Reviewed by the Nanny Lane team · Last updated

How much does a nanny cost in Saint Paul, MN in 2026?

In Saint Paul, MN, the average nanny earns about $17.12 per hour. For a typical 40-hour week, that works out to roughly $685/week or $2,967/month. Most Saint Paul 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$17.12/hr · Saint Paul average

These numbers come from 425 live nanny listings in Saint Paul on Nanny Lane. We update this page whenever the data moves.

$685
$2,967
$35,610

Find nannies near you

What drives the price

Most Saint Paul 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 nannys command higher rates. Entry-level (0-2 yrs) average $16.29/hour, while the most experienced (6-10 yrs) charge around $19.96/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)$17.12
2 kids~$18.12
3+ kids~$19.12+

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 nanny rates

ArrangementTypical hoursAverage rate
Full-time35–50 hrs/week$18.29/hr
Part-time10–25 hrs/week$17.03/hr
Live-inSet by family$18.28/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 here run higher than live-out — uncommon, but typically reflects specialty demand for around-the-clock or live-in newborn care. The trade-off is space — you'll need a private bedroom and ideally a separate bathroom for the nanny.

Browse nannies

How do Saint Paul nanny rates compare to state and national averages?

Saint Paul sits close to the national average for nanny rates.

Hiring nannies in Saint Paul, MN typically costs about 2% more than the Minnesota average of $17/hour and 2% more than the United States average of $17/hour.

Average hourly nannies rates compared across Saint Paul, MN and reference areas.
AreaAverage hourly ratevs. Saint Paul, MN
Saint Paul, MN$17/hr
Minnesota$17/hr-2%
United States$17/hr-2%

Where Saint Paul, 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 Saint Paul, MN average of $17.12/hour — Saint Paul, MN is highlighted at its true rank.

Nearby cities ranked by nanny rate

10 cities near Saint Paul, MN ranked by average hourly nanny rate, most to least expensive.
#City$/hrvs. Saint Paul, MN
1Maple Grove$18.10+6%
2Minneapolis$18.00+5%
3Rochester$17.93+5%
4Woodbury$17.57+3%
Saint Paul$17.12
6Blaine$16.61-3%
7Moorhead$16.10-6%
8St. Cloud$15.77-8%
9Duluth$15.75-8%
10Mankato$14.93-13%
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 Saint Paul, 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 Saint Paul, 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 Saint Paul, MN

425 active listings in Saint Paul

Dylan R. - Seeking Work in Saint Paul

Nanny Dylan

Saint Paul, MN
$18/hr
Part-time
3 years experience

A little bit about me

Hi! My names Dylan I’m 19 and I am currently a nursing student and Winona State University and am looking for a part time summer nanny job. I have worked at a day care for 3+ years working with kids ages 3 months - 6 years, and have been babysitting for 6 years. I am certified in both adult and pediatric CPR and first aid. I love planning activities to do with the kiddos in my care, especially arts and crafts and sensory activities.

Have experience working with

Infants
Special Needs

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Lucy C. - Seeking Work in Saint Paul

Nanny Lucy

Saint Paul, MN
$17/hr
Full-time
Part-time
< 1 year experience

A little bit about me

As I graduate college this spring, I am excited to work full time, and I would love to work with children!

Have experience working with

Infants
Special Needs

Certification

CPR
Lifeastiana W. - Seeking Work in Saint Paul

Nanny Lifeastiana

Saint Paul, MN
$17.37/hr
Full-time
10+ years experience

A little bit about me

Hi! My name is Tiana, and I’m 20 years old. I’m a high school graduate with several years of babysitting experience. I’ve grown up watching multiple children of different ages and I currently still help care for family and friends’ kids.

I’m very patient, responsible, and attentive, and I always make sure children feel safe, comfortable, and cared for. I enjoy keeping kids engaged through play, conversation, and age-appropriate activities. I also understand the importance of routines, following instructions, and respecting each family’s rules.

In my free time, I love listening to music and shopping. I bring a positive, calm, and caring energy into any home, and I genuinely enjoy helping families by providing reliable childcare.

Have experience working with

Infants
Special Needs
Sara S. - Seeking Work in Saint Paul

Nanny Sara

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

A little bit about me

Hi, I am a sophomore in college studying elementary education. I am extremely passionate about childhood education. I love working with kids. I have experience working in childcare centers. I am a very active person and love to go on adventures, swim, hike, and workout. I would love to be able to go and explore things with your kiddos!!

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Maggie M. - Seeking Work in Saint Paul

Nanny Maggie

Saint Paul, MN
$18/hr
Part-time
< 1 year experience

A little bit about me

I am currently a student at the University of St Thomas. Originally I am from Eau Claire, WI but would love to find a family to nanny for this upcoming summer near St Paul!

Have experience working with

Infants
Special Needs
Naomi K. - Seeking Work in Saint Paul

Nanny Naomi

Saint Paul, MN
$17/hr
Full-time
5 years experience

A little bit about me

I am 24 years old and newly married. I don’t have any children, but I love working with them and helping them grow.

I’ve worked in schools as well as a private daycare, and have helped out with people aged 0-21.

I specialize in SpEd work, but am open to any kiddo that I can work with!

I love music, art, and being outside.

Have experience working with

Infants
Special Needs

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Jenny L. - Seeking Work in Saint Paul

Nanny Jenny

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

A little bit about me

I was a stay at home mom for 17 years (I have 3 children) and watched 3 other families at different times. I also home school my youngest child at the age of 15. Then I worked in 2 different daycare for almost 2 years. I am very passionate on working with children. I'm CPR and First Aide certified and have some online training. I have mostly worked with infants but also toddlers and preschool. I enjoy out doors, libraries, Baking, and animals.

Have experience working with

Infants

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Annie L. - Seeking Work in Saint Paul

Nanny Annie

Saint Paul, MN
$17/hr
Part-time
2 years experience

A little bit about me

I am one of 4, I have lots of experience with kids and love all kids! I’m a great problem solver and am very fun. I’m a great driver with a car and car seats. I would love to nanny for you!

Have experience working with

Special Needs
Princess Ann N. - Seeking Work in Saint Paul

Nanny Princess Ann

Saint Paul, MN
$17/hr
Part-time
6 years experience

A little bit about me

Hi my name is Princess Ann I am currently in college for my BFA and acting. I love staying creative filling my time up with arts and crafts, creative directing and making short films. my friends would describe me as reliable, an goofball and the mother of the friend group lol.

Have experience working with

Special Needs
Find Nannies Near Me

Related costs in Saint Paul MN

Popular services in Saint Paul, MN

Start your journey towards finding your perfect nanny

Get Started