Reviewed by the Nanny Lane team · Last updated

How much does a full-time nanny cost in Lexington, KY in 2026?

In Lexington, KY, the average full-time nanny earns about $17.27 per hour. For a typical 40-hour week, that works out to roughly $691/week or $2,993/month. Most Lexington families pay somewhere in the $8–$25/hour range, depending on experience, the number of kids, and what's expected on the job.

Average hourly rate$17.27/hr · Lexington average

These numbers come from 103 live full-time nanny listings in Lexington on Nanny Lane. We update this page whenever the data moves.

$691
$2,993
$35,922

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What drives the price

Most Lexington families pay somewhere in the $8–$25/hour range. Where a given family lands depends on a handful of factors. Three of them drive most of the spread.


01

Experience

Experience is one of the biggest levers on a full-time nanny's rate.
Nannies with 10+ years, or specialty skills like newborn care or multiple languages, typically command the highest hourly rates.

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)$17.27
2 kids~$18.27
3+ kids~$19.27+

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.

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

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

Hiring full-time nannies in Lexington, KY typically costs about 5% more than the Kentucky average of $16/hour and 12% less than the United States average of $20/hour.

Average hourly full-time nannies rates compared across Lexington, KY and reference areas.
AreaAverage hourly ratevs. Lexington, KY
Lexington, KY$17/hr
Kentucky$16/hr-5%
United States$20/hr+13%

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 Lexington, KY

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 Lexington, KY

    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 Lexington, KY

103 active listings in Lexington

Annie H. - Seeking Work in Lexington

Nanny Annie

Lexington, KY
$18/hr
Full-time
2 years experience

A little bit about me

Hi! My name is Annie! I am a certified elementary school teacher and have always had a passion for working with children! I like sports, cooking, baking, and shopping!

Have experience working with

Special Needs

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Chloe P. - Seeking Work in Lexington

Nanny Chloe

Lexington, KY
$15 - $25/hr
Full-time
4 years experience

A little bit about me

Finding someone you trust with your child matters. I’ve been around babies and helping care for them for as long as I can remember, and I have over two years of hands-on caregiving experience with children, seniors, and individuals with special needs. I’m CPR and First Aid certified and comfortable handling real responsibility—from daily routines and meals to more involved care when needed. I was also promoted to a management role in a fast-paced environment, where I handled scheduling, communication, and daily operations, which strengthened my reliability and organization. I pay close attention to detail, keep things clean and organized, and follow instructions carefully. I’m patient and dependable, and I focus on creating a safe, steady environment where your child is well cared for and you can feel at ease.

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Laura D. - Seeking Work in Lexington

Nanny Laura

Lexington, KY
$18/hr
Full-time
< 1 year experience

A little bit about me

I am a mother of 3 grown children. I have 2 children with different special needs and 2 of them that had behavioral issues. I was gifted with patience which allowed me to deal.with every day struggles. I would be honored to work with your family.

Have experience working with

Special Needs

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Harley E. - Seeking Work in Lexington

Nanny Harley

Lexington, KY
$17/hr
Full-time
2 years experience

A little bit about me

Hi! I’m Harley. I’ve worked with children of different ages and am confident in managing routines, meal prep, light housekeeping, and engaging activities. I’m CPR certified and always prioritize safety while making sure kids feel happy and supported.

Have experience working with

Infants

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Haley B. - Seeking Work in Lexington

Nanny Haley

Lexington, KY
$18/hr
Full-time
2 years experience

A little bit about me

Hi! I’m Haley Bales, I have cared for one year olds at a daycare, been a long term substitute for a kindergarten class, and I have been a 3rd grade teacher. I love being active and care about kids a lot!

Have experience working with

Special Needs
Valerie H. - Seeking Work in Lexington

Nanny Valerie

Lexington, KY
$17/hr
Full-time
7 years experience

A little bit about me

I am Valerie Highley mother of two special needs boys ( 16, 22). My experience with children is more than motherhood however. I have spent the last 5 years in behavioral therapy both in clinic and in daycare settings. I have also served in a residential home for development and behavioral challenges 12-22 year olds. This gives me a variety of tools to use to your and your children’s advantage. I am dependable, hard working, creative and open to critique when needed. I can’t wait to hear from you!

Have experience working with

Infants
Special Needs

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Ayanna G. - Seeking Work in Lexington

Nanny Ayanna

Lexington, KY
$16 - $23/hr
Full-time
7 years experience

A little bit about me

Hi!!!
I’m Ayanna, and I’m a 18 year old SRNA. I performed musical theatre and I camp counseled for the children’s theatre shows. I absolutely adore kids and can’t wait to be a mother one day. I love cooking, dancing, singing, and playing tricks with the kids. As someone who has a sister with autism I find it so important to choose someone you trust with your child. I have 6 siblings and overtime I’ve learned that sometimes the best teachers are the ones that come from away from home. So i hope you let me into your home, and I cannot wait to meet your little ones, and maybe you’ll come home to baked treats!!

Have experience working with

Infants
Special Needs

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Montannah P. - Seeking Work in Lexington

Nanny Montannah

Lexington, KY
$18/hr
Full-time
< 1 year experience

A little bit about me

My name is Montannah. I moved to Lexington about 2 years ago! I love to be outdoors, paint, and exercise. I’m currently learning guitar and I’d love to have the chance to be a nanny!

Have experience working with

Special Needs

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Lianna B. - Seeking Work in Lexington

Nanny Lianna

Lexington, KY
$18/hr
Full-time
10+ years experience

A little bit about me

Hi! I'm an Early Educator of 20+ years in a classroom and one year of Daycare Administration. I have a soft spot in my heart for Special Needs children. I also have 4 years experience with being a Homehealth Aide for a special needs teen. For me, age doesn't matter bc I love children of all ages. With my extensive experience, I feel I'm the sitter/nanny for your needs.

Have experience working with

Special Needs

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
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