Reviewed by the Nanny Lane team · Last updated

How much does a babysitter cost in Allentown, PA in 2026?

In Allentown, PA, the average babysitter earns about $17 per hour. For a typical 40-hour week, that works out to roughly $680/week or $2,947/month. Most Allentown families pay somewhere in the $8–$25/hour range, depending on experience, the number of kids, and what's expected on the job.

Average hourly rate$17/hr · Allentown average

These numbers come from 180 live babysitter listings in Allentown on Nanny Lane. We update this page whenever the data moves.

$680
$2,947
$35,360

Find babysitters near you

What drives the price

Most Allentown families pay somewhere in the $8–$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 $16.54/hour, while the most experienced (6-10 yrs) charge around $19.40/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)$17
2 kids~$18
3+ kids~$19+

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$18.18/hr
Part-time10–25 hrs/week$17.24/hr
Occasional5–15 hrs/week$16.55/hr
Live-inSet by family$16.91/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 arrangements look cheaper per hour because room and board are part of the package. The trade-off is space — you'll need a private bedroom and ideally a separate bathroom for the babysitter.

Browse babysitters

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

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

Hiring babysitters in Allentown, PA typically costs about 3% less than the Pennsylvania average of $17/hour and 10% less than the United States average of $19/hour.

Average hourly babysitters rates compared across Allentown, PA and reference areas.
AreaAverage hourly ratevs. Allentown, PA
Allentown, PA$17/hr
Pennsylvania$17/hr+3%
United States$19/hr+11%

Where Allentown, PA fits among nearby cities

10 nearby cities have enough babysitter data to compare, with rates ranging from $15.92/hour in Erie to $20.43/hour in West Chester.

Below: how each compares to the Allentown, PA average of $17.00/hour — Allentown, PA is highlighted at its true rank.

Nearby cities ranked by babysitter rate

10 cities near Allentown, PA ranked by average hourly babysitter rate, most to least expensive.
#City$/hrvs. Allentown, PA
1West Chester$20.43+20%
2Philadelphia$19.35+14%
3Pittsburgh$18.98+12%
4State College$17.50+3%
5Lancaster$17.31+2%
Allentown$17.00
7York$16.33-4%
8Reading$16.33-4%
9Harrisburg$16.17-5%
10Erie$15.92-6%
Most expensive nearby: West Chester ($20.43) Least expensive nearby: Erie ($15.92)

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 Allentown, PA

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 Allentown, PA

    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 Allentown, PA

180 active listings in Allentown

Serenity W. - Seeking Work in Allentown

Nanny Serenity

Allentown, PA
$16/hr
Occasional
< 1 year experience

A little bit about me

Hi hi , I am a highschool student and I play volleyball, and have high honor roll . I love being around kids and helping out with family kids, playing with them and keeping them engaged with activities . I’m looking forward to a new opportunity to help more families and to provide attentive childcare.

Have experience working with

Special Needs

Certification

First Aid
Jayla G. - Seeking Work in Allentown

Nanny Jayla

Allentown, PA
$17/hr
Part-time
Occasional
< 1 year experience

A little bit about me

My name is Jayla Germany, I am a 15 year old still currently in high school but I am looking for a job for the summer to help out my mom with back to school when it comes around. I'm hoping this job is for me and will be able to accept me giving that it is extremely hard to find a job this young. I am very nice and a naturally quite person and I am good with kids being that I watch my baby cousin from time to time.
Amanda, Y. - Seeking Work in Allentown

Nanny Amanda,

Allentown, PA
$14 - $17/hr
Part-time
Occasional
2 years experience

A little bit about me

Heyy - My name is Amanda, I'm a current junior college student majoring in psychology and media communications, with a minor in women & gender studies. I plan to continue my studies after getting my bachelor’s degree in order to become a child therapist in the future.

Have experience working with

Special Needs
Paulina M. - Seeking Work in Allentown

Nanny Paulina

Allentown, PA
$16/hr
Full-time
Part-time
Occasional
3 years experience

A little bit about me

I’m a dependable, patient caregiver who enjoys creating a safe, structured, and positive environment for kids. I love helping children learn, stay active, and feel supported.

Have experience working with

Infants

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Janeyda O. - Seeking Work in Allentown

Nanny Janeyda

Allentown, PA
$16.55/hr
Part-time
Occasional
< 1 year experience

A little bit about me

Hi! My name is Janeyda Ortiz, and I’m a student-athlete at Cedar Crest College as well as a member of the women’s wrestling team. I have a strong work ethic, a caring personality, and experience working with families through roles that require responsibility, patience, and clear communication. I previously worked as a Head Lifeguard at my local pool and served as a Swim Lesson Supervisor, which strengthened my safety awareness, leadership skills, and ability to work calmly under pressure. I genuinely enjoy supporting kids, creating a fun and safe environment, and helping parents feel confident that their children are well cared for.

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Demiya B. - Seeking Work in Allentown

Nanny Demiya

Allentown, PA
$16/hr
Occasional
2 years experience

A little bit about me

Hello My name is Demiya 19 , I am cpr certified and have my first aid license I am a Bht ( Behavioral Health technician) where I work with children in different age groups & in school setting or daycare .

Have experience working with

Special Needs

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Emaan B. - Seeking Work in Allentown

Nanny Emaan

Allentown, PA
$15.74/hr
Part-time
Occasional
< 1 year experience

A little bit about me

I am a high school student who is hardworking and kind, I love working with kids and taking care of others.

Have experience working with

Special Needs
Jersey G. - Seeking Work in Allentown

Nanny Jersey

Allentown, PA
$18.50/hr
Part-time
Occasional
4 years experience

A little bit about me

Hi! My name is Jersey, and I love working with children. I am a caring, patient, and dependable person who enjoys creating a safe, fun, and nurturing environment for kids to learn and grow. Whether it's helping with homework, planning creative activities, reading stories, or spending time outdoors.

Have experience working with

Infants

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Mylah M. - Seeking Work in Allentown

Nanny Mylah

Allentown, PA
$17/hr
Full-time
Occasional
2 years experience

A little bit about me

Hi Parents! My name is Mylah. have over 7 years of experience working with children of different ages, and I’m someone who is responsible, patient, dependable, and attentive. I’m very passionate about working with kids and creating a safe, positive, and engaging environment for them. I genuinely enjoy building connections with children and making sure they feel comfortable, cared for, and supported. It does need to be known that I am still a student, and my schedule of hours i’m available will change around the ending of August. I would love the opportunity to help with your babysitting needs and would be happy to answer any questions you may have. Thank you for your time and consideration!

Have experience working with

Infants
Special Needs

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Find Nannies Near Me

Related costs in Allentown PA

Popular services in Allentown, PA

Start your journey towards finding your perfect babysitter

Get Started