Reviewed by the Nanny Lane team · Last updated

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

In Pittsburgh, PA, the average babysitter earns about $17.13 per hour. For a typical 40-hour week, that works out to roughly $685/week or $2,969/month. Most Pittsburgh families pay somewhere in the $7–$25/hour range, depending on experience, the number of kids, and what's expected on the job.

Average hourly rate$17.13/hr · Pittsburgh average

These numbers come from 922 live babysitter listings in Pittsburgh on Nanny Lane. We update this page whenever the data moves.

$685
$2,969
$35,630

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What drives the price

Most Pittsburgh families pay somewhere in the $7–$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 $16.25/hour, while the most experienced (6-10 yrs) charge around $20.38/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)$17.13
2 kids~$18.13
3+ kids~$19.13+

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$18.75/hr
Part-time10–25 hrs/week$17.19/hr
Occasional5–15 hrs/week$17.83/hr
Live-inSet by family$17.44/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 Pittsburgh babysitter rates compare to state and national averages?

Pittsburgh sits close to the national average for babysitter rates.

Hiring babysitters in Pittsburgh, PA typically costs about 7% more than the Pennsylvania average of $16/hour and 2% more than the United States average of $17/hour.

Average hourly babysitters rates compared across Pittsburgh, PA and reference areas.
AreaAverage hourly ratevs. Pittsburgh, PA
Pittsburgh, PA$17/hr
Pennsylvania$16/hr-6%
United States$17/hr-2%

Where Pittsburgh, PA fits among nearby cities

10 nearby cities have enough babysitter data to compare, with rates ranging from $14.19/hour in Erie to $17.13/hour in Pittsburgh.

Below: how each compares to the Pittsburgh, PA average of $17.13/hour — Pittsburgh, PA is highlighted at its true rank.

Nearby cities ranked by babysitter rate

10 cities near Pittsburgh, PA ranked by average hourly babysitter rate, most to least expensive.
#City$/hrvs. Pittsburgh, PA
Pittsburgh$17.13
2Philadelphia$17.08
3State College$15.80-8%
4Lancaster$15.51-9%
5Allentown$15.22-11%
6Harrisburg$15.17-11%
7Scranton$15.08-12%
8Reading$14.93-13%
9York$14.77-14%
10Erie$14.19-17%
Most expensive nearby: Pittsburgh ($17.13) Least expensive nearby: Erie ($14.19)

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 Pittsburgh, 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 Pittsburgh, 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 Pittsburgh, PA

922 active listings in Pittsburgh

Brynn M. - Seeking Work in Pittsburgh

Nanny Brynn

Pittsburgh, PA
$25 - $35/hr
Occasional
5 years experience

A little bit about me

My name is Brynn! I am 22 years old and I just graduated in early May as a Nursing major from the University of Pittsburgh. I begin working for UPMC Shadyside as an RN in late July 2026. I have babysat my whole life, and have worked 1+ years in Labor & Delivery. I have a special interest in infant care, but my schedules will be limited for nannying due to my committment as a nurse. I would love to help pick up any slack where I can for new mothers!

Have experience working with

Infants
Special Needs

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Mykenzie B. - Seeking Work in Pittsburgh

Nanny Mykenzie

Pittsburgh, PA
$18 - $20/hr
Part-time
Occasional
5 years experience

A little bit about me

I have been working in childcare for 6 years and have a bachelors degree in education! I love working with children and will also be pursuing my masters degree in behavioral analysis.

Have experience working with

Infants
Special Needs

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Izzy T. - Seeking Work in Pittsburgh

Nanny Izzy

Pittsburgh, PA
$18/hr
Part-time
Occasional
3 years experience

A little bit about me

Hi! My name is Izzy 😊 I’m a graduating senior at Pitt’s School of Nursing and currently completing my clinicals at Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh. Working with kids is truly my passion. As the oldest in my family, caring for others has always come naturally to me, and I’ve been babysitting for as long as I can remember. I’m responsible, patient, energetic, and always strive to create a fun, safe, and supportive environment.

I am looking for a part-time position starting in April and am also interested in summer-long opportunities with families! Please reach out with questions and I would love to help out!

