Reviewed by the Nanny Lane team · Last updated

How much does a nanny cost in Buffalo, MN in 2026?

In Buffalo, MN, the average nanny earns about $18.26 per hour. For a typical 40-hour week, that works out to roughly $730/week or $3,165/month. Most Buffalo 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$18.26/hr · Buffalo average

These numbers come from 25 live nanny listings in Buffalo on Nanny Lane. We update this page whenever the data moves.

$730
$3,165
$37,981

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What drives the price

Most Buffalo 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

Experience is one of the biggest levers on a nanny'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)$18.26
2 kids~$19.26
3+ kids~$20.26+

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 Buffalo nanny rates compare to state and national averages?

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

Hiring nannies in Buffalo, MN typically costs about 2% less than the Minnesota average of $19/hour and 5% less than the United States average of $19/hour.

Average hourly nannies rates compared across Buffalo, MN and reference areas.
AreaAverage hourly ratevs. Buffalo, MN
Buffalo, MN$18/hr—
Minnesota$19/hr+3%
United States$19/hr+6%

Where Buffalo, MN fits among nearby cities

10 nearby cities have enough nanny data to compare, with rates ranging from $16.88/hour in Mankato to $20.28/hour in Lakeville.

Below: how each compares to the Buffalo, MN average of $18.26/hour.

Nearby cities ranked by nanny rate

10 cities near Buffalo, MN ranked by average hourly nanny rate, most to least expensive.
#City$/hrvs. Buffalo, MN
1Lakeville$20.28+11%
2Maple Grove$20.16+10%
3Minneapolis$20.03+10%
4Saint Paul$19.98+9%
5Woodbury$19.35+6%
6Rochester$19.27+6%
7Blaine$18.71+2%
8St. Cloud$17.68-3%
9Duluth$17.09-6%
10Mankato$16.88-8%
● Most expensive nearby: Lakeville ($20.28)● Least expensive nearby: Mankato ($16.88)

Tips to find a great nanny without overpaying

  • Be flexible on experience. Some of the best nannies on the platform have 3–5 years on the job and charge meaningfully less than experienced nannies 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 nannies 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 nanny in Buffalo, MN

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

  1. 01

    Browse nanny profiles in Buffalo, MN

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

  2. 02

    Message the ones who look like a fit

    Reach out to the nannies 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 nanny fits with your family in real time.

  4. 04

    Hire your nanny

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

Available nannies in Buffalo, MN

25 active listings in Buffalo

Lily T. - Seeking Work in Buffalo

Nanny Lily

Buffalo, MN
$17 - $20/hr
Full-time
Part-time
< 1 year experience

A little bit about me

Hi im lily im 18 and I grew up helping my sister raise her kids and helped take care of my little sister growing up. I basically helped raise my sister and my nieces. I love babies and always have they always bring a smile to my face when im around them. You can trust your babies will be in safe hands with me.

Have experience working with

Infants
Erica B. - Seeking Work in Buffalo

Nanny Erica

Buffalo, MN
$17/hr
Full-time
4 years experience

A little bit about me

Hi my names is Erica I am 19 years old from sartell Minnesota and also stay in buffalo MN. I am looking for a full time summer position. I consider myself very bubbly and energetic. I like to try new things and I absolutely adore working with kids, I am a student, major in nursing and hopefully specialize in NICU! I have about 4 years of past experience working with children and children with autism off and on. I can help with Crafts, errands, cooking, cleaning, and anything else that you may need extra help with.

Have experience working with

Infants
Special Needs
Macy Y. - Seeking Work in Buffalo

Nanny Macy

Buffalo, MN
$20/hr
Full-time
7 years experience

A little bit about me

Hello! I have 7+ years of experience, from ages 0 to about 5-6 years old! I’m currently living outside of Buffalo and I’m looking to take on a role as a nanny! I want to find the perfect family! I love coloring, puzzles, walks, singing and doing educational things with children, anything to keep them happy and stimulated. I will be going to school next fall to pursue a career as an Ultra Sound Technician!

Have experience working with

Infants
Bella A. - Seeking Work in Buffalo

Nanny Bella

Buffalo, MN
$20/hr
Part-time
< 1 year experience

A little bit about me

I am a 17- almost 18 year old girl who is a sibling to 11 kids! I have 8 brothers, 4 sisters, and 8 nieces and nephews. Taking care of kids is a passion of mine as I think it will help be get ready to be a mother! I have had lots of experience with my six younger siblings and my nieces and nephews. I would love to be able to help out a family part time!

Have experience working with

Infants
Adeline L. - Seeking Work in Buffalo

Nanny Adeline

Buffalo, MN
$20/hr
Full-time
Part-time
5 years experience

A little bit about me

My name is Adeline, but I go by Addie. I’m 19 and currently studying psychology at Anoka-Ramsey Community College through a transfer pathway program. As the oldest of three, I’ve always been the patient, steady helper, which has shaped my sense of responsibility and my love for caring for kids. I’m CPR-, toddler‑care-, and first-aid-certified. I previously worked at a Christian daycare, gaining hands‑on experience supporting children’s growth in a safe, nurturing environment. I love creating meaningful moments—whether that’s exploring outside, doing crafts, or simply being someone kids feel comfortable with. In my free time, I enjoy traveling, spending time with friends, and going to hockey games. I’d love to bring my energy, reliability, and genuine care to a family who values a warm, engaged nanny.

Have experience working with

Infants
Special Needs

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Lisa A. - Seeking Work in Buffalo

Nanny Lisa

Buffalo, MN
$20/hr
Full-time
10+ years experience

A little bit about me

I live in Buffalo, MN. I am 44 years old, I am married but have no kids, but love kids. I have a lot of nieces and nephews and have had a lot of experience babysitting, nannying and day cares.

Have experience working with

Infants
Special Needs
Anabella D. - Seeking Work in Buffalo

Nanny Anabella

Buffalo, MN
$18/hr
Full-time
2 years experience

A little bit about me

I am 21 years old and grew up with 6 siblings being the second oldest I helped take care of all the little siblings and I love it. At the same time my mom worked with special need children and adults so I grew up around those that have special needs.

Have experience working with

Infants
Special Needs

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Olivia A. - Seeking Work in Buffalo

Nanny Olivia

Buffalo, MN
$18 - $22/hr
Part-time
6 years experience

A little bit about me

Hi! My name is Olivia, and I am a responsible, dependable college student who enjoys working with children. Through both babysitting and coaching, I have gained experience working with kids of different ages and personalities. These experiences have helped me develop strong communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills.

My responsibilities have included supervising activities, helping children follow instructions, preparing snacks and meals, maintaining routines, encouraging positive behavior, and ensuring children’s safety at all times. As a coach, I have learned how to keep children engaged, build their confidence, and create a positive and supportive environment.

I am patient, organized, and trustworthy, and I understand the importance of providing a safe, fun, and caring atmosphere. Families can count on me to be reliable, attentive, and committed to making sure their children are well cared for.

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Marvin G. - Seeking Work in Buffalo

Nanny Marvin

Buffalo, MN
$19/hr
Full-time
< 1 year experience

A little bit about me

My name is Marvin and I wanna be a care giver I wanna get some experience before I got to school for that i used to take care of my grandma for years

Have experience working with

Special Needs

Certification

CPR
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