Reviewed by the Nanny Lane team · Last updated

How much does a nanny cost in State College, PA in 2026?

In State College, PA, the average nanny earns about $15.60 per hour. For a typical 40-hour week, that works out to roughly $624/week or $2,704/month. Most State College families pay somewhere in the $8–$21/hour range, depending on experience, the number of kids, and what's expected on the job.

Average hourly rate$15.60/hr · State College average

These numbers come from 137 live nanny listings in State College on Nanny Lane. We update this page whenever the data moves.

$624
$2,704
$32,448

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What drives the price

Most State College families pay somewhere in the $8–$21/hour range. Where a given family lands depends on a handful of factors. Three of them drive most of the spread.


01

Experience

Experience doesn't make a noticeable difference to nanny rates in State College, PA. Entry-level (0-2 yrs) average $15.43/hour, and the most experienced (3-5 yrs) come in at a similar $16.15/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)$15.60
2 kids~$16.60
3+ kids~$17.60+

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$16.88/hr
Part-time10–25 hrs/week$15.79/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.

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How do State College nanny rates compare to state and national averages?

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

Hiring nannies in State College, PA typically costs about 2% less than the Pennsylvania average of $16/hour and 7% less than the United States average of $17/hour.

Average hourly nannies rates compared across State College, PA and reference areas.
AreaAverage hourly ratevs. State College, PA
State College, PA$16/hr
Pennsylvania$16/hr+2%
United States$17/hr+7%

Where State College, PA fits among nearby cities

10 nearby cities have enough nanny data to compare, with rates ranging from $14.27/hour in Erie to $17.17/hour in Pittsburgh.

Below: how each compares to the State College, PA average of $15.60/hour — State College, PA is highlighted at its true rank.

Nearby cities ranked by nanny rate

10 cities near State College, PA ranked by average hourly nanny rate, most to least expensive.
#City$/hrvs. State College, PA
1Pittsburgh$17.17+10%
2Philadelphia$17.04+9%
State College$15.60
4York$15.29-2%
5Allentown$15.27-2%
6Harrisburg$15.10-3%
7Lancaster$14.95-4%
8Scranton$14.85-5%
9Reading$14.75-5%
10Erie$14.27-9%
Most expensive nearby: Pittsburgh ($17.17) Least expensive nearby: Erie ($14.27)

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 State College, 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 State College, 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 State College, PA

137 active listings in State College

Avamarie M. - Seeking Work in State College

Nanny Avamarie

State College, PA
$17 - $20/hr
Part-time
3 years experience

A little bit about me

Hi! My name is Ava, and I am a college student at Penn State University pursuing a career as an Occupational Therapist or Speech-Language Pathologist in a school setting. I have a passion for working with children and helping them learn, grow, and build confidence. I love creating a fun, safe, and positive environment where kids can thrive, and I truly enjoy being a part of their development and everyday experiences. I look forward to supporting your family and getting to know your little ones! 😊

Have experience working with

Infants
Special Needs

Certification

CPR
Aurora E. - Seeking Work in State College

Nanny Aurora

State College, PA
$20 - $25/hr
Full-time
10+ years experience

A little bit about me

Hello! My name is Aurora. I have over 10 years experience working with children. This isn’t just a job for me. It’s my passion! I enjoy what I do and it shows by the way the kids light up when they see me in the mornings. ☺️

Have experience working with

Infants
Special Needs

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Leighton R. - Seeking Work in State College

Nanny Leighton

State College, PA
$15/hr
Part-time
2 years experience

A little bit about me

My name is Leighton! I have been working with children aged 18 months and older all across the developmental spectrum going on 2 years! I love working with kids in an engaging and interactive way so every child feels they have someone to connect with. I have two twin siblings aged 8 years old and have been working with little kids my whole life. That being said I am open to big families! I have taught big classes at my main job, Lil Kickers’ and am confident in my ability to maintain a safe and fun environment for your children.

Have experience working with

Special Needs
Lucy P. - Seeking Work in State College

Nanny Lucy

State College, PA
$15/hr
Part-time
3 years experience

A little bit about me

First Year student at Penn State! Grew up in South Florida and was a faculty kid, who often took care of the younger/ pre-school kids at school. I love connecting with kids and being creative about avoiding screens! I'd be happy to work with any kids with special needs/ different abilities as well.

Have experience working with

Special Needs
Madison C. - Seeking Work in State College

Nanny Madison

State College, PA
$16/hr
Part-time
5 years experience

A little bit about me

Hi! My name is Madison Cole and I am a rising senior at Penn state! I am currently staying here over the summer and working remotely with my internship! My goals in life are to become an event planner! I have had many years working with kids. Specifically I have worked with ages 3-8 closely and I have had a little bit of work with preteens and up! I have been a YMCA Camp counselor for 4 years in the past aswell as baby sitting in my area! I can help with homework, play time, food prep and laundry! I love kids because they are our future! It’s so important to make sure they feel cared and loved.
Vimarie B. - Seeking Work in State College

Nanny Vimarie

State College, PA
$15/hr
Part-time
2 years experience

A little bit about me

Hello! My name is Vimarie Brown and I have been working with children for 3+ years. I have worked at the Goddard School for early childhood development, and I just graduated from Penn State with a degree in Early Childhood Education. I also have my PA teacher certification. I’m looking for a part time or full time nanny position for the summer! I love working with kids and will bring positive energy to any family I work with :)

Have experience working with

Special Needs

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Brigid O. - Seeking Work in State College

Nanny Brigid

State College, PA
$16/hr
Full-time
10+ years experience

A little bit about me

Hi! I'm Brigid! I’m a graduate student and experienced babysitter with over 10 years of caring for children of all ages — and I truly love it! Working with kids brings me so much joy, whether we’re getting creative with crafts, reading together, or just having fun outside.
I also love to cook and bake, and I’m always happy to prepare meals or include little ones in the kitchen for a fun, hands-on activity. I’m reliable, patient, and calm under pressure — all qualities that help me create a safe and positive environment for the kids I care for.

As a grad student, I bring strong organization and communication skills, and I’m flexible with scheduling. I’d be happy to chat more and see if I’m the right fit for your family!

Have experience working with

Infants
Salam Z. - Seeking Work in State College

Nanny Salam

State College, PA
$15/hr
Part-time
< 1 year experience

A little bit about me

I am a very sociable person who loves kids and pets. I cared for my nieces when they were younger, and we still share a special bond. I am currently an international student and am trying to make money and provide care simultaneously.

Have experience working with

Special Needs
Prasanna V. - Seeking Work in State College

Nanny Prasanna

State College, PA
$16/hr
Part-time
4 years experience

A little bit about me

Hi my name is Prasanna, I love cooking, shopping and hanging out with friends. I also enjoy being outdoors.

Have experience working with

Infants
Special Needs

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
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