Reviewed by the Nanny Lane team · Last updated

How much does a nanny cost in Brookings, SD in 2026?

In Brookings, SD, the average nanny earns about $16.94 per hour. For a typical 40-hour week, that works out to roughly $678/week or $2,936/month. Most Brookings families pay somewhere in the $12–$22/hour range, depending on experience, the number of kids, and what's expected on the job.

Average hourly rate$16.94/hr · Brookings average

These numbers come from 38 live nanny listings in Brookings on Nanny Lane. We update this page whenever the data moves.

$678
$2,936
$35,235

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What drives the price

Most Brookings families pay somewhere in the $12–$22/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
Hourly rate by number of kids
1 kid (baseline)$16.94
2 kids~$17.94
3+ kids~$18.94+

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 Brookings nanny rates compare to state and national averages?

Brookings runs below the U.S. average for nanny rates — a meaningful budget advantage for families looking here.

Hiring nannies in Brookings, SD typically costs about 1% more than the South Dakota average of $17/hour and 13% less than the United States average of $19/hour.

Average hourly nannies rates compared across Brookings, SD and reference areas.
AreaAverage hourly ratevs. Brookings, SD
Brookings, SD$17/hr—
South Dakota$17/hr-1%
United States$19/hr+15%

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.
Learn more about nanny sharing

How families use Nanny Lane to find a nanny in Brookings, SD

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

  1. 01

    Browse nanny profiles in Brookings, SD

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

  2. 02

    Message the ones who look like a fit

    Reach out to the 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 nanny fits with your family in real time.

  4. 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 Brookings, SD

38 active listings in Brookings

Ella G. - Seeking Work in Brookings

Nanny Ella

Brookings, SD
$16/hr
Part-time
1 year experience

A little bit about me

Hey! My name is Ella and I attended South Dakota State University. I am originally from spearfish where I live with 2 younger brothers, one being 3 years old, and the other one is 4 months old. Which is why I love to work with children! I used to be a lifeguard, so I am Red Cross certified and CPR certified. Reach out if you are looking for a part-time babysitter!

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Jordyn T. - Seeking Work in Brookings

Nanny Jordyn

Brookings, SD
$17/hr
Part-time
6 years experience

A little bit about me

Hi! My name is Jordyn and I have a lot of experience with younger children and am going to school to become a pediatric Occupational Therapist. I love playing games and keeping kids entertained. I would love to get to know you and your kids :)

Have experience working with

Infants
Special Needs

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Riley F. - Seeking Work in Brookings

Nanny Riley

Brookings, SD
$16/hr
Part-time
3 years experience

A little bit about me

My name is Riley and I love being around kids and want to be an elementary teacher someday. I am a freshman in college and need a job for the summer!

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Kayla R. - Seeking Work in Brookings

Nanny Kayla

Brookings, SD
$16/hr
Full-time
< 1 year experience

A little bit about me

Hi! I’m Kayla, a caring, dependable, and patient person who genuinely enjoys working with children. I’m nurturing, responsible, and love creating a fun, safe, and positive environment where kids can feel comfortable and thrive. I’m happy to help with everyday routines, activities, meals, and keeping things organized. I’m looking forward to finding a family I can build a trusting relationship with and become a reliable part of their household.

Have experience working with

Infants
Special Needs
Ella O. - Seeking Work in Brookings

Nanny Ella

Brookings, SD
$14 - $20/hr
Part-time
4 years experience

A little bit about me

Hey! My name is Ella Omann, I have worked in a daycare with ages 3-10 year olds for the last four years. This fall I will be attending South Dakota State and looking for a nanny job as my schedule is pretty open this year. This summer I was a nanny for a family of 3 with ages from 6mo to 4 years old. I love being outside, spending time with my family, and being with kids!

Have experience working with

Infants

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Heather N. - Seeking Work in Brookings

Nanny Heather

Brookings, SD
$15 - $20/hr
Full-time
Part-time
< 1 year experience

A little bit about me

I am a mother of 4, ages from 25 to 11. Love children and their wanting to learn and experience new things. I love outdoors and crafts. I find children to be fun and exciting to be around. Keeping a fun and upbeat experience is needed.

Have experience working with

Special Needs

Certification

CPR
Grace J. - Seeking Work in Brookings

Nanny Grace

Brookings, SD
$17/hr
Part-time
4 years experience

A little bit about me

I am a college student at SDSU. I grew up in Okoboji IA so i love the lake and being in the sun.I am very outgoing and love to be a role model for the little kids.

Have experience working with

Infants

Certification

First Aid
Alectra G. - Seeking Work in Brookings

Nanny Alectra

Brookings, SD
$16/hr
Part-time
6 years experience

A little bit about me

Hello! I'm Alectra, I'm 25 and I have many years of experience with kids. I started babysitting when I was about 12 and have always done it on and off since. I am also a mother myself, my stepson is 3 and I have a baby girl just born in May. I'm good with kids of all ages. I am CPR/AED/First Aid certified.
I am looking for a nanny position that allows me to bring my baby with me as well.

Have experience working with

Infants
Special Needs

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Ally M. - Seeking Work in Brookings

Nanny Ally

Brookings, SD
$20 - $25/hr
Full-time
3 years experience

A little bit about me

My name is Ally and I am looking to be a nanny for the summer! I recently just graduated from SDSU with a degree in Elementary Education. I will begin my first year of teaching in August!

Have experience working with

Infants

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
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