Reviewed by the Nanny Lane team · Last updated

How much does a babysitter cost in Manhattan, KS in 2026?

In Manhattan, KS, the average babysitter earns about $12.88 per hour. For a typical 40-hour week, that works out to roughly $515/week or $2,233/month. Most Manhattan families pay somewhere in the $7–$19/hour range, depending on experience, the number of kids, and what's expected on the job.

Average hourly rate$12.88/hr · Manhattan average

These numbers come from 480 live babysitter listings in Manhattan on Nanny Lane. We update this page whenever the data moves.

$515
$2,233
$26,790

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What drives the price

Most Manhattan families pay somewhere in the $7–$19/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 babysitters command higher rates. Entry-level (0-2 yrs) average $12.58/hour, while the most experienced (6-10 yrs) charge around $14.19/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
Hourly rate by number of kids
1 kid (baseline)$12.88
2 kids~$13.88
3+ kids~$14.88+

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.

Full-time, part-time, and live-in babysitter rates

ArrangementTypical hoursAverage rate
Full-time35–50 hrs/week$13.67/hr
Part-time10–25 hrs/week$12.99/hr
Occasional5–15 hrs/week$14.04/hr
Live-inSet by family$13.61/hr

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 babysitter.

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How do Manhattan babysitter rates compare to state and national averages?

Manhattan runs below the U.S. average for babysitter rates — a meaningful budget advantage for families looking here.

Hiring babysitters in Manhattan, KS typically costs about 9% less than the Kansas average of $14/hour and 23% less than the United States average of $17/hour.

Average hourly babysitters rates compared across Manhattan, KS and reference areas.
AreaAverage hourly ratevs. Manhattan, KS
Manhattan, KS$13/hr
Kansas$14/hr+10%
United States$17/hr+31%

Where Manhattan, KS fits among nearby cities

10 nearby cities have enough babysitter data to compare, with rates ranging from $12.51/hour in Junction City to $17.29/hour in Overland Park.

Below: how each compares to the Manhattan, KS average of $12.88/hour — Manhattan, KS is highlighted at its true rank.

Nearby cities ranked by babysitter rate

10 cities near Manhattan, KS ranked by average hourly babysitter rate, most to least expensive.
#City$/hrvs. Manhattan, KS
1Overland Park$17.29+34%
2Lenexa$16.60+29%
3Kansas City$15.94+24%
4Shawnee$15.54+21%
5Olathe$15.46+20%
6Lawrence$14.28+11%
7Topeka$13.86+8%
8Wichita$13.52+5%
Manhattan$12.88
10Junction City$12.51-3%
Most expensive nearby: Overland Park ($17.29) Least expensive nearby: Junction City ($12.51)

Tips to find a great babysitter without overpaying

  • Be flexible on experience. Some of the best babysitters on the platform have 3–5 years on the job and charge meaningfully less than experienced babysitters 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 babysitters 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 babysitter in Manhattan, KS

Nanny Lane is a marketplace built specifically for connecting families with babysitters — no recruiters in the middle. Most families work through it like this:

  1. 01

    Browse babysitter profiles in Manhattan, KS

    Filter by hourly rate, experience, languages, and availability.

  2. 02

    Message the ones who look like a fit

    Reach out to the babysitters 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 babysitter fits with your family in real time.

  4. 04

    Hire your babysitter

    If you'd rather not handle taxes and payroll yourself, our payroll team can take care of it.

Available babysitters in Manhattan, KS

480 active listings in Manhattan

Natalie C. - Seeking Work in Manhattan

Nanny Natalie

Manhattan, KS
$13 - $18/hr
Part-time
Occasional
4 years experience

A little bit about me

Hi! My name is Natalie Carreno, and I’ll be a sophomore at Kansas State University this fall. I’m looking for part-time nannying or babysitting opportunities starting in August. I’d love the opportunity to help your family—feel free to reach out if you’re interested!

Have experience working with

Infants
Special Needs

Certification

CPR
Alyssa E. - Seeking Work in Manhattan

Nanny Alyssa

Manhattan, KS
$12 - $18/hr
Occasional
7 years experience

A little bit about me

I am an elementary education college graduate soon to be 6th grade teacher. I have been babysitting since I was 15 years old. I have worked for Boys and Girls Club as a program leader and at Wonder Workshop Children’s museum as a summer camp leader for 3 years each. I have worked with all ages and enjoy taking children on fun outings or bringing fun activities to the home.

