Reviewed by the Nanny Lane team · Last updated

How much does a babysitter cost in Prior Lake, MN in 2026?

In Prior Lake, MN, the average babysitter earns about $18.35 per hour. For a typical 40-hour week, that works out to roughly $734/week or $3,181/month. Most Prior Lake families pay somewhere in the $11–$25/hour range, depending on experience, the number of kids, and what's expected on the job.

Average hourly rate$18.35/hr · Prior Lake average

These numbers come from 78 live babysitter listings in Prior Lake on Nanny Lane. We update this page whenever the data moves.

$734
$3,181
$38,168

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What drives the price

Most Prior Lake families pay somewhere in the $11–$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 babysitters command higher rates. Entry-level (0-2 yrs) average $17.49/hour, while the most experienced (3-5 yrs) charge around $19.54/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)$18.35
2 kids~$19.35
3+ kids~$20.35+

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$19.64/hr
Part-time10–25 hrs/week$17.96/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.

Browse babysitters

How do Prior Lake babysitter rates compare to state and national averages?

Prior Lake runs above the U.S. average for babysitter rates, in line with most major metros.

Hiring babysitters in Prior Lake, MN typically costs about 9% more than the Minnesota average of $17/hour and 9% more than the United States average of $17/hour.

Average hourly babysitters rates compared across Prior Lake, MN and reference areas.
AreaAverage hourly ratevs. Prior Lake, MN
Prior Lake, MN$18/hr
Minnesota$17/hr-8%
United States$17/hr-8%

Where Prior Lake, MN fits among nearby cities

10 nearby cities have enough babysitter data to compare, with rates ranging from $14.94/hour in Mankato to $18.15/hour in Minneapolis.

Below: how each compares to the Prior Lake, MN average of $18.35/hour.

Nearby cities ranked by babysitter rate

10 cities near Prior Lake, MN ranked by average hourly babysitter rate, most to least expensive.
#City$/hrvs. Prior Lake, MN
1Minneapolis$18.15-1%
2Rochester$17.76-3%
3Woodbury$17.52-5%
4Saint Paul$17.26-6%
5Shakopee$16.75-9%
6Blaine$16.57-10%
7Moorhead$16.32-11%
8St. Cloud$15.85-14%
9Duluth$15.68-15%
10Mankato$14.94-19%
Most expensive nearby: Minneapolis ($18.15) Least expensive nearby: Mankato ($14.94)

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 Prior Lake, MN

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 Prior Lake, MN

    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 Prior Lake, MN

78 active listings in Prior Lake

Vivian I. - Seeking Work in Prior Lake

Nanny Vivian

Prior Lake, MN
$17 - $22/hr
Full-time
Part-time
Occasional
< 1 year experience

A little bit about me

Hi! My name is Vivian, and I am a responsible, energetic, and caring high school student looking for a nanny or babysitting position. I am actively involved in both lacrosse and basketball, which has taught me leadership, patience, teamwork, and strong communication skills. Through sports, I have learned how to stay organized, handle responsibility, and create a positive environment for others. I enjoy working with children, keeping them engaged in fun activities, helping with homework, and ensuring they are safe and well cared for. I am dependable, hardworking, and excited about the opportunity to support families while providing a fun and nurturing experience for their children.

Have experience working with

Special Needs

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Faith L. - Seeking Work in Prior Lake

Nanny Faith

Prior Lake, MN
$12 - $20/hr
Part-time
Occasional
< 1 year experience

A little bit about me

I am a 14 year old girl looking to make some money to buy a bike. I am vary nice and careing. I am good at doing most jobs you put me to do.

Have experience working with

Special Needs

Certification

CPR
Brynn S. - Seeking Work in Prior Lake

Nanny Brynn

Prior Lake, MN
$17/hr
Part-time
Occasional
3 years experience

A little bit about me

I love golfing, being outdoors, watching movies, and I enjoy crafts!
I’m in highschool but I do online PSEO within a community college making me open all day and anytime!
Many people would say I’m bubbly, determined, and easygoing.

Have experience working with

Special Needs
Alaethia B. - Seeking Work in Prior Lake

Nanny Alaethia

Prior Lake, MN
$20/hr
Part-time
Occasional
3 years experience

A little bit about me

I’m Alaethia Bridges, 19 year old. Just graduated from Prior Lake looking for some side jobs now and maybe full time soon

Have experience working with

Infants

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Tricia S. - Seeking Work in Prior Lake

Nanny Tricia

Prior Lake, MN
$20/hr
Occasional
10+ years experience

A little bit about me

Seeking to help a family who needs afterschool care for the upcoming 25-26 school year. I am available from 3:45 (no sooner and depending on location)-7pm(flexible end time) M-F and weekend care as needed. Pick up from bus stop / school- meal and snack prep. Running to activities. Looking forward to hearing from you!

I'm a caring and experienced mom, aunt and grandma. Non-smoker with a car and a flexible communication style. I'm looking to help out with afterschool and bedtime routine and weekends. Baby sitter available.

I have done bus stop pick ups and running kids to activities. Ideal for the school year.

Have experience working with

Infants
Marianne O. - Seeking Work in Prior Lake

Nanny Marianne

Prior Lake, MN
$20/hr
Part-time
Occasional
4 years experience

A little bit about me

My name is Marianne! I love kids! I love animals but I have allergies on fur. I love being around kids! I work with kids. I help out in a Christian bible school. Also I go on mission trips to help kids in need. I love running around and playing with kids I love to see their happy faces and hear their laughs. I graduated high school and have a childhood development certificate! And currently work for an amazing family that I will have to leave in January.

Have experience working with

Infants

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Zoe S. - Seeking Work in Prior Lake

Nanny Zoe

Prior Lake, MN
$17/hr
Full-time
Part-time
Occasional
3 years experience

A little bit about me

Hello, my name is Zoe! I am a stay at home mom to my 8 month old daughter and im looking to care for an additional baby during the workweek while also caring for my own!

Have experience working with

Infants

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Alexa A. - Seeking Work in Prior Lake

Nanny Alexa

Prior Lake, MN
$15/hr
Occasional
3 years experience

A little bit about me

Hi! My name is Alexa Anderson I am 15 years old and love working with kids. I will be a sophomore this year and love to do games, crafts, and playing outside while I babysit!

Have experience working with

Infants
Special Needs
Shahzoda A. - Seeking Work in Prior Lake

Nanny Shahzoda

Prior Lake, MN
$25/hr
Part-time
Occasional
3 years experience

A little bit about me

My name is shahzoda and I’ve babysat a lot of kids and even had toddlers sleepover with me at my house because parents were out of town. I will be turning 18 in September but I’ve had babysitting experience since I was 12. And I’m really good with kids in general I am mature for my age and I love taking care of baby’s

Have experience working with

Infants
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