Reviewed by the Nanny Lane team · Last updated
How much does a babysitter cost in Downingtown, PA in 2026?
In Downingtown, PA, the average babysitter earns about $19.16 per hour. For a typical 40-hour week, that works out to roughly $766/week or $3,321/month. Most Downingtown families pay somewhere in the $9–$28/hour range, depending on experience, the number of kids, and what's expected on the job.
Average hourly rate$19.16/hr · Downingtown average
These numbers come from 37 live babysitter listings in Downingtown on Nanny Lane. We update this page whenever the data moves.
- Weekly
(40 hrs) - $766
- Monthly
- $3,321
- Annual
- $39,853
Find babysitters near you
What drives the price
Most Downingtown families pay somewhere in the $9–$28/hour range. Where a given family lands depends on a handful of factors. Three of them drive most of the spread.
01
Experience
Experience is one of the biggest levers on a babysitter's rate.
Nannies with 10+ years, or specialty skills like newborn care or multiple languages, typically command the highest hourly rates.
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
| 1 kid (baseline) | $19.16 |
|---|---|
| 2 kids | ~$20.16 |
| 3+ kids | ~$21.16+ |
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
| 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.
How do Downingtown babysitter rates compare to state and national averages?
Downingtown sits close to the national average for babysitter rates.
Hiring babysitters in Downingtown, PA typically costs about 10% more than the Pennsylvania average of $17/hour and 2% more than the United States average of $19/hour.
| Area | Average hourly rate | vs. Downingtown, PA |
|---|---|---|
| Downingtown, PA | $19/hr | — |
| Pennsylvania | $17/hr | -9% |
| United States | $19/hr | -2% |
Where Downingtown, PA fits among nearby cities
10 nearby cities have enough babysitter data to compare, with rates ranging from $15.92/hour in Erie to $20.43/hour in West Chester.
Below: how each compares to the Downingtown, PA average of $19.16/hour.
Nearby cities ranked by babysitter rate
| # | City | $/hr | vs. Downingtown, PA | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | West Chester | $20.43 | +7% | |
| 2 | Philadelphia | $19.35 | +1% | |
| 3 | Pittsburgh | $18.98 | -1% | |
| 4 | State College | $17.50 | -9% | |
| 5 | Lancaster | $17.31 | -10% | |
| 6 | Allentown | $17.00 | -11% | |
| 7 | York | $16.33 | -15% | |
| 8 | Reading | $16.33 | -15% | |
| 9 | Harrisburg | $16.17 | -16% | |
| 10 | Erie | $15.92 | -17% |
● Most expensive nearby: West Chester ($20.43)● Least expensive nearby: Erie ($15.92)
Tips to find a great babysitter without overpaying
- Be flexible on experience. Some of the best babysitters on the platform have 3–5 years on the job and charge meaningfully less than experienced babysitters 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 babysitters 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.
and enjoy flexible child care.
How families use Nanny Lane to find a babysitter in Downingtown, PA
Nanny Lane is a marketplace built specifically for connecting families with babysitters — no recruiters in the middle. Most families work through it like this:
- 01
Browse babysitter profiles in Downingtown, PA
Filter by hourly rate, experience, languages, and availability.
- 02
Message the ones who look like a fit
Reach out to the babysitters 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 babysitter fits with your family in real time.
- 04
Hire your babysitter
If you'd rather not handle taxes and payroll yourself, our payroll team can take care of it.
Available babysitters in Downingtown, PA
37 active listings in Downingtown
Nanny Kyle
Nanny Kyle
Downingtown, PA
$20/hr
Part-time
Occasional
10+ years experience
A little bit about me
If you're looking for a Male sitter/nanny to help your child of any age grow, Im your guy. I have expirence activity planning, tutoring, meal prepping, cleaning, etc.
While I specialize in helping children with discipline issues, I work hard to offer a caring and safe environment through positive reinforcement for every child.
Im an excellent cook, cleaner (former house cleaner), and have worked with pets my entire life.
16+ years of experience as a martial arts instructor with 1 year as a preschool teacher.
While I specialize in helping children with discipline issues, I work hard to offer a caring and safe environment through positive reinforcement for every child.
Im an excellent cook, cleaner (former house cleaner), and have worked with pets my entire life.
16+ years of experience as a martial arts instructor with 1 year as a preschool teacher.
