How much should I pay for child care in {{city}}, {{state}}?

The national typical hourly rate in 2024 is $22.50 per hour for nannies and $21.50 for babysitters. Rates can vary based on the child care provider's experience, certifications, employment status, and travel expenses. When calculating the cost of child care, you should also account for the number of children they'll care for and additional responsibilities like household tasks or homework help. Learn more about how to set competitive in-home child care rates for attracting the best babysitters and nannies.

How do I find child care for my kids in {{city}}, {{state}}?

The best way to find child care near you is to post a job detailing your needs on Sittercity, which will be shared with our community of available babysitters and nannies. We'll notify you when child care providers apply to your job, and from there you can proceed with interviews, background checks, and reference checks so you can find the perfect fit for your family.

What kind of child care providers can I find in {{city}}, {{state}}?

You can find experienced and passionate child care providers near you to provide the best care for your child, either in-home or virtually. Child care providers can help families with managing strict schedules, transportation to activities, homework help, last-minute coverage, date nights, and more. Whether you're looking for full-time, part-time, live-in, or temporary care, you can count on Sittercity for finding passionate and experienced child care providers.

Find experienced child care providers in Iowa City, IA

Q: How do families hire trustworthy child care providers in {{city}}, {{state}}?

Families find trustworthy child care providers on Sittercity who are passionate about providing safe and enriching care for their children. Many providers report they are First Aid and CPR certified to provide the best care for your family. Babysitters and nannies have the option to complete regular background checks, and you can easily request a recent background check if they don’t have one or it is not recent. Families can also request to see professional references! Our dedicated team also champions safety across our platform every day. Child care providers go through an identity verification process Berbix when registering an account. Some additional safety measures include Family Watchdog screening, babysitter and nanny reviews, and secure messaging.

Q: What’s the difference between a nanny and a babysitter?

Nannies and babysitters share the same primary responsibility of providing safe and enriching care for your child, but there are a few differences between them. Nannies are more commonly associated with regular work, whether full or part-time, offering daily or consistent care to a particular family. There are also several different types of nannies, including au pairs, house managers, doulas, live-in, and overnight nannies. Babysitters, on the other hand, are typically hired for irregular or occasional work, either full or part-time. If you’re looking for last-minute care for date night, or the occasional few hours after school, a babysitter is a great best option. Identifying the type and frequency of child care you’ll need is the best way to decide whether a babysitter or nanny is a better fit for your family.

Q: How does a child care provider interact with my child?

Child care providers on Sittercity love providing enriching experiences for your children, and sharing their passions with them. They're happy to participate in outdoor activities like sports, or indoor activities like music, baking, tutoring help, and art. Wherever your child's interests lie, child care providers on Sittercity can engage them in a nurturing way.

Last-minute, school and tutoring, date nights—find the right babysitters for you.

Get started

I need a child care provider

On a regular schedule On occasion

50 active child care providers near you

Average rate is $22.37/hr

140,000 5-star parent reviews

Trusted by

Find your child care in Iowa City, IA

Aruna M.

10 years paid experience
3 miles

$30–50/hr

I have been babysitting for over 20 years and have watched children ages 3 weeks to 12 years old. I have worked in three different day cares, all in the infant room. I have also babysat for over 250 families. I am certified in CPR, First Aid, and AED, renewed February 2022. I have used this on one occasion to save a life. I have been vaccinated for covid in March and April 2021, and received a covid booster in November 2021. Please rest assured I will get a second covid booster as soon as available! I have also had a flu shot in September 2021, and a tdap in February 2022. I have come to believe that the core of child care is truly loving kids and helping them become the best versions of themselves. I learn something new from each child I have the privilege of babysitting, and most of all, I love getting the opportunity to nurture kids when they are young! I'm also actively involved in the Second City Acting program. I absolutely love engaging children in creative role-play! Finally, I also teach in the Northwestern Program for Gifted Students. I love making learning fun, and it is my dream to open an empowerment institute for kids one day. Please note I do not have after school availability at this time.

$30–50/hr

Recent review:

5.0

Jennifer C.

We were in town from Houston and lucky enough to find Aruna through sittercity. Our 9 year old daughter absolutely LOVED her. She is amazing. Instantly connected not only with our daughter, but we felt safe with her as well and were not even concerned. Aruna is a gem! If you are lucky enough to have Aruna with your child or children, you are the lucky one!