Have experience working with

Infants
Special Needs

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Hailey W. - Seeking Work in Pittsburgh

Nanny Hailey

Pittsburgh, PA
$17/hr
Full-time
Part-time
Occasional
1 year experience

A little bit about me

Hello! My name is Hailey! I have worked in education for an outdoor nonprofit, have some babysitting experience, and currently working at an Art museum ! I would love to help you in your everyday life because it indeed does take a village!
I love getting kids active and showing them the outside world and what it has to offer! I can help around the house ( I do have housekeeping experience) and I’m pretty flexible! Have previous cpr certification just new to get renewed
Isabella D. - Seeking Work in Pittsburgh

Nanny Isabella

Pittsburgh, PA
$17.30/hr
Full-time
Occasional
10+ years experience

A little bit about me

Hi my name is Isabella Doubt but I like to go by bella/BellBell i’ve grew up watching my cousins nieces/nephews since i was 10 years old an i love kids they r the best lol! I love chicken wings an fries I am going to be 18 on January 4th , i’m sweet outgoing and a hard worker I can cook an clean. i’ll make ur life at home a little easier! I know first aid and cpr , any other questions be welcomed to ask 💞

Have experience working with

Infants

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Andrea S. - Seeking Work in Pittsburgh

Nanny Andrea

Pittsburgh, PA
$17/hr
Full-time
Part-time
Occasional
3 years experience

A little bit about me

Hi, I was a childcare provider for 3 years servicing Military families. I’m a USMC veteran with education in early child development, and early child psychology. I have learned first aid, and CPR for all ages! I have a way with children and they are very fond of my cheery, bubbly personality. I have also provided nursing care to diabetics both elderly and young. I have learned and work with children with behavior issues, as well as autistic and mentally challenged children. I love to teach children and help them learn. I am available daily and can work full time. Any questions you have feel free to ask. I can also work with problematic children as well as keep them on the parents schedule. I am excited to start working as I really need a job. I’m also a Mother of a 17 year old. So please let me make your life easier for caring for your child(ren)! Thank you!

Have experience working with

Infants
Special Needs

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Aaliyah S. - Seeking Work in Pittsburgh

Nanny Aaliyah

Pittsburgh, PA
$17/hr
Part-time
Occasional
3 years experience

A little bit about me

Hi! I’m Aaliyah, a college student who loves working with kids and helping families. I’m patient, reliable, and always bring a positive attitude. I’m CPR certified and trained in de-escalation, so safety and calm communication are really important to me. I enjoy making each day fun, spontaneous and supportive, whether it’s helping with homework, playing games, or just being there when needed.

Have experience working with

Infants
Special Needs

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Alexis H. - Seeking Work in Pittsburgh

Nanny Alexis

Pittsburgh, PA
$18/hr
Occasional
8 years experience

A little bit about me

Hi! I'm Alexis
I'm a 25-year-old babysitter based in the Oakland area with over 10 years of experience caring for children of all ages. I’m BLS certified and currently a graduate student, offering part-time availability on evenings and weekends.
I specialize in working with infants through 8-year-olds and love creating a safe, nurturing, and fun environment where kids can thrive. Whether you need occasional help or a regular sitter, I’d love to connect with you and see if we’re a great fit for each other!

Have experience working with

Infants

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Angie L. - Seeking Work in Pittsburgh

Nanny Angie

Pittsburgh, PA
$25 - $30/hr
Full-time
Part-time
Occasional
10+ years experience

A little bit about me

Hi!

I’m 27 years old with a strong passion for helping others. I’ve worked as a pharmacy technician for over seven years and have been involved in childcare since high school, caring for children of all ages—from newborns to teens, including those with special needs.

For the past four years, I’ve proudly worked as a nanny, forming a close bond with the family and supporting their children through important stages of development. I’m usually with them Friday through Sunday, and I also help out during the week when needed, like covering vacations or school days off. My schedule is typically set 3-4 months in advance, so there’s always a clear and organized idea of what my availability looks like. Because I plan to continue supporting them, I’m hoping to find a family that can be flexible alongside that schedule.

When I’m not working, you can find me tending to my garden, trying out new restaurants with my fiancé, or reading a book with my three cats curled up beside me.

Have experience working with

Infants
Special Needs

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
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