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 $17.66 per hour. For a typical 40-hour week, that works out to roughly $706/week or $3,061/month. Most State College families pay somewhere in the $12–$25/hour range, depending on experience, the number of kids, and what's expected on the job.
Average hourly rate$17.66/hr · State College average
These numbers come from 45 live nanny listings in State College on Nanny Lane. We update this page whenever the data moves.
- Weekly
(40 hrs) - $706
- Monthly
- $3,061
- Annual
- $36,733
Find nannies near you
What drives the price
Most State College families pay somewhere in the $12–$25/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 nanny'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) | $17.66 |
|---|---|
| 2 kids | ~$18.66 |
| 3+ kids | ~$19.66+ |
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 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 1% less than the Pennsylvania average of $18/hour and 7% less than the United States average of $19/hour.
| Area | Average hourly rate | vs. State College, PA |
|---|---|---|
| State College, PA | $18/hr | — |
| Pennsylvania | $18/hr | +1% |
| United States | $19/hr | +8% |
Where State College, PA fits among nearby cities
10 nearby cities have enough nanny data to compare, with rates ranging from $16.00/hour in Erie to $20.53/hour in West Chester.
Below: how each compares to the State College, PA average of $17.66/hour — State College, PA is highlighted at its true rank.
Nearby cities ranked by nanny rate
| # | City | $/hr | vs. State College, PA | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | West Chester | $20.53 | +16% | |
| 2 | Pittsburgh | $19.77 | +12% | |
| 3 | Philadelphia | $19.60 | +11% | |
| 4 | State College | $17.66 | — | |
| 5 | Lancaster | $17.38 | -2% | |
| 6 | Allentown | $17.01 | -4% | |
| 7 | Reading | $16.76 | -5% | |
| 8 | York | $16.40 | -7% | |
| 9 | Harrisburg | $16.37 | -7% | |
| 10 | Erie | $16.00 | -9% |
● Most expensive nearby: West Chester ($20.53)● Least expensive nearby: Erie ($16.00)
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.
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
45 active listings in State College
Nanny Avamarie
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
Nanny Aurora
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
Nanny Rowan
Nanny Rowan
State College, PA
$17/hr
Full-time
< 1 year experience
A little bit about me
I am a rising sophomore at West Chester University, majoring in early grades preparation and special education. I have lived in State College my whole life, however my dad lives in Philadelphia now. Music has always been one of my biggest passions and I play piccolo in the marching band at West Chester. Childcare has always been important to me and I've wanted to be a teacher since I was in first grade!
Have experience working with
Special Needs
Certifications
CPR
First Aid
Nanny Mackenzie
Nanny Mackenzie
State College, PA
$18/hr
Part-time
5 years experience
A little bit about me
I am currently a High School Junior, I have tons of experience as well as being a EMT and working with the local ambulance company!
Have experience working with
Infants
Certifications
CPR
First Aid
Nanny Jasmine
Nanny Jasmine
State College, PA
$17/hr
Full-time
1 year experience
A little bit about me
Looking for a good full time job! Currently a student getting my degree in nursing, my goal is to specialize in pediatrics! I have experience in special needs care, and I’ve babysat for numerous people. Along with a resume I have recommendation letters from family’s I have worked for in the past.
Have experience working with
Special Needs
Certifications
CPR
First Aid
Nanny Noga
Nanny Noga
State College, PA
$17/hr
Part-time
4 years experience
A little bit about me
Hi! My name is Noga, and I'm a junior at Penn State University studying psychology. I have four years of paid child care experience, including babysitting and being a summer camp counselor. I also grew up with two younger siblings that I have always loved watching over and taking care of. My child care experience is with children ranging from 2-11 years old but I'm open to working with any age!
Nanny Rita
Nanny Rita
State College, PA
$16 - $25/hr
Part-time
4 years experience
A little bit about me
Hi!
My name is Rita, I'm 20 years old, and I've been working with kids since I was a junior in high school. I've previously worked for an after-school program & summer camp, as well as doing babysitting on the side. I'm also CPR + First Aid certified, have all of my state clearances, and a valid TB test!
I'm about to enter my junior year of university, studying psychology and neuroscience at Penn State UP campus (We Are!). I love to work with kids, and I love psychology. So, any profession where I can do a mix of both would be amazing.
Having had worked with kids for this long, being adaptable and flexible is something I've gotten very good at. My hours can be super flexible, and I can be ready for just about anything!
Thank you :)
My name is Rita, I'm 20 years old, and I've been working with kids since I was a junior in high school. I've previously worked for an after-school program & summer camp, as well as doing babysitting on the side. I'm also CPR + First Aid certified, have all of my state clearances, and a valid TB test!
I'm about to enter my junior year of university, studying psychology and neuroscience at Penn State UP campus (We Are!). I love to work with kids, and I love psychology. So, any profession where I can do a mix of both would be amazing.
Having had worked with kids for this long, being adaptable and flexible is something I've gotten very good at. My hours can be super flexible, and I can be ready for just about anything!
Thank you :)
Certifications
CPR
First Aid
Nanny Madison
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.
Nanny Brigid
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!
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