Reviewed by the Nanny Lane team · Last updated
How much does a nanny cost in Indianapolis, IN in 2026?
In Indianapolis, IN, the average nanny earns about $17.71 per hour. For a typical 40-hour week, that works out to roughly $708/week or $3,070/month. Most Indianapolis 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$17.71/hr · Indianapolis average
These numbers come from 226 live nanny listings in Indianapolis on Nanny Lane. We update this page whenever the data moves.
- Weekly
(40 hrs) - $708
- Monthly
- $3,070
- Annual
- $36,837
Find nannies near you
What drives the price
Most Indianapolis 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
More experienced nannys command higher rates. Entry-level (0-2 yrs) average $16.88/hour, while the most experienced (6-10 yrs) charge around $20.53/hour.
Avg hourly rate by years of experience
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) | $17.71 |
|---|---|
| 2 kids | ~$18.71 |
| 3+ kids | ~$19.71+ |
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 | $19.26/hr | See full-time rates → |
| Part-time | 10–25 hrs/week | $17.92/hr | See part-time rates → |
| Live-in | Set by family | $18.34/hr | See live-in rates → |
Part-time runs slightly lower per hour than full-time here, which often means strong full-time demand supports higher rates for committed schedules.
Live-in rates are close to live-out here — but the package usually still includes room and board, so the all-in cost can be lower than it appears. The trade-off is space — you'll need a private bedroom and ideally a separate bathroom for the nanny.
How do Indianapolis nanny rates compare to state and national averages?
Indianapolis runs below the U.S. average for nanny rates — a meaningful budget advantage for families looking here.
Hiring nannies in Indianapolis, IN typically costs about 6% more than the Indiana average of $17/hour and 8% less than the United States average of $19/hour.
| Area | Average hourly rate | vs. Indianapolis, IN |
|---|---|---|
| Indianapolis, IN | $18/hr | — |
| Indiana | $17/hr | -6% |
| United States | $19/hr | +9% |
Where Indianapolis, IN fits among nearby cities
10 nearby cities have enough nanny data to compare, with rates ranging from $14.77/hour in Evansville to $20.87/hour in Carmel.
Below: how each compares to the Indianapolis, IN average of $17.71/hour — Indianapolis, IN is highlighted at its true rank.
Nearby cities ranked by nanny rate
| # | City | $/hr | vs. Indianapolis, IN | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Carmel | $20.87 | +18% | |
| 2 | Fishers | $20.20 | +14% | |
| 3 | Indianapolis | $17.71 | — | |
| 4 | South Bend | $17.22 | -3% | |
| 5 | Greenwood | $17.00 | -4% | |
| 6 | Lafayette | $16.54 | -7% | |
| 7 | Fort Wayne | $16.29 | -8% | |
| 8 | Bloomington | $15.93 | -10% | |
| 9 | Valparaiso | $15.90 | -10% | |
| 10 | Evansville | $14.77 | -17% |
● Most expensive nearby: Carmel ($20.87)● Least expensive nearby: Evansville ($14.77)
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 Indianapolis, IN
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 Indianapolis, IN
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 Indianapolis, IN
226 active listings in Indianapolis
Nanny Katherine
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!
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
Nanny Mariah
Nanny Mariah
Indianapolis, IN
$18/hr
Part-time
< 1 year experience
A little bit about me
My name is Mariah, and I currently work full-time as a Customer Service Representative with Citizens Energy Group. I recently graduated from New Palestine High School and am looking to provide nanny care for a family outside of my regular work hours.
I have always enjoyed working with children and have gained plenty of experience caring for kids through growing up with younger siblings and regularly helping care for my younger cousins. I’m responsible, patient, dependable, and genuinely enjoy creating a safe, fun, and comfortable environment for children.
I would love the opportunity to support a family with their childcare needs while building a positive and trustworthy relationship with both the children and their parents.
I have always enjoyed working with children and have gained plenty of experience caring for kids through growing up with younger siblings and regularly helping care for my younger cousins. I’m responsible, patient, dependable, and genuinely enjoy creating a safe, fun, and comfortable environment for children.
I would love the opportunity to support a family with their childcare needs while building a positive and trustworthy relationship with both the children and their parents.
Have experience working with
Infants
Special Needs
Nanny Katie
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
Nanny Piper
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!
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
Nanny Morgan
Nanny Morgan
Indianapolis, IN
$29 - $35/hr
Part-time
6 years experience
A little bit about me
Hi! I'm new to the city. My fiancé and I recently moved here for his work, and I'm currently looking for a nanny position while I prepare to find a teaching job in the Indianapolis area. My family is from Argentina, so I am fluent in both English and Spanish.
I was a Kindergarten teacher with Boston Public Schools for two years, where I taught in a bilingual English-Spanish classroom. Before becoming a teacher, I worked for three years as an after-school counselor at the YMCA while completing my education.
I have a Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education from the University of Tennessee and a Master's degree in Teaching Early Childhood Education from Belmont University. In addition, I completed a year of student teaching before becoming a full-time classroom teacher.
I love working with children because it's incredibly rewarding to watch them learn, grow, and gain confidence every day.
I was a Kindergarten teacher with Boston Public Schools for two years, where I taught in a bilingual English-Spanish classroom. Before becoming a teacher, I worked for three years as an after-school counselor at the YMCA while completing my education.
I have a Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education from the University of Tennessee and a Master's degree in Teaching Early Childhood Education from Belmont University. In addition, I completed a year of student teaching before becoming a full-time classroom teacher.
I love working with children because it's incredibly rewarding to watch them learn, grow, and gain confidence every day.
Have experience working with
Special Needs
Certifications
CPR
First Aid
Nanny Brianne
Nanny Brianne
Indianapolis, IN
$17/hr
Part-time
5 years experience
A little bit about me
Hi! I'm Brianne, and I'm a caring, dependable, and patient person. I'm responsible, organized, and understand the importance of building trust with both kids and parents. Whether we're doing crafts, playing outside, helping with homework, or sticking to daily routines, I strive to make every day enjoyable while ensuring children feel safe and supported. I pride myself on being reliable, communicative, and someone families can count on. I look forward to getting to know your family and becoming someone your children are excited to see each day!
Have experience working with
Infants
Special Needs
Certification
First Aid
Nanny Bianca
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!
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
Nanny Megan
Nanny Megan
Indianapolis, IN
$12 - $25/hr
Part-time
< 1 year experience
A little bit about me
Hello! My name is Megan. I'm 20 years old living in the Indy area. I'm looking for a part-time job for the summer. I am a full time student at Herron School of Art & Design downtown, studying to be an art teacher. I have a passion for working with kids and have a kind-hearted and fun energy!
My experience working with kids: middle school student teacher, high school student teacher, middle school sports assistant coach, youth group assistant leader, older sister.
My experience working with kids: middle school student teacher, high school student teacher, middle school sports assistant coach, youth group assistant leader, older sister.
Have experience working with
Special Needs
Certifications
CPR
First Aid
Nanny Anna
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