Reviewed by the Nanny Lane team · Last updated

How much does a babysitter cost in Allentown, PA in 2026?

In Allentown, PA, the average babysitter earns about $17.17 per hour. For a typical 40-hour week, that works out to roughly $687/week or $2,976/month. Most Allentown families pay somewhere in the $8–$25/hour range, depending on experience, the number of kids, and what's expected on the job.

Average hourly rate$17.17/hr · Allentown average

These numbers come from 192 live babysitter listings in Allentown on Nanny Lane. We update this page whenever the data moves.

$687
$2,976
$35,714

Find babysitters near you

What drives the price

Most Allentown families pay somewhere in the $8–$25/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 babysitters command higher rates. Entry-level (0-2 yrs) average $16.54/hour, while the most experienced (6-10 yrs) charge around $20.25/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)$17.17
2 kids~$18.17
3+ kids~$19.17+

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 babysitter rates

ArrangementTypical hoursAverage rate
Full-time35–50 hrs/week$18.65/hr
Part-time10–25 hrs/week$17.10/hr
Occasional5–15 hrs/week$16.96/hr
Live-inSet by family$17.27/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.

Live-in arrangements look cheaper per hour because room and board are part of the package. The trade-off is space — you'll need a private bedroom and ideally a separate bathroom for the babysitter.

Browse babysitters

How do Allentown babysitter rates compare to state and national averages?

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

Hiring babysitters in Allentown, PA typically costs about 5% less than the Pennsylvania average of $18/hour and 11% less than the United States average of $19/hour.

Average hourly babysitters rates compared across Allentown, PA and reference areas.
AreaAverage hourly ratevs. Allentown, PA
Allentown, PA$17/hr—
Pennsylvania$18/hr+5%
United States$19/hr+12%

Where Allentown, PA fits among nearby cities

10 nearby cities have enough babysitter data to compare, with rates ranging from $16.34/hour in Erie to $20.36/hour in West Chester.

Below: how each compares to the Allentown, PA average of $17.17/hour — Allentown, PA is highlighted at its true rank.

Nearby cities ranked by babysitter rate

10 cities near Allentown, PA ranked by average hourly babysitter rate, most to least expensive.
#City$/hrvs. Allentown, PA
1West Chester$20.36+19%
2Philadelphia$19.82+15%
3Pittsburgh$19.46+13%
4State College$18.28+6%
5Lancaster$17.72+3%
Allentown$17.17—
7York$17.11—
8Harrisburg$16.92-1%
9Reading$16.65-3%
10Erie$16.34-5%
● Most expensive nearby: West Chester ($20.36)● Least expensive nearby: Erie ($16.34)

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.
Learn more about nanny sharing

How families use Nanny Lane to find a babysitter in Allentown, 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:

  1. 01

    Browse babysitter profiles in Allentown, PA

    Filter by hourly rate, experience, languages, and availability.

  2. 02

    Message the ones who look like a fit

    Reach out to the babysitters 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 babysitter fits with your family in real time.

  4. 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 Allentown, PA

192 active listings in Allentown

Jennifer L. - Seeking Work in Allentown

Nanny Jennifer

Allentown, PA
$16 - $21/hr
Part-time
Occasional
2 years experience

A little bit about me

Hi! I’m 24 years old with a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice. I work full-time in Human Resources and previously served as a Life Skills Counselor supporting adolescents in foster care. These experiences strengthened my patience, compassion, and passion for helping others grow.

Growing up in a large family, I’ve helped care for my 11 nieces and nephews, so caring for children comes naturally to me. I understand the importance of creating a safe, loving, and supportive environment where children feel valued and comfortable being themselves.

Outside of work, I enjoy playing softball and staying active. I also have a dog, so I’m comfortable around animals and understand the responsibility of caring for them.

I’m dependable, nurturing, patient, and responsible. Families can trust me to provide attentive, loving care while ensuring their children feel safe, happy, and supported. I’d love the opportunity to make a positive difference in your family’s life!

Have experience working with

Infants

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Mari O. - Seeking Work in Allentown

Nanny Mari

Allentown, PA
$15 - $20/hr
Part-time
Occasional
< 1 year experience

A little bit about me

Hi! I’m a stay-at-home mom with hands-on experience caring for a young child every day. While I haven’t worked as a professional nanny before, motherhood has given me plenty of real-life experience with routines, meals, playtime, naps, outings, and all the little things that come with caring for children.

