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 $18.57 per hour. For a typical 40-hour week, that works out to roughly $743/week or $3,219/month. Most Indianapolis families pay somewhere in the $8–$28/hour range, depending on experience, the number of kids, and what's expected on the job.

Average hourly rate$18.57/hr · Indianapolis average

These numbers come from 140 live full-time nanny listings in Indianapolis on Nanny Lane. We update this page whenever the data moves.

$743
$3,219
$38,626

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What drives the price

Most Indianapolis families pay somewhere in the $8–$28/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)$18.57
2 kids~$19.57
3+ kids~$20.57+

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 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 8% more than the Indiana average of $17/hour and 6% 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$17/hr-7%
United States$20/hr+7%

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

140 active listings in Indianapolis

Katherine B. - Seeking Work in Indianapolis

Nanny Katherine

Indianapolis, IN
$15 - $25/hr
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
Teighler A. - Seeking Work in Indianapolis

Nanny Teighler

Indianapolis, IN
$19/hr
Full-time
4 years experience

A little bit about me

Hi! My name is Teighler Adams! I go to Cathedral High School and I will graduate in 2028. I turn 17 in August of this year, and have my drivers license to get to work/drive your kids to where they need to be!! I have been an occasional babysitter for about 4 years, but would love a more regular nannying job.

Have experience working with

Infants

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Bianca B. - Seeking Work in Indianapolis

Nanny Bianca

Indianapolis, IN
$24 - $26/hr
Full-time
5 years experience

A little bit about me

Hi there! I am a patient, loving, and dedicated caregiver with 5 years of professional childcare experience. I recently relocated from Georgia to Indiana and am excited to find a wonderful new family to support full-time! I am a non-smoker and an absolute pet lover, so I am always happy to love on your furry family members, too.

My background includes 2 years as a daycare teacher and 3 years as a full-time nanny for two families. I've cared for up to 3 children at once, primarily focusing on ages 0-4, though I am entirely comfortable with older kids as well. Because of my experience, I have a deep understanding of early developmental stages and love planning engaging activities. For older kids, I readily offer homework help and tutoring.

I aim to provide a fun, safe, and nurturing environment, and I'm more than happy to assist with light housekeeping, meal prep, and errands. I look forward to connecting with you!

Have experience working with

Infants
Special Needs

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Anna I. - Seeking Work in Indianapolis

Nanny Anna

Indianapolis, IN
$20 - $27/hr
Full-time
3 years experience

A little bit about me

Hello! My name is Anna! I was fortunate to be able to take care of my little sister during two years of Covid (during high school). I am now 21 and have worked for a family of 4 (1-2y/o, 5-6y/o, and two parents) with ADHD and neurospicy forest two years. I am looking for anyone whose need help. I am open to any parenting styles and will go with anyone’s flow. I do caregiving, cooking, cleaning, and occasional laundry/dishes.

Have experience working with

Infants

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Sylvia M. - Seeking Work in Indianapolis

Nanny Sylvia

Indianapolis, IN
$18/hr
Full-time
10+ years experience

A little bit about me

I have worked as a paraprofessional for preschool and kindergarten children. I have over twenty years experience with children from infancy through high school. I’m very patient and enjoy reading, playing games and nurturing children.

I currently work full time in corrections.

Have experience working with

Infants
Special Needs

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Cortney C. - Seeking Work in Indianapolis

Nanny Cortney

Indianapolis, IN
$19/hr
Full-time
10+ years experience

A little bit about me

Hello! I have experience mentoring kids and young adults of different backgrounds since I was a teenager. From babysitting, to camp counselor, to hosting Bible Studies with other college students, to being a RA in college, I have a plethora of experience providing support and challenging people of all ages and backgrounds toward growth and development.

Have experience working with

Infants
Special Needs
Midre C. - Seeking Work in Indianapolis

Nanny Midre

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

A little bit about me

Hi my name is Midre, I'm 23 years old. I want to start by saying I love working with children and elderly. I have been working with children almost my whole life. But I started getting pay for it almost 4 years ago. If your children is in my care I would treat them like my own. You will have nothing to worry about.

Have experience working with

Infants
Special Needs

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
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