Reviewed by the Nanny Lane team · Last updated

How much does a nanny cost in Reading, PA in 2026?

In Reading, PA, the average nanny earns about $16.63 per hour. For a typical 40-hour week, that works out to roughly $665/week or $2,883/month. Most Reading families pay somewhere in the $8–$23/hour range, depending on experience, the number of kids, and what's expected on the job.

Average hourly rate$16.63/hr · Reading average

These numbers come from 101 live nanny listings in Reading on Nanny Lane. We update this page whenever the data moves.

$665
$2,883
$34,590

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What drives the price

Most Reading families pay somewhere in the $8–$23/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 $16.34/hour, while the most experienced (6-10 yrs) charge around $17.77/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)$16.63
2 kids~$17.63
3+ kids~$18.63+

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$17.27/hr
Part-time10–25 hrs/week$16.90/hr

Part-time and full-time hourly rates are similar here — short schedules don't always command a premium when full-time openings are easy to fill.

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How do Reading nanny rates compare to state and national averages?

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

Hiring nannies in Reading, PA typically costs about 9% less than the Pennsylvania average of $18/hour and 14% less than the United States average of $19/hour.

Average hourly nannies rates compared across Reading, PA and reference areas.
AreaAverage hourly ratevs. Reading, PA
Reading, PA$17/hr—
Pennsylvania$18/hr+10%
United States$19/hr+17%

Where Reading, PA fits among nearby cities

The most expensive city for nannies near Reading, 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 Reading, PA and how each compares to Reading, PA's average of $16.63/hour.

Most expensive cities near Reading, PA

Top 5 most expensive cities near Reading, PA for hiring a nanny, ranked by average hourly rate.
#City$/hrvs. Reading, PA
1West Chester$20.88+26%
2Pittsburgh$20.18+21%
3Philadelphia$20.01+20%
4State College$18.46+11%
5Bethlehem$18.23+10%

Least expensive cities near Reading, PA

Top 5 least expensive cities near Reading, PA for hiring a nanny, ranked by average hourly rate.
#City$/hrvs. Reading, PA
1Erie$16.35-2%
Reading$16.63—
3Harrisburg$16.72+1%
4York$17.14+3%
5Allentown$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?

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 Reading, 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:

  1. 01

    Browse nanny profiles in Reading, PA

    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 Reading, PA

101 active listings in Reading

Zan K. - Seeking Work in Reading

Nanny Zan

Reading, PA
$17/hr
Part-time
2 years experience

A little bit about me

I'm currently a high school student and a member of my school's cheer team. Being on the team has taught me teamwork and responsibility. I also have four siblings, so I'm used to helping out and working well with kids.

Have experience working with

Special Needs

Certification

CPR
Sumaiya S. - Seeking Work in Reading

Nanny Sumaiya

Reading, PA
$17/hr
Part-time
< 1 year experience

A little bit about me

Hi, my name is Sumaiya i’ve been a around kids all my life. I love watching kids I love being around kids or treat other kids like they’re my own kids. I love kids equally kids are always safe for me kids love me to be honest.

Have experience working with

Special Needs
Grace J. - Seeking Work in Reading

Nanny Grace

Reading, PA
$16/hr
Full-time
< 1 year experience

A little bit about me

Hi my name is Grace, I’m a 19 year old college student. Im trying to open myself up to more opportunities and experiences. And I think that babysitting is a way for me to do that. I also love children. I’m a residential specialist so I have more knowledge of what it’s like to watch and look over an individual in my care.

Have experience working with

Special Needs

Certification

CPR
Theresa B. - Seeking Work in Reading

Nanny Theresa

Reading, PA
$17.50/hr
Full-time
2 years experience

A little bit about me

Im 25 years old, have a background in healthcare so I have all my certifications. I keep calm in stressful situations. Me and kids have always gotten along well I’ve babysat and and was a nanny for 2 almost 3 years for 2 different families as well as family members throughout the years

Have experience working with

Infants
Special Needs

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Angelica S. - Seeking Work in Reading

Nanny Angelica

Reading, PA
$16/hr
Full-time
3 years experience

A little bit about me

Im 22 i was an in home namny y for a six-year-old boy and a 2 month old baby girl, my responsibilities were picking up the kid from school lighthouse, keeping meal preparation and baby perperatio , making sure they're ready for bed and laundry.

Have experience working with

Infants
Special Needs

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Lauriel B. - Seeking Work in Reading

Nanny Lauriel

Reading, PA
$16/hr
Part-time
< 1 year experience

A little bit about me

I'm a great listener, I love family. I love art, any kind of art makes me feel happy. I love cooking, I like making new things.
Rachel F. - Seeking Work in Reading

Nanny Rachel

Reading, PA
$16/hr
Full-time
Part-time
2 years experience

A little bit about me

Hi There!
My name is Rachel Franey! I am currently a sophomore at Penn State, University Park. I am looking for childcare positions for the summer and possibly during school breaks if I am wanted. I am from Exeter Township and will be living there for the summer. I have been employed at Wyomissing Kindercare since the summer of 2025, and I was a center staff member there for ages ranging from infants to 12 year olds. I have 3 years of experience as an aide for a preschool summer camp (unpaid/volunteer). Through my employment at Kindercare, I have a number of certifications including CPR. I also have experience babysitting for families, and previous job experience at other companies. If needed I can provide a formal resume upon request! I am experienced and comfortable with taking care of children with behavioral challenges. I love spending time with kids! I am patient, resourceful, kind, compassionate, understanding, and flexible.

Have experience working with

Infants
Special Needs

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Lesley B. - Seeking Work in Reading

Nanny Lesley

Reading, PA
$16/hr
Part-time
2 years experience

A little bit about me

Hello my name is Lesley, I am 19 years old, I love to be around children and would love to be helpful to parents!

Have experience working with

Infants
Special Needs
Annabelle D. - Seeking Work in Reading

Nanny Annabelle

Reading, PA
$17/hr
Part-time
5 years experience

A little bit about me

Hi, Im Annabelle! I am a freshman at Alvernia university, majoring in nursing. I plan to become a nurse practitioner and own my own med spa business someday. I love to paint, listen to music, and hangout with my friends. I am the oldest of 4 children and I have two dogs at home. I have lots of experience in Nannying and babysitting.

Have experience working with

Special Needs
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