I’m patient, dependable, attentive, and genuinely enjoy spending time with kids. I love creating a comfortable, fun environment where children can play, learn, and feel safe.

Ideally, I’m looking for a family who would be comfortable with me bringing my young daughter along. I think this could be a great fit for a family who likes the idea of their child having a built-in little playmate while still receiving attentive, reliable care.
Nalia R. - Seeking Work in Allentown

Nanny Nalia

Allentown, PA
$18/hr
Occasional
2 years experience

A little bit about me

15 year old honor student and student athlete also worked as a lifeguard this summer. AED and CPR certified, great with kids and can cook, willing to help around with anything in the house and grew up with all types of kids all my life so I believe I’m a very capable and responsible nanny.

Have experience working with

Infants
Special Needs

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Jayla G. - Seeking Work in Allentown

Nanny Jayla

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

A little bit about me

My name is Jayla Germany, I am a 15 year old still currently in high school but I am looking for a job for the summer to help out my mom with back to school when it comes around. I'm hoping this job is for me and will be able to accept me giving that it is extremely hard to find a job this young. I am very nice and a naturally quite person and I am good with kids being that I watch my baby cousin from time to time.
Amanda, Y. - Seeking Work in Allentown

Nanny Amanda,

Allentown, PA
$14 - $17/hr
Part-time
Occasional
2 years experience

A little bit about me

Heyy - My name is Amanda, I'm a current junior college student majoring in psychology and media communications, with a minor in women & gender studies. I plan to continue my studies after getting my bachelor’s degree in order to become a child therapist in the future.

Have experience working with

Special Needs
Janeyda O. - Seeking Work in Allentown

Nanny Janeyda

Allentown, PA
$16.55/hr
Part-time
Occasional
< 1 year experience

A little bit about me

Hi! My name is Janeyda Ortiz, and I’m a student-athlete at Cedar Crest College as well as a member of the women’s wrestling team. I have a strong work ethic, a caring personality, and experience working with families through roles that require responsibility, patience, and clear communication. I previously worked as a Head Lifeguard at my local pool and served as a Swim Lesson Supervisor, which strengthened my safety awareness, leadership skills, and ability to work calmly under pressure. I genuinely enjoy supporting kids, creating a fun and safe environment, and helping parents feel confident that their children are well cared for.

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Toni S. - Seeking Work in Allentown

Nanny Toni

Allentown, PA
$18 - $20/hr
Full-time
Part-time
Occasional
3 years experience

A little bit about me

Hi! My name is Toni. I am 31 years old, living in Allentown. I would describe myself as kind, responsible, and I enjoy spending time with children! Safety is always my top priority, and I work hard to create a secure, nurturing environment where children feel comfortable and supported. I love making each day fun and engaging, often weaving in learning opportunities through play, reading, and creative activities. My goal is to help kids grow, thrive, and feel happy while giving parents peace of mind.

Have experience working with

Special Needs

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Ashley M. - Seeking Work in Allentown

Nanny Ashley

Allentown, PA
$16/hr
Full-time
Part-time
Occasional
< 1 year experience

A little bit about me

I’m Ashley 15 years old. I love kids and caring for them. I speak a little bit of Spanish. I enjoy being near kids and helping them learn and having fun with them. Despite only being 15 I’m capable of taking care of children, I’m very energetic and get alone very well with children. I have very flexible hours considering I currently do not have a job and I’m on summer break from school. I have a reliable transportation. And I’m free to babysit whenever early in the morning to about 8-9pm. I’m very responsible and caring and will do my best taking care of your child. Including playing with them, very little screen time if aloud, helping with homework, cleaning or tidying up or the house if needed and following all house rules. Almost always available to babysit let me know !
Serenity W. - Seeking Work in Allentown

Nanny Serenity

Allentown, PA
$16/hr
Occasional
< 1 year experience

A little bit about me

Hi hi , I am a highschool student and I play volleyball, and have high honor roll . I love being around kids and helping out with family kids, playing with them and keeping them engaged with activities . I’m looking forward to a new opportunity to help more families and to provide attentive childcare.

Have experience working with

Special Needs

Certification

First Aid
Find Nannies Near Me

Related costs in Allentown PA

Popular services in Allentown, PA

Start your journey towards finding your perfect babysitter

Get Started