Have experience working with
Special Needs
Certifications
CPR
First Aid
Nanny Amanda
Nanny Amanda
Downingtown, PA
$20/hr
Occasional
10+ years experience
A little bit about me
I am a student at the college of Charleston! I am very flexible and have tons of experience with anything as far as babysitting/ helping around the house
Have experience working with
Infants
Special Needs
Certifications
CPR
First Aid
Nanny Kirsten
Nanny Kirsten
Downingtown, PA
$20 - $25/hr
Part-time
Occasional
5 years experience
A little bit about me
Hello!
My name is Kirsten, I am a 33 year old mom of 2! ages 13 and 10. I am a truck driver during the daytime and would love to spend my evenings and weekends with you and your little ones.
My name is Kirsten, I am a 33 year old mom of 2! ages 13 and 10. I am a truck driver during the daytime and would love to spend my evenings and weekends with you and your little ones.
Have experience working with
Infants
Special Needs
Nanny Kylie
Nanny Kylie
Downingtown, PA
$18 - $25/hr
Occasional
1 year experience
A little bit about me
Hi! My name is Kylie, and I am a reliable, caring, and energetic babysitter with over a year of childcare experience. I am CPR and First Aid certified, and as a pre-med student, I have a strong understanding of safety, responsibility, and providing attentive care.
I genuinely enjoy working with children and creating a fun, safe, and engaging environment where they can learn, play, and feel comfortable. Whether it's helping with homework, playing games, doing crafts, preparing simple meals, or following bedtime routines, I am dedicated to making sure your child is well cared for while having fun.
I am patient, dependable, and organized, and I understand the importance of clear communication with parents. Families can count on me to be attentive to their child's needs and to provide a safe, positive, and nurturing experience. I look forward to helping your family and building meaningful connections with both parents and children!
I genuinely enjoy working with children and creating a fun, safe, and engaging environment where they can learn, play, and feel comfortable. Whether it's helping with homework, playing games, doing crafts, preparing simple meals, or following bedtime routines, I am dedicated to making sure your child is well cared for while having fun.
I am patient, dependable, and organized, and I understand the importance of clear communication with parents. Families can count on me to be attentive to their child's needs and to provide a safe, positive, and nurturing experience. I look forward to helping your family and building meaningful connections with both parents and children!
Have experience working with
Special Needs
Certifications
CPR
First Aid
Nanny Livie
Nanny Livie
Downingtown, PA
$15 - $16/hr
Occasional
< 1 year experience
Certification
First Aid
Nanny Hannah
Nanny Hannah
Downingtown, PA
$20/hr
Occasional
9 years experience
A little bit about me
I have almost 10 years of experience in child care, I have a deep understanding of children’s needs and a passion for creating a safe, nurturing, and fun environment. I’ve cared for kids of all ages, from babies to school-aged kids, and I’m great at managing daily routines, planning educational and fun activities, and handling any challenges with patience and professionalism. I’ve done everything from bottle-feeding and diaper changes to homework help and creative play. I’m reliable, attentive, and communicative with both children and parents.
I’m 25 years old and currently working on becoming an adolescent therapist and work full time in an early childhood education center!
I’m 25 years old and currently working on becoming an adolescent therapist and work full time in an early childhood education center!
Have experience working with
Infants
Special Needs
Certifications
CPR
First Aid
Nanny Dhruvi
Nanny Dhruvi
Downingtown, PA
$30 - $35/hr
Part-time
Occasional
4 years experience
Have experience working with
Special Needs
Certifications
CPR
First Aid
Nanny Kayla
Nanny Kayla
Downingtown, PA
$23/hr
Full-time
Part-time
Occasional
7 years experience
A little bit about me
Hi, my name is Kayla Castaldi and I am 25 years old. I have spent the last 5 years working in a local catholic elementary school, i’ve bounced between preschool and kindergarten. I have a clean record, CPR certification, and all up to date clearances along with my CDA.
Certifications
CPR
First Aid
Nanny Anna
Nanny Anna
Downingtown, PA
$16/hr
Part-time
Occasional
3 years experience
A little bit about me
Hi! I’m a reliable and energetic sitter who genuinely enjoys spending time with kids. I bring a positive attitude to every job and love creating fun, engaging activities while still keeping structure and safety a top priority. I’m very responsible, organized, and always make sure to follow parents’ routines and expectations closely. I am also CPR and First Aid certified, so you can feel confident your child is in safe hands. Whether it’s helping with homework, planning creative games, or just being a supportive presence, I’m committed to making sure your child feels happy, safe, and cared for.
Have experience working with
Infants
Special Needs
Certifications
CPR
First Aid