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.
These numbers come from 137 live nanny listings in State College on Nanny Lane. We update this page whenever the data moves.
- Weekly
(40 hrs) - $624
- Monthly
- $2,704
- Annual
- $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.
Experience
Number of kids
| 1 kid (baseline) | $15.60 |
|---|---|
| 2 kids | ~$16.60 |
| 3+ kids | ~$17.60+ |
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 | $16.88/hr | See full-time rates → |
| Part-time | 10–25 hrs/week | $15.79/hr | See part-time 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.
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.
| Area | Average hourly rate | vs. 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
| # | City | $/hr | vs. State College, PA | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Pittsburgh | $17.17 | +10% | |
| 2 | Philadelphia | $17.04 | +9% | |
| 3 | State College | $15.60 | — | |
| 4 | York | $15.29 | -2% | |
| 5 | Allentown | $15.27 | -2% | |
| 6 | Harrisburg | $15.10 | -3% | |
| 7 | Lancaster | $14.95 | -4% | |
| 8 | Scranton | $14.85 | -5% | |
| 9 | Reading | $14.75 | -5% | |
| 10 | Erie | $14.27 | -9% |
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 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:
- 01
Browse nanny profiles in State College, 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 State College, PA
137 active listings in State College
Nanny Avamarie
Nanny Avamarie
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Have experience working with
Certification
Nanny Aurora
Nanny Aurora
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Nanny Leighton
Nanny Leighton
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Nanny Lucy
Nanny Lucy
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Nanny Madison
Nanny Madison
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Nanny Vimarie
Nanny Vimarie
A little bit about me
Have experience working with
Certifications
Nanny Brigid
Nanny Brigid
A little bit about me
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!