Have experience working with

Special Needs

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Katherine P. - Seeking Work in Manhattan

Nanny Katherine

Manhattan, KS
$15 - $20/hr
Full-time
Part-time
Occasional
3 years experience

A little bit about me

Hi! My name is Katie, and I’m a caring, dependable, and patient person who genuinely enjoys being around kids. I was a student at Job Corps, and I've worked with kids my whole life. I have strong communication, responsibility, and leadership skills. I love creating a safe, fun, and positive environment where children feel comfortable, supported, and happy.

I’m very organized, trustworthy, and good at staying calm in busy situations. Whether it’s helping with homework, keeping kids entertained with activities, or simply being someone they can rely on, I always try to give my best effort. I also understand the importance of respecting family routines and making sure parents feel confident and comfortable while their children are in my care.

I’m looking forward to connecting with families and becoming a positive, supportive part of your child’s day!

Have experience working with

Infants
Special Needs

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Mallory S. - Seeking Work in Manhattan

Nanny Mallory

Manhattan, KS
$12/hr
Part-time
Occasional
2 years experience

A little bit about me

Hello! I am a junior at Kansas State University majoring in public relations! I am an energetic 21 year old that has a passion for working with kids. I love helping kids use their imagination and learn someone new everyday! I currently have 2 years of paid experience but would love to gain more!
Regan M. - Seeking Work in Manhattan

Nanny Regan

Manhattan, KS
$12/hr
Occasional
< 1 year experience

A little bit about me

Hi! My name is Regan Miller. My hometown is Kansas City, Missouri. I am currently a Junior at K-State studying pre-physical therapy. I enjoy being outdoors and playing bored games with my friends.

I enjoy spending time with children, cleaning, and cooking. I have babysat for families in the past, ages ranging from 2-14. I have a nephew who is almost three years old that I have watched on numerous occasions.

My core values are trust, communication, and patience. I believe that these values are important for making connections with children and ensuring safety for all.

I have a flexible schedule and can be avaliable during the week or weekends!

Certification

CPR
Bandana B. - Seeking Work in Manhattan

Nanny Bandana

Manhattan, KS
$12/hr
Occasional
< 1 year experience

A little bit about me

My name is Anna Ridgway and I am a 21 year old student at Kansas State University. I am an aspiring teacher who is looking to earn some extra cash before I start student teaching next semester. I love working with kids of all ages as well as kids with special needs. My eventual goal is to become a special education teacher in an elementary school.

Have experience working with

Special Needs

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Lily E. - Seeking Work in Manhattan

Nanny Lily

Manhattan, KS
$13/hr
Occasional
4 years experience

A little bit about me

I just moved to Manhattan for college at KSU. I am an Interior Design student! I have babysat for the past 4 years, and have worked in my churches nurseries for the past 3 years. I absolutely adore and love kids! I have experience from ages 0-8 years old, including babysitting two sets of twins. I am also first aid and CPR certified! I am very patient and comfortable with all kinds of personalities.

Have experience working with

Infants
Special Needs

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Makenna B. - Seeking Work in Manhattan

Nanny Makenna

Manhattan, KS
$12/hr
Occasional
7 years experience

A little bit about me

I am currently a sophomore at KSU majoring in Integrative Human Science. I have been babysitting since I was 12, ranging from watching newborns to preteens. I am extremely outgoing, interactive, and patient. I love creating bonds with the kids I watch and being creative! Please feel free to reach out with any questions! 🫶🏼

Have experience working with

Infants
Special Needs

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Teagan R. - Seeking Work in Manhattan

Nanny Teagan

Manhattan, KS
$14/hr
Full-time
Part-time
Occasional
3 years experience

A little bit about me

Hi! My name is Teagan and I am currently looking for a family in Manhattan, Kansas who needs a nanny for the summer. I am attending K-State and studying Elementary Education. I used to work as a life guard so I am lifeguard and CPR certified. I have many younger siblings so I have been around all ages for several years!

Have experience working with

Special Needs

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
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