Reviewed by the Nanny Lane team · Last updated

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

In Prior Lake, MN, the average nanny earns about $17.73 per hour. For a typical 40-hour week, that works out to roughly $709/week or $3,073/month. Most Prior Lake families pay somewhere in the $11–$24/hour range, depending on experience, the number of kids, and what's expected on the job.

Average hourly rate$17.73/hr · Prior Lake average

These numbers come from 30 live nanny listings in Prior Lake 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 Prior Lake families pay somewhere in the $11–$24/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)$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 Prior Lake nanny rates compare to state and national averages?

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

Hiring nannies in Prior Lake, MN typically costs about 5% more than the Minnesota average of $17/hour and 6% more than the United States average of $17/hour.

Average hourly nannies rates compared across Prior Lake, MN and reference areas.
AreaAverage hourly ratevs. Prior Lake, MN
Prior Lake, MN$18/hr
Minnesota$17/hr-5%
United States$17/hr-5%

Where Prior Lake, MN fits among nearby cities

10 nearby cities have enough nanny data to compare, with rates ranging from $14.93/hour in Mankato to $18.10/hour in Maple Grove.

Below: how each compares to the Prior Lake, MN average of $17.73/hour.

Nearby cities ranked by nanny rate

10 cities near Prior Lake, MN ranked by average hourly nanny rate, most to least expensive.
#City$/hrvs. Prior Lake, MN
1Maple Grove$18.10+2%
2Minneapolis$18.00+2%
3Rochester$17.93+1%
4Woodbury$17.57-1%
5Saint Paul$17.12-3%
6Blaine$16.61-6%
7Moorhead$16.10-9%
8St. Cloud$15.77-11%
9Duluth$15.75-11%
10Mankato$14.93-16%
Most expensive nearby: Maple Grove ($18.10) Least expensive nearby: Mankato ($14.93)

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 Prior Lake, 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 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 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 Prior Lake, MN

30 active listings in Prior Lake

Achai D. - Seeking Work in Prior Lake

Nanny Achai

Prior Lake, MN
$18/hr
Full-time
5 years experience

A little bit about me

I’m a online college student at Ohio State University, studying to be a psychiatrist/therapist i’m currently a Sunday school teacher for children pre-K through second grade

Have experience working with

Infants
Special Needs

Certification

First Aid
Courtney M. - Seeking Work in Prior Lake

Nanny Courtney

Prior Lake, MN
$18/hr
Full-time
5 years experience

A little bit about me

Hi! My name is Courtney, and am a recent graduate from University of Wisconsin-Stout with a concentration in Human Development and Family Studies. Although I have graduated, I am finishing up 3 courses this summer, and looking for a job to fulfill my time. I would love to meet your kiddos!

Certification

CPR
Isabella H. - Seeking Work in Prior Lake

Nanny Isabella

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

A little bit about me

This fall, I will be an incoming freshman in college. I have 3 siblings and am great with kids! I have worked for 2 different childcare centers over the past 3 years, primarily with infants. I am passionate about providing caring and engaging childcare. I pride myself on my work ethic as well as my way for positive approaches! My goal is to support each child’s growth and happiness while giving parents a peace of mind that their children are in good hands!

Have experience working with

Infants

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Kailyn G. - Seeking Work in Prior Lake

Nanny Kailyn

Prior Lake, MN
$18/hr
Part-time
6 years experience

A little bit about me

I’m 19 and currently in school to be an xray technician! I love working with kids. I am a hard worker and I love to plan activities and have fun while still being safe!

Have experience working with

Infants

Certifications

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

Nanny Eliana

Prior Lake, MN
$16/hr
Full-time
3 years experience

A little bit about me

I am a 19 year olds, i love children's of all ages, i am very educated with psychology & early childhood development. i always aim for impacting children's lives in a positive way.

Have experience working with

Special Needs

Certification

First Aid
Lola B. - Seeking Work in Prior Lake

Nanny Lola

Prior Lake, MN
$18 - $30/hr
Part-time
6 years experience

A little bit about me

Hi I'm Lola. I am currently a senior in college pursuing a bachelors in psychology to go onto a masters in social work. I have experience as a babysitter, nanny, camp counselor, dance teacher, special needs tutor, and I am the oldest of six children. I love all things active and outdoors and I look forward to making summer a good time for the kids that I nanny.

Have experience working with

Infants
Special Needs

Certification

CPR
Ella M. - Seeking Work in Prior Lake

Nanny Ella

Prior Lake, MN
$20 - $30/hr
Part-time
3 years experience

A little bit about me

Hi my name is Ella Majel I am a 21 year old Tha jus graduated from Iowa State! I have been nannying for about three years now and am looking for my next family! I love playing games, being outside, making food, and reading or just hanging out! I am willing to help with anything your family needs and love kids so much!

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Abby C. - Seeking Work in Prior Lake

Nanny Abby

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

A little bit about me

I am 16 yrs old, i go to prior lake high school about to start a pre-Nursing program this school year. I love taking care of infants and desire to have kids of my own when i’m older. I love cooking and creating new nutritious meals. I have experience of taking care of kids ages 9 mo old, 3 yrs old and 10 yrs old. The kids that I would babysit for lives in my neighborhood and are a family friend.

Have experience working with

Infants
Kayla L. - Seeking Work in Prior Lake

Nanny Kayla

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

A little bit about me

Hello!

I am looking for a wonderful nanny family. Feel free to email me.
[email hidden]
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