Reviewed by the Nanny Lane team · Last updated
How much does a nanny cost in Lancaster, PA in 2026?
In Lancaster, PA, the average nanny earns about $18.22 per hour. For a typical 40-hour week, that works out to roughly $729/week or $3,158/month. Most Lancaster families pay somewhere in the $8–$30/hour range, depending on experience, the number of kids, and what's expected on the job.
These numbers come from 115 live nanny listings in Lancaster on Nanny Lane. We update this page whenever the data moves.
- Weekly
(40 hrs) - $729
- Monthly
- $3,158
- Annual
- $37,898
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What drives the price
Most Lancaster families pay somewhere in the $8–$30/hour range. Where a given family lands depends on a handful of factors. Three of them drive most of the spread.
Experience
Number of kids
| 1 kid (baseline) | $18.22 |
|---|---|
| 2 kids | ~$19.22 |
| 3+ kids | ~$20.22+ |
Hours & 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
| Arrangement | Typical hours | Average rate | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-time | 35–50 hrs/week | $19.18/hr | See full-time rates → |
| Part-time | 10–25 hrs/week | $17.55/hr | See part-time rates → |
| Live-in | Set by family | $18.87/hr | See live-in rates → |
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 nanny.
How do Lancaster nanny rates compare to state and national averages?
Lancaster runs below the U.S. average for nanny rates — a meaningful budget advantage for families looking here.
Hiring nannies in Lancaster, PA typically costs about 1% less than the Pennsylvania average of $18/hour and 6% less than the United States average of $19/hour.
| Area | Average hourly rate | vs. Lancaster, PA |
|---|---|---|
| Lancaster, PA | $18/hr | — |
| Pennsylvania | $18/hr | +1% |
| United States | $19/hr | +7% |
Where Lancaster, PA fits among nearby cities
The most expensive city for nannies near Lancaster, PA is West Chester at $20.88/hour; the least expensive is Erie at $16.35/hour.
Below are the 5 most and 5 least expensive cities near Lancaster, PA and how each compares to Lancaster, PA's average of $18.22/hour.
Most expensive cities near Lancaster, PA
| # | City | $/hr | vs. Lancaster, PA | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | West Chester | $20.88 | +15% | |
| 2 | Pittsburgh | $20.18 | +11% | |
| 3 | Philadelphia | $20.01 | +10% | |
| 4 | State College | $18.46 | +1% | |
| 5 | Bethlehem | $18.23 | — |
Least expensive cities near Lancaster, PA
| # | City | $/hr | vs. Lancaster, PA | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Erie | $16.35 | -10% | |
| 2 | Reading | $16.63 | -9% | |
| 3 | Harrisburg | $16.72 | -8% | |
| 4 | York | $17.14 | -6% | |
| 5 | Allentown | $17.38 | -5% |
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?
and enjoy flexible child care.
How families use Nanny Lane to find a nanny in Lancaster, PA
Nanny Lane is a marketplace built specifically for connecting families with nannies — no recruiters in the middle. Most families work through it like this:
- 01
Browse nanny profiles in Lancaster, PA
Filter by hourly rate, experience, languages, and availability.
- 02
Message the ones who look like a fit
Reach out to the nannies whose experience and rate match what you're looking for.
- 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.
- 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 Lancaster, PA
115 active listings in Lancaster
Nanny Shantaliz
Nanny Shantaliz
A little bit about me
Certification
Nanny Sarah
Nanny Sarah
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Have experience working with
Nanny Hannah
Nanny Hannah
A little bit about me
Have experience working with
Certifications
Nanny Jillian
Nanny Jillian
A little bit about me
Have experience working with
Certifications
Nanny Ana Sofia
Nanny Ana Sofia
A little bit about me
Have experience working with
Certifications
Nanny Jada
Nanny Jada
A little bit about me
Certification
Nanny Colleen
Nanny Colleen
A little bit about me
Have experience working with
Certifications
Nanny Olivia
Nanny Olivia
A little bit about me
Have experience working with
Nanny Elisabeth
Nanny Elisabeth
A little bit about me
I come with over 6 years of childcare experience in daycares and working with private families. I am CPR and First Aid Certified and I have my Child Development Associate License and Certification.
My passion is children and working with families to create a healthy and happy home environment.
In my free time I love getting coffee with friends and family and going to the movies!