Reviewed by the Nanny Lane team · Last updated

How much does a nanny cost in Lakeland, TN in 2026?

In Lakeland, TN, the average nanny earns about $17.08 per hour. For a typical 40-hour week, that works out to roughly $683/week or $2,961/month. Most Lakeland families pay somewhere in the $14–$22/hour range, depending on experience, the number of kids, and what's expected on the job.

Average hourly rate$17.08/hr · Lakeland average

These numbers come from 31 live nanny listings in Lakeland on Nanny Lane. We update this page whenever the data moves.

$683
$2,961
$35,526

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What drives the price

Most Lakeland families pay somewhere in the $14–$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)$17.08
2 kids~$18.08
3+ kids~$19.08+

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 Lakeland nanny rates compare to state and national averages?

Lakeland sits close to the national average for nanny rates.

Hiring nannies in Lakeland, TN typically costs about 11% more than the Tennessee average of $15/hour and 2% more than the United States average of $17/hour.

Average hourly nannies rates compared across Lakeland, TN and reference areas.
AreaAverage hourly ratevs. Lakeland, TN
Lakeland, TN$17/hr
Tennessee$15/hr-10%
United States$17/hr-2%

Where Lakeland, TN fits among nearby cities

10 nearby cities have enough nanny data to compare, with rates ranging from $13.02/hour in Cookeville to $21.02/hour in Franklin.

Below: how each compares to the Lakeland, TN average of $17.08/hour.

Nearby cities ranked by nanny rate

10 cities near Lakeland, TN ranked by average hourly nanny rate, most to least expensive.
#City$/hrvs. Lakeland, TN
1Franklin$21.02+23%
2Nashville$19.70+15%
3Murfreesboro$15.87-7%
4Knoxville$15.36-10%
5Memphis$14.99-12%
6Chattanooga$14.90-13%
7Cleveland$14.13-17%
8Clarksville$13.75-19%
9Johnson City$13.39-22%
10Cookeville$13.02-24%
Most expensive nearby: Franklin ($21.02) Least expensive nearby: Cookeville ($13.02)

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 Lakeland, TN

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 Lakeland, TN

    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 Lakeland, TN

31 active listings in Lakeland

Madison D. - Seeking Work in Lakeland

Nanny Madison

Lakeland, TN
$16/hr
Full-time
2 years experience

A little bit about me

Hey, I used to be a full time nanny while going to college and I loved it! I am currently back home and looking to nanny again, since I met so many lovely families last time. I own my own company, and I am moving to Florida towards the end of June to work at Disney World! All of my jobs in the past, I have worked with kids, even empowering them in school through a fundraising company. I would love to get to know you and your family more, and help make your life as easy as possible.

Have experience working with

Infants
Special Needs
Shelby E. - Seeking Work in Lakeland

Nanny Shelby

Lakeland, TN
$17/hr
Full-time
< 1 year experience

A little bit about me

I love kids, I’ve been babysitting since I was 15, I am a college student studying health science, taking a break from school and looking for a full time job!

Have experience working with

Special Needs

Certification

CPR
Kaliyah W. - Seeking Work in Lakeland

Nanny Kaliyah

Lakeland, TN
$17/hr
Full-time
1 year experience

A little bit about me

I've recently graduate undergrad at the university of Memphis. I love to read, write and create small worlds with children. Imagination is key to a happy childhood and I enjoy doing into imagination.

Have experience working with

Infants
Special Needs

Certification

CPR
Charlotte D. - Seeking Work in Lakeland

Nanny Charlotte

Lakeland, TN
$18/hr
Part-time
4 years experience

A little bit about me

I’m a retired grandmother that helps with my 3&5 year old grandsons. They and their mom live with me. My home is their playground and learning area so child play is not a disruption to my home. I would love to care for them in my home to be available for my grandchildren. I have a van car seat if we need to go on any SHORT rides (store park grandkids pickups etc.) all will be done with notifying the parents in advance.

Have experience working with

Infants
Special Needs
Ashley R. - Seeking Work in Lakeland

Nanny Ashley

Lakeland, TN
$18/hr
Part-time
1 year experience

A little bit about me

Hello! My name is Ashley and I am 18 years old. I am a freshman in college and I'm also in the Honors College at my university. I'm majoring in legal studies with a minor in World Languages. I have been babysitting since I was about 14/15 years old. Growing up as one of the oldest in the family I was always chosen to babysit the younger cousins, but I have also babysat outside of the family on many occasions (I can get references if requested). I do not smoke nor drink. I speak both English and Spanish and am currently learning Korean and French. I love reading, music, arts and crafts, the outdoors and animals. I also love being around kids and kids love being around me as well. I know how important it is for a kid to be in a safe, caring, and fun environment so I do my very best to provide that for them. I can help with school work and tutoring if needed and also light housekeeping

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Lauryn C. - Seeking Work in Lakeland

Nanny Lauryn

Lakeland, TN
$15/hr
Full-time
3 years experience

A little bit about me

Hey! My name is Lauryn Cunningham and I just graduated from St. Agnes Academy! I will be attending Clemson University in the fall! I love working with kids of all ages!

Have experience working with

Infants
Special Needs
Makenzie A. - Seeking Work in Lakeland

Nanny Makenzie

Lakeland, TN
$15/hr
Full-time
3 years experience

A little bit about me

i am a mom to a 4 year old girl, i enjoyed working day care jobs , i love kids and making families happy

Have experience working with

Infants
Special Needs

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Abii G. - Seeking Work in Lakeland

Nanny Abii

Lakeland, TN
$15/hr
Full-time
2 years experience

A little bit about me

Hola soy Gabby, tengo 26 años, soy enfermera, tengo un poco de experiencia ya con niños, llegué hace un mes a Lakeland y estoy interesada en un trabajo

Have experience working with

Infants
Special Needs

Certification

CPR
Emma Kate T. - Seeking Work in Lakeland

Nanny Emma Kate

Lakeland, TN
$15/hr
Full-time
2 years experience

A little bit about me

Hey, parents!
My name is Emma Kate Thompson, and I am currently a nanny for a family in Collierville. I have been babysitting since I was 12, but I transitioned into nannying as my job when I was 18!

I am a graduating senior at the UofM. I am an educational careers major with a minor in early childhood development! I am looking for a full-time position starting in August or late July! I would love to do occasional date night sitting as well!

Please feel free to message me with any questions. Thanks!

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
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