Reviewed by the Nanny Lane team · Last updated
How much does a nanny cost in Des Moines, IA in 2026?
In Des Moines, IA, the average nanny earns about $17.62 per hour. For a typical 40-hour week, that works out to roughly $705/week or $3,054/month. Most Des Moines families pay somewhere in the $7–$25/hour range, depending on experience, the number of kids, and what's expected on the job.
Average hourly rate$17.62/hr · Des Moines average
These numbers come from 75 live nanny listings in Des Moines on Nanny Lane. We update this page whenever the data moves.
- Weekly
(40 hrs) - $705
- Monthly
- $3,054
- Annual
- $36,650
Find nannies near you
What drives the price
Most Des Moines families pay somewhere in the $7–$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 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
| 1 kid (baseline) | $17.62 |
|---|---|
| 2 kids | ~$18.62 |
| 3+ kids | ~$19.62+ |
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
| 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 nanny rates
| Arrangement | Typical hours | Average rate | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-time | 35–50 hrs/week | $18.34/hr | See full-time rates → |
| Part-time | 10–25 hrs/week | $20.38/hr | See part-time rates → |
Part-time often runs higher per hour than full-time. Short, fragmented schedules are harder for nannies to fill alongside other jobs, so the per-hour rate compensates.
How do Des Moines nanny rates compare to state and national averages?
Des Moines runs below the U.S. average for nanny rates — a meaningful budget advantage for families looking here.
Hiring nannies in Des Moines, IA typically costs about 12% more than the Iowa average of $16/hour and 7% less than the United States average of $19/hour.
| Area | Average hourly rate | vs. Des Moines, IA |
|---|---|---|
| Des Moines, IA | $18/hr | — |
| Iowa | $16/hr | -11% |
| United States | $19/hr | +8% |
Where Des Moines, IA fits among nearby cities
10 nearby cities have enough nanny data to compare, with rates ranging from $15.10/hour in Cedar Falls to $18.40/hour in West Des Moines.
Below: how each compares to the Des Moines, IA average of $17.62/hour — Des Moines, IA is highlighted at its true rank.
Nearby cities ranked by nanny rate
| # | City | $/hr | vs. Des Moines, IA | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | West Des Moines | $18.40 | +4% | |
| 2 | Des Moines | $17.62 | — | |
| 3 | Ankeny | $16.89 | -4% | |
| 4 | Cedar Rapids | $16.55 | -6% | |
| 5 | Davenport | $16.34 | -7% | |
| 6 | Waukee | $16.11 | -9% | |
| 7 | Iowa City | $15.66 | -11% | |
| 8 | Sioux City | $15.64 | -11% | |
| 9 | Ames | $15.13 | -14% | |
| 10 | Cedar Falls | $15.10 | -14% |
● Most expensive nearby: West Des Moines ($18.40)● Least expensive nearby: Cedar Falls ($15.10)
Tips to find a great nanny without overpaying
- Be flexible on experience. Some of the best nannies on the platform have 3–5 years on the job and charge meaningfully less than experienced 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 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.
and enjoy flexible child care.
How families use Nanny Lane to find a nanny in Des Moines, IA
Nanny Lane is a marketplace built specifically for connecting families with nannies — no recruiters in the middle. Most families work through it like this:
- 01
Browse nanny profiles in Des Moines, IA
Filter by hourly rate, experience, languages, and availability.
- 02
Message the ones who look like a fit
Reach out to the nannies whose experience and rate match what you're looking for.
- 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 nanny fits with your family in real time.
- 04
Hire your nanny
If you'd rather not handle taxes and payroll yourself, our payroll team can take care of it.
Available nannies in Des Moines, IA
75 active listings in Des Moines
Nanny Emma
Nanny Emma
Des Moines, IA
$17/hr
Full-time
Part-time
7 years experience
A little bit about me
Hi! My name is Emma, I’m 27 years old, and I’m a mom to two kids who have given me over 6 years of real-life childcare experience. Being a parent has taught me patience, gentleness, multitasking, and how important it is for children to feel safe, understood, and cared for.
I’m naturally nurturing and attentive, and I truly enjoy spending time with kids.. whether that’s helping with routines, playing, doing creative activities, or simply being a calm and supportive presence in their day. I understand how important trust is when it comes to childcare, and I treat every child with the same care and kindness I would want for my own.
I’m dependable and easy to communicate with, and I love creating an environment where children feel comfortable, happy, and emotionally supported.
I’m naturally nurturing and attentive, and I truly enjoy spending time with kids.. whether that’s helping with routines, playing, doing creative activities, or simply being a calm and supportive presence in their day. I understand how important trust is when it comes to childcare, and I treat every child with the same care and kindness I would want for my own.
I’m dependable and easy to communicate with, and I love creating an environment where children feel comfortable, happy, and emotionally supported.
