Reviewed by the Nanny Lane team · Last updated
How much does a part-time nanny cost in Ames, IA in 2026?
In Ames, IA, the average part-time nanny earns about $15.12 per hour. For a typical 40-hour week, that works out to roughly $605/week or $2,621/month. Most Ames families pay somewhere in the $10–$20/hour range, depending on experience, the number of kids, and what's expected on the job.
Average hourly rate$15.12/hr · Ames average
These numbers come from 74 live part-time nanny listings in Ames on Nanny Lane. We update this page whenever the data moves.
- Weekly
(40 hrs) - $605
- Monthly
- $2,621
- Annual
- $31,450
Find part-time nannies near you
What drives the price
Most Ames families pay somewhere in the $10–$20/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 part-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
| 1 kid (baseline) | $15.12 |
|---|---|
| 2 kids | ~$16.12 |
| 3+ kids | ~$17.12+ |
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.
How do Ames part-time nanny rates compare to state and national averages?
Ames runs below the U.S. average for part-time nanny rates — a meaningful budget advantage for families looking here.
Hiring part-time nannies in Ames, IA typically costs about 3% less than the Iowa average of $16/hour and 20% less than the United States average of $19/hour.
| Area | Average hourly rate | vs. Ames, IA |
|---|---|---|
| Ames, IA | $15/hr | — |
| Iowa | $16/hr | +3% |
| United States | $19/hr | +25% |
Tips to find a great part-time nanny without overpaying
- Be flexible on experience. Some of the best part-time nannies on the platform have 3–5 years on the job and charge meaningfully less than experienced part-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 part-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.
and enjoy flexible child care.
How families use Nanny Lane to find a part-time nanny in Ames, IA
Nanny Lane is a marketplace built specifically for connecting families with part-time nannies — no recruiters in the middle. Most families work through it like this:
- 01
Browse part-time nanny profiles in Ames, IA
Filter by hourly rate, experience, languages, and availability.
- 02
Message the ones who look like a fit
Reach out to the part-time 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 part-time nanny fits with your family in real time.
- 04
Hire your part-time nanny
If you'd rather not handle taxes and payroll yourself, our payroll team can take care of it.
Available part-time nannies in Ames, IA
74 active listings in Ames
Nanny Taylor
Nanny Taylor
Ames, IA
$14 - $16/hr
Part-time
3 years experience
A little bit about me
Hi, my name is Taylor Krull and I am a junior at Iowa Sate studying history. I have a passion for working with kids and watching them grow. For the past four summers I have spent my summers working at a summer camp in northwest Iowa. I am currently CPR and first aid certified. I look forward to talking with you!
Have experience working with
Special Needs
Certifications
CPR
First Aid
Nanny Logan
Nanny Logan
Ames, IA
$15/hr
Part-time
4 years experience
A little bit about me
I’m a communications Major at Iowa State University with plenty of childcare experience looking for an afternoon/afterschool sitter job
Certifications
CPR
First Aid
Nanny Sarah
Nanny Sarah
Ames, IA
$19 - $30/hr
Part-time
5 years experience
A little bit about me
Hi! I'm Sarah, and I have been working in childcare for about 5 years. I love spending time outdoors and trying new things. I also enjoy planning activities, playing games, and making sure the kids have a fun and memorable time!
Certifications
CPR
First Aid
Nanny Jaden
Nanny Jaden
Ames, IA
$15/hr
Part-time
4 years experience
A little bit about me
Hi! My name is Jaden Ecklund and I’m currently a sophomore at Iowa State University studying Human Development and Family Studies, I would like to be a child specialist! I have 4 years of daycare/babysitting experience and I love child of all ages! I am specifically the most comfortable with infant-6 years old as that is the age that I work with the most! I hope I can be the right person for you!
Have experience working with
Infants
Certifications
CPR
First Aid
Nanny Autumn
Nanny Autumn
Ames, IA
$15/hr
Part-time
4 years experience
A little bit about me
Hi! I'm Autumn Binkowski, a high school senior enrolled in college courses this year. As the eldest of six children, I have significant experience caring for young kids, having been babysitting for about 4-5 years. My hobbies include art and music—I've loved music my whole life and enjoy singing and dancing with children because it spreads happiness and smiles. I also enjoy reading, using games to teach, and having conversations with kids. Working with children brings me joy, especially when I see them learn something new. My empathy helps me understand their needs and feelings—I'm attentive to their emotional well-being and offer support when necessary. My energy, kindness, and honesty make me a dependable caregiver. I prioritize children's safety and well-being; I am CPR-certified, hold a CNA license, and am trained in first aid. My experience as the oldest of six children, combined with my certifications and training, makes me a strong, caring, and dependable caregiver.
Have experience working with
Infants
Special Needs
Certifications
CPR
First Aid
Nanny Mackenzie
Nanny Mackenzie
Ames, IA
$15/hr
Full-time
Part-time
< 1 year experience
A little bit about me
Hi, I am great with kids of all ages and am looking for work!! I plan on starting dmacc in the fall to study elementary education and would like to save money to do so. I have worked at a couple daycares and am CPR and First Aid Certified.
Have experience working with
Infants
Special Needs
Certifications
CPR
First Aid
Nanny Brooke
Nanny Brooke
Ames, IA
$10 - $20/hr
Part-time
1 year experience
A little bit about me
"Hi! I’m Brooke a reliable and compassionate caregiver with multiple years of experience. I truly enjoy working with children and take pride in being a dependable support system for busy families
Nanny Isabelle
Nanny Isabelle
Ames, IA
$18 - $20/hr
Part-time
2 years experience
A little bit about me
Hi! My name is Isabelle, and I have several years of experience babysitting, nannying, tutoring, and teaching piano to kids of different ages. I enjoy working with children and try to create a balance of structure, safety, and fun. I have my own car and a clean driving record, so I am comfortable helping with transportation, school pickup, activities, homework, simple meals, light housekeeping, and daily routines. I also love staying active and am always up for getting kids out of the house, whether that means going to the park, golfing, playing pickleball, riding bikes, going on walks, or finding something fun to do outside. I would describe myself as dependable, patient, responsible, and easy to communicate with. My goal is always to make parents feel confident that their kids are safe, cared for, and having a good day.
Have experience working with
Infants
Certifications
CPR
First Aid
Nanny Kyra
Nanny Kyra
Ames, IA
$16/hr
Part-time
7 years experience
A little bit about me
I am a dedicated and compassionate childcare professional with over seven years of hands-on experience supporting children’s growth, development, and well-being. My background includes working with children of various ages, where I have built strong, trusting relationships while creating safe, engaging, and nurturing environments. I hold multiple certifications focused on child safety and development, equipping me with the skills to confidently handle a wide range of situations with care and professionalism.
Currently, as an elementary education major, I bring both practical experience and academic knowledge into my approach to childcare. I am passionate about fostering learning through play, encouraging creativity, and supporting each child’s unique developmental needs. My goal as a nanny is not only to ensure children are safe and cared for, but also to contribute positively to their emotional, social, and educational growth.
Currently, as an elementary education major, I bring both practical experience and academic knowledge into my approach to childcare. I am passionate about fostering learning through play, encouraging creativity, and supporting each child’s unique developmental needs. My goal as a nanny is not only to ensure children are safe and cared for, but also to contribute positively to their emotional, social, and educational growth.
Have experience working with
Infants
Special Needs
Certifications
CPR
First Aid