hi! My name is Lucia and I love working with kids. I’m 20 years old, working full time at Crew Carwash.

Have experience working with

Special Needs

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Danielle M. - Seeking Work in Indianapolis

Nanny Danielle

Indianapolis, IN
$19 - $22/hr
Full-time
< 1 year experience

A little bit about me

Hi! My name is Danielle, and I’m a caring, dependable, and patient person who genuinely enjoys being around children. I’m responsible, attentive, and always make sure children feel safe, comfortable, and cared for. I enjoy creating fun and positive experiences while also keeping a consistent routine and helping with homework, meals, activities, and everyday tasks.

I’m someone who takes my responsibilities seriously and understands how important it is for parents to have someone they can trust with their children. I would love the opportunity to get to know your family and provide a safe, loving, and fun environment for your little ones!

Have experience working with

Special Needs
Katherine B. - Seeking Work in Indianapolis

Nanny Katherine

Indianapolis, IN
$18 - $25/hr
Responds within a week
Full-time
Part-time
5 years experience

A little bit about me

Hi! My name is Katherine! I live in Indianapolis with my fiancé and our 2 cats! Some of my favorite hobbies are gardening, painting, reading and baking!

I have been a nanny for multiple families with multiple children over the years ranging from infants to early teens! I am comfortable with up to 3 kiddos at a time and have no issues running errands or taking the kids to and from activities!

Have experience working with

Infants

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Katie W. - Seeking Work in Indianapolis

Nanny Katie

Indianapolis, IN
$18 - $25/hr
Full-time
3 years experience

A little bit about me

Hi! My name is Katie, and I’m a college student studying toward my goal of becoming a pediatric nurse. I’m a caring, patient, and responsible person who really enjoys being around children. I love creating a fun and safe environment where kids can feel comfortable and be themselves. I’m happy to help with playtime, crafts, activities, meals, homework, and keeping up with routines. I’m dependable and understand how important it is for parents to feel comfortable and trust the person caring for their children. I would love the opportunity to get to know your family and make sure your kids feel happy, safe, and cared for!

Have experience working with

Special Needs
Piper W. - Seeking Work in Indianapolis

Nanny Piper

Indianapolis, IN
$20 - $25/hr
Full-time
5 years experience

A little bit about me

Hi! My name is Piper Winston, and I’m a 19-year-old college student who loves working with children.

I grew up helping in my mom’s kindergarten classroom and took Early Childhood Education classes in high school. I also worked at the Early Learning Center at Brook Park in Lawrence Township, as well as in before- and after-school care.

I have also worked at a children’s day camp at DaySpring homeless shelter and volunteered at Brook Park Elementary School. These experiences have helped me become patient, kind, responsible, and flexible when working with children.

I am First Aid and CPR certified, and I always put children’s safety first. I also have an 11-year-old sister whom I’ve helped care for her whole life, giving me plenty of experience with activities, homework, routines, and everyday care.

I truly enjoy working with children and would love the opportunity to help care for your family!

Have experience working with

Special Needs

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
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