Have experience working with
Infants
Special Needs
Certifications
CPR
First Aid
Nanny Kennedy
Nanny Kennedy
Des Moines, IA
$18/hr
Full-time
Part-time
1 year experience
A little bit about me
I have 10 months of hands-on experience working in a childcare center, where I cared for children ranging from just 8 weeks old to 5 years old. During that time, I’ve learned how to support each child’s unique needs and personality, and I truly enjoy being part of their growth and daily routines.
I love spending time playing, interacting, and building connections with children—whether that’s through games, reading, or simply making them feel safe and cared for. I’m very comfortable with diaper changes, feeding, and keeping a clean, organized environment, and I always make sure each child is happy and comfortable.
I’m patient, dependable, and able to stay calm through challenges, but what matters most to me is creating a warm, nurturing space where children feel secure, supported, and excited to learn and play
I love spending time playing, interacting, and building connections with children—whether that’s through games, reading, or simply making them feel safe and cared for. I’m very comfortable with diaper changes, feeding, and keeping a clean, organized environment, and I always make sure each child is happy and comfortable.
I’m patient, dependable, and able to stay calm through challenges, but what matters most to me is creating a warm, nurturing space where children feel secure, supported, and excited to learn and play
Have experience working with
Infants
Special Needs
Certifications
CPR
First Aid
Nanny Kylie
Nanny Kylie
Des Moines, IA
$18/hr
Full-time
Part-time
3 years experience
A little bit about me
I graduated from valley high school in 2023, and have been working full time since. I have been in a few customer service jobs, but I think childcare is the most valuable field (for me) I have worked in. I enjoy interacting with children and not having it feel too much like work. I’m always open to helping out in any extra ways if I can, and I have lots of availability if something ever comes up.
Have experience working with
Infants
Special Needs
Certifications
CPR
First Aid
Nanny Kee'Ajah
Nanny Kee'Ajah
Des Moines, IA
$18/hr
Full-time
5 years experience
A little bit about me
I am 22 years old and recently graduated college with an Associates degree in Humanities. I have worked with children since I graduated high school, working in daycares, elementary, middle, and high schools. I have experience working with various age ranges and also working with special needs/disabilities! :)
Have experience working with
Special Needs
Nanny Eposi
Nanny Eposi
Des Moines, IA
$18.50/hr
Full-time
1 year experience
A little bit about me
My name Is Eposi I have experience working as a nanny, providing attentive and compassionate care for children in home settings. I am dedicated to creating a safe, engaging, and supportive environment that promotes each child’s growth and well-being. My responsibilities have included planning age-appropriate activities, preparing healthy meals, helping with homework, and maintaining daily routines. I take pride in building strong, trusting relationships with both children and parents, and I am committed to supporting families with reliable and nurturing.
Have experience working with
Special Needs
Certifications
CPR
First Aid
Nanny Abby
Nanny Abby
Des Moines, IA
$18/hr
Part-time
4 years experience
A little bit about me
Hi, my name is Abby and I am from Des Moines. I just finished my junior year at the University of Iowa studying exercise science! I have multiple years of experience working with kids, whether babysitting or nannying. I enjoy activities with kids, including the science center, parks, libraries, crafts, etc.
Have experience working with
Infants
Certifications
CPR
First Aid
Nanny Makayla
Nanny Makayla
Des Moines, IA
$18/hr
Part-time
< 1 year experience
A little bit about me
I am 23 years old I have 2 cats, I have no kids but would like kids someday and I love working with kids and teaching them to grow to be wonderful people. I do have a full time job working 5 am to 2 pm Tuesday through Saturday so I can work any time after.
Have experience working with
Special Needs
Nanny Alexis
Nanny Alexis
Des Moines, IA
$17/hr
Part-time
8 years experience
A little bit about me
Hi I’m Lexi! I am a fourth year at Drake University. I have been working with kids since I was volunteering at a daycare in 7th grade. I have babysat/nannying from that point till I started college and then began working at The Boys and Girls Club of Central Iowa where I am certified in almost everything childcare related plus CPR and First Aide. I am also a double major in Kinesiology and Medical/Clinical Sciences so I am very experienced with the body and working with any kind of care. I am going on a mission trip beginning of June and do go home May 23 in Illinois, so I am trying my best to fill up some weekends until I leave!
Have experience working with
Infants
Special Needs
Certifications
CPR
First Aid
Nanny Megan
Nanny Megan
Des Moines, IA
$17/hr
Part-time
5 years experience
A little bit about me
I am in my late 20’s currently preparing to transition into work again. I have worked with children for about 12 years now, but recently took time off to spend with family as my mother has been in the hospital. I am now able & available to be going back to work full time, so I am looking into options (considering going back to childcare/child related positions &/or nannying as well)! I have ample experience in this field, additional credentials from professional development & other courses taken, plus college education for child development & other related areas, as well as many references at hand, available upon request! Feel free to reach out with any questions or inquiries!
Have experience working with
Infants
Special Needs
Certifications
CPR
First Aid