Reviewed by the Nanny Lane team · Last updated

How much does a nanny cost in Downers Grove, IL in 2026?

In Downers Grove, IL, the average nanny earns about $21.05 per hour. For a typical 40-hour week, that works out to roughly $842/week or $3,649/month. Most Downers Grove families pay somewhere in the $15–$30/hour range, depending on experience, the number of kids, and what's expected on the job.

Average hourly rate$21.05/hr · Downers Grove average

These numbers come from 30 live nanny listings in Downers Grove on Nanny Lane. We update this page whenever the data moves.

$842
$3,649
$43,784

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What drives the price

Most Downers Grove families pay somewhere in the $15–$30/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)$21.05
2 kids~$22.05
3+ kids~$23.05+

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 Downers Grove nanny rates compare to state and national averages?

Downers Grove runs above the U.S. average for nanny rates, in line with most major metros.

Hiring nannies in Downers Grove, IL typically costs about 5% more than the Illinois average of $20/hour and 8% more than the United States average of $19/hour.

Average hourly nannies rates compared across Downers Grove, IL and reference areas.
AreaAverage hourly ratevs. Downers Grove, IL
Downers Grove, IL$21/hr—
Illinois$20/hr-5%
United States$19/hr-8%

Where Downers Grove, IL fits among nearby cities

The most expensive city for nannies near Downers Grove, IL is Chicago at $21.37/hour; the least expensive is Peoria at $17.44/hour.

Below are the 5 most and 5 least expensive cities near Downers Grove, IL and how each compares to Downers Grove, IL's average of $21.05/hour.

Most expensive cities near Downers Grove, IL

Top 5 most expensive cities near Downers Grove, IL for hiring a nanny, ranked by average hourly rate.
#City$/hrvs. Downers Grove, IL
1Chicago$21.37+2%
2Schaumburg$21.29+1%
3Naperville$20.93-1%
4Aurora$20.11-4%
5Plainfield$19.31-8%

Least expensive cities near Downers Grove, IL

Top 5 least expensive cities near Downers Grove, IL for hiring a nanny, ranked by average hourly rate.
#City$/hrvs. Downers Grove, IL
1Peoria$17.44-17%
2Bloomington$17.52-17%
3Rockford$17.64-16%
4Champaign$17.66-16%
5Springfield$17.81-15%

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 Downers Grove, IL

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 Downers Grove, IL

    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 Downers Grove, IL

30 active listings in Downers Grove

Ryann M. - Seeking Work in Downers Grove

Nanny Ryann

Downers Grove, IL
$35 - $50/hr
Full-time
10+ years experience

A little bit about me

Hi there! I am a former private school administrator and am looking to make a transition out of the corporate world. I have been working with children since I began babysitting at the age of 11 and have made a career of helping people of all ages and abilities. I have nearly 15 years of experience in individualized reading instruction and would be thrilled to help your child learn to read or catch up on their skills. I love music, crafting, baking sourdough, and spending time with my family. I look forward to meeting and becoming part of yours!

Have experience working with

Infants
Special Needs

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Kate H. - Seeking Work in Downers Grove

Nanny Kate

Downers Grove, IL
$25 - $30/hr
Part-time
< 1 year experience

A little bit about me

Hello!
My name is Kate Hanneman. I am a incoming freshman at the University of Iowa studying Human Physiology on the Pre-Physician Assistant track. I am Lifeguard certified with CPR and AED through the American Red Cross. I enjoy caring for children of all ages! I have experience in childcare through volunteer positions at my church as well as growing up with a nanny of my own and helping her with other kids as I got older.

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Lauren M. - Seeking Work in Downers Grove

Nanny Lauren

Downers Grove, IL
$17 - $20/hr
Part-time
2 years experience

A little bit about me

Hi! I’m Lauren. I’m a outgoing and dependable person who loves working with kids and creating a fun, comfortable environment for them. I’m patient, responsible, and enjoy helping out with activities, homework, or just keeping kids entertained and happy throughout the day.
Lauren D. - Seeking Work in Downers Grove

Nanny Lauren

Downers Grove, IL
$22 - $35/hr
Full-time
10+ years experience

A little bit about me

Hi im 42 years old and have 20 plus years of Childcare experience ! I love children of all ages and abilites. I have watched children from preemie babies to 18plus with special needs. In my free time I enjoy hanging with my 9 year old ( she will never be an issue as shes in school full time) we love hockey and traveling to new places. I cant wait to hear if I can be your families next Mary Popins!

Have experience working with

Infants
Special Needs

Certifications

CPR
First Aid

Recent reference

"I’m happy to recommend Lauren. She is thoughtful, caring, and attentive to my daughter needs. She listens carefully to directions and is dependable about following routines and instructions. She has a wonderful ability to comfort my child when upset, making her feel safe and secure. We still use Lauren on some babysitting opportunities and would recommend her to another family."
- Audrey
Katrina H. - Seeking Work in Downers Grove

Nanny Katrina

Downers Grove, IL
$21/hr
Part-time
< 1 year experience

A little bit about me

Hello, my name is Katrina, I’m 31 and I live in Downers Grove. I have around 5 years of experience caring for infants & toddlers and I hold an Associate’s Degree in ECE. I currently work as a lead infant/toddler teacher. I love making lasting memories with the children I care for and creating fun learning experiences! I value creating strong relationships with the parents of the children I care for, and treating the people around me with respect. Letting children freely express and learn with all that's around them is my passion. I’m working part time at the moment along with serving.

Have experience working with

Infants
Special Needs

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Serenity H. - Seeking Work in Downers Grove

Nanny Serenity

Downers Grove, IL
$22/hr
Part-time
4 years experience

A little bit about me

hoping to pick up a few days during the school year with a family. Preferably not evenings . I am a college student at community college so I can be flexible. I love to work with kids, constantly surrounded by them whether that be my family or babysitting. Please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Have experience working with

Infants
Special Needs

Certification

CPR
Ryan K. - Seeking Work in Downers Grove

Nanny Ryan

Downers Grove, IL
$20/hr
Full-time
10+ years experience

A little bit about me

I am a former high school teacher for over 10 years. I also worked at a children’s summer camp for 2 years as well

Have experience working with

Special Needs

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Angie M. - Seeking Work in Downers Grove

Nanny Angie

Downers Grove, IL
$20/hr
Full-time
3 years experience

A little bit about me

Nanny con mas de 5 años de experiencia en el cuidado de niños entre los 0-12 años.
Lider educacional con amplios
conocimientos en atencion, integracion y desarrollo de la poblacion infantil en un ambiente a meno, respetuoso, y creativo. Feliz de poder ayudar a las familias siendo un agente activo en el desarrollo de la disciplina, la autonomía y la seguridad emocional desde el amor, el juego y la vivencia de una rutina divertida

Have experience working with

Infants
Kaliah A. - Seeking Work in Downers Grove

Nanny Kaliah

Downers Grove, IL
$19 - $23/hr
Part-time
3 years experience

A little bit about me

My name is Kaliah, I’m 23 years old. I really enjoy working with children because they are really cool, funny, honest, and playful. I’m currently working as a paraprofessional and also working towards getting my RBT license. I’m also enrolled in college courses for psychology/criminal justice studies. I have had children in my family since I could remember, so caring for them is like second nature to me. I would love to work as your nanny, if accepted.

Have experience working with

Infants
Special Needs
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