Reviewed by the Nanny Lane team · Last updated

How much does a babysitter cost in Orono, ME in 2026?

In Orono, ME, the average babysitter earns about $17.73 per hour. For a typical 40-hour week, that works out to roughly $709/week or $3,073/month. Most Orono families pay somewhere in the $15–$20/hour range, depending on experience, the number of kids, and what's expected on the job.

Average hourly rate$17.73/hr · Orono average

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

$709
$3,073
$36,878

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What drives the price

Most Orono families pay somewhere in the $15–$20/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 babysitter'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)$17.73
2 kids~$18.73
3+ kids~$19.73+

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 Orono babysitter rates compare to state and national averages?

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

Hiring babysitters in Orono, ME typically costs about 14% less than the Maine average of $21/hour and 6% less than the United States average of $19/hour.

Average hourly babysitters rates compared across Orono, ME and reference areas.
AreaAverage hourly ratevs. Orono, ME
Orono, ME$18/hr
Maine$21/hr+16%
United States$19/hr+6%

Where Orono, ME fits among nearby cities

10 nearby cities have enough babysitter data to compare, with rates ranging from $17.73/hour in Orono to $22.80/hour in Portland.

Below: how each compares to the Orono, ME average of $17.73/hour — Orono, ME is highlighted at its true rank.

Nearby cities ranked by babysitter rate

10 cities near Orono, ME ranked by average hourly babysitter rate, most to least expensive.
#City$/hrvs. Orono, ME
1Portland$22.80+29%
2Brunswick$21.42+21%
3Scarborough$21.32+20%
4Sanford$20.62+16%
5Gorham$20.57+16%
6Bangor$19.60+11%
7Lewiston$19.41+9%
8Biddeford$19.05+7%
9Auburn$18.75+6%
Orono$17.73
Most expensive nearby: Portland ($22.80) Least expensive nearby: Orono ($17.73)

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 Orono, ME

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 Orono, ME

    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 Orono, ME

31 active listings in Orono

Rylie M. - Seeking Work in Orono

Nanny Rylie

Orono, ME
$18/hr
Full-time
Part-time
Occasional
1 year experience

A little bit about me

Hi! My name is Rylie Mobley. I am 20 years old, and a sophomore at the University of Maine studying Elementary Education. I love working with children and have experience with children as young as 3 months to 10 years old. I’m responsible, patient, and dependable, and I always make sure children feel safe, supported, and engaged. I'm happy to help with meals, housework, or anything that would help you out! Whether it's bedtime routines or playtime, I bring a positive and caring attitude to everything I do. I’m comfortable managing multiple tasks, keeping a structured environment, and communicating clearly with parents. I would the opportunity to support and provide care for your child!

Have experience working with

Infants
Makayla C. - Seeking Work in Orono

Nanny Makayla

Orono, ME
$17/hr
Part-time
Occasional
2 years experience

A little bit about me

I have worked in a daycare setting for the past two years with ages 6 weeks to 2.5 years. I am majoring in elementary education and want to teach second grade or kindergarten.

Have experience working with

Infants

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Georgia L. - Seeking Work in Orono

Nanny Georgia

Orono, ME
$17/hr
Occasional
< 1 year experience

Have experience working with

Special Needs

Certification

CPR
Alexandra C. - Seeking Work in Orono

Nanny Alexandra

Orono, ME
$15/hr
Part-time
Occasional
3 years experience

A little bit about me

Hello! My name is Alex and I’m a current freshman at UMO. I have three years of experience working with children of nearly all ages and I love it! I enjoy doing arts and crafts, cooking/baking, spending time outdoors, and overall just having a good time. I can help out with homework/projects and create adventures outside the home too!

Have experience working with

Special Needs

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Teresa R. - Seeking Work in Orono

Nanny Teresa

Orono, ME
$18/hr
Part-time
10+ years experience

A little bit about me

Hello! I have two decades of child care experience as well as a bachelor’s of science in psychology. I have been a preschool teacher, a nanny and a mom. I love working with children and their families. In order for a position to work, my 3 year old son will need to accompany me. I am hoping to find a placement where all the children benefit from the positive socialization.

Have experience working with

Infants
Special Needs

Recent reference

"Teresa worked with our family for almost 5 yrs, caring for our three children from the time they weee 6 months, 2 years, and 8 years old. She is dependable, professional, warm and friendly and truly became a part of our family. She provided our kids a safe and nurturing, environment because of her motherly nature and years of experience She planned engaging age- appropriate activities, did amazing arts and crafts with kids, helped with homework and managed pick ups and drop-offs. We had complete peace of mind when we are away knowing that she was always conscious of their safety and well- being. She traveled with our family on occasions. She has been nothing short of a godsend- my kids still stay in touch with her. It will be a blessing for any family to have her as a nanny!"
- Nadia
Sadie H. - Seeking Work in Orono

Nanny Sadie

Orono, ME
$18/hr
Part-time
2 years experience

A little bit about me

I'm a seasonal camp counselor/college student looking to continue working in child care during the year! I love to do arts and crafts, baking, and to read!

Have experience working with

Special Needs
Kiera D. - Seeking Work in Orono

Nanny Kiera

Orono, ME
$18/hr
Full-time
6 years experience

A little bit about me

I have been babysitting since I was 14-15 and have been a consistent nanny in the past. I have been a CIT at a summer camp and have worked as a lifeguard for 5 summers. I have CPR/First Aid certified and have been for years. I love working with kids and have worked with most age groups.

Have experience working with

Infants
Special Needs

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Jenna L. - Seeking Work in Orono

Nanny Jenna

Orono, ME
$17/hr
Part-time
1 year experience

A little bit about me

Hello! My name is Jenna. I am studying psychology and child development and am passionate about child care! I have worked with littles in programs like big brothers big sisters, and worked for two semesters at my university’s daycare. This summer I worked as a psychiatric technician with children aged 5-7. I also have experience with individuals with special needs as I have volunteered with Best Buddies.

Have experience working with

Infants
Special Needs

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Hannah L. - Seeking Work in Orono

Nanny Hannah

Orono, ME
$18/hr
Part-time
2 years experience

A little bit about me

Hi, I'm Hannah. I Have experience with kids and am currently enrolled at Husson University in the Occupational Therapy program, and would like to specialize in pediatrics.

Have experience working with

Special Needs

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Find Nannies Near Me

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