View Profile

Alyssa E.

8 years paid experience
1 mile

$20–25/hr

Hi! I’m Alyssa, I’m 24 years old and recently graduated from Illinois State University with my Bachelor’s in Exercise Science. I am currently working as a physical therapy aid, and plan to go back to school. I have been babysitting/nannying since I was about 15 years old and did it throughout college as well! I have experience with all ages and can help with cleaning, pick up/drop off, tutoring, appointments, etc! I am also CPR/AED certified for infants, children, and adults.

$20–25/hr

Recent review:

5.0

Sarah H.

Alyssa was very helpful and polite even though she couldn’t do it she knew some one who could her and the person came by and met my kids and played ball with them for a little bit

View Profile

Yadira B.

10 years paid experience
< 1 mile

$18–25/hr

Hello! My name is Yadira and I am available to babysit/nanny for date nights, occasional sitter or a one time sitter.I have experience working with infants, toddlers and elementary children for about 10 years! I am comfortable with pets and have my own transportation. I am trilingual (Spanish, English, and American Sign Language). I am CPR certified, Child Mandatory Reporter, and fully vaccinated for COVID-19 along with the booster. I can do overnight sitting! Please reach out to me if you have any questions or concerns I can address.

$18–25/hr

View Profile

Irene A.

6 years paid experience
1 mile

$25–50/hr

Hi! I'm Irene, a Spanish international student living in Iowa City. I've always loved children. Playing with them, laughing, and having fun. I feel like I'm one of them. However, I also have my own personality and know how to be serious when the situation calls for it. In addition, I have studied music since I was 3 years old, which I believe has always given me a lot of sensitivity and passion for everything I do. I will be delighted to take care of your children as if they were my own, teach them music and Spanish, and give them lots of love.

$25–50/hr

View Profile

Dianessa M.

6 years paid experience
< 1 mile

$19–22/hr

Hey!! My name is Dianessa 😊 I’m CPR & First Aid certified and have experience with diaper changes, sleep routines/strategies, and keeping little ones safe, happy, and engaged. I’m reliable, patient, and love creating fun, nurturing environments for kids to learn and grow. I also have my own dependable transportation and a flexible schedule. Feel free to reach out if you’d like to chat or need more information! 🤗

$19–22/hr

View Profile

Makaila J.

6 years paid experience
8 miles

$12–25/hr

Hi, I have worked around kids all my life, from babysitting to various daycare facilities. I worked at a daycare in a gym for a little less than a year and then went to Frog Hollow Kids Campus in North Liberty for over a year. I am now home from college where I attend the University of Iowa and am looking to pick up babysitting jobs or nannying. Currently, I am CPR and First Aid training certified and have taken courses on child development.

$12–25/hr

View Profile

Katie P.

11 years paid experience
< 1 mile

$11–200/hr

Hello my name is Katie Paul I’ve lived in Iowa city my whole life. I’ve had 11 yrs experience working with children from newborn to high school. I enjoy working with children. I’m currently working on my CDA.

$11–200/hr

View Profile

Sarah B.

3 years paid experience
< 1 mile

$15–20/hr

I am great when it comes to kids. I have a huge family that is constantly having kids so I’m usually the one to babysit the others. I can cook,clean,change etc. Overall, I’d be honored to babysit any of your kids, I love them!

$15–20/hr

View Profile

Madeline W.

7 years paid experience
< 1 mile

$10–13/hr

Hi! I’m Maddie. I’m a 19 year old Iowa pre-nursing student. I love kids and have been babysitting for the past 7 years. I have experience with kids ages 2 mos-11 yrs old. I am lifeguard certified, CPR certified, and have training and experience caring for kids with diabetes. I am a responsible, caring, and fun caregiver!!

$10–13/hr

View Profile

Alyssa H.

10 years paid experience
2 miles

$15–30/hr

Hi my name is Alyssa and I'm 25 years old. I currently work full time at the U and am just looking for a short term, part time job leading up to my wedding. I have 2 nieces and 5 nephews (2 of which are angels) and have been keeping newborns overnight since I was about 13. While in college I worked with 4 families ages ranging from 1-14 years old both here in Iowa and back home in Illinois. I love working with kids and miss spending time with them and being a little piece that keeps their family going! I also love animals so if you have pets that’s a plus! hope to hear from you :)