Reviewed by the Nanny Lane team · Last updated

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

In Bethlehem, PA, the average babysitter earns about $17.80 per hour. For a typical 40-hour week, that works out to roughly $712/week or $3,085/month. Most Bethlehem families pay somewhere in the $7–$25/hour range, depending on experience, the number of kids, and what's expected on the job.

Average hourly rate$17.80/hr · Bethlehem average

These numbers come from 98 live babysitter listings in Bethlehem on Nanny Lane. We update this page whenever the data moves.

$712
$3,085
$37,024

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What drives the price

Most Bethlehem families pay somewhere in the $7–$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 $17.47/hour, while the most experienced (6-10 yrs) charge around $19.90/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)$17.80
2 kids~$18.80
3+ kids~$19.80+

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$19.30/hr
Part-time10–25 hrs/week$18.58/hr
Occasional5–15 hrs/week$18.14/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 Bethlehem babysitter rates compare to state and national averages?

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

Hiring babysitters in Bethlehem, PA typically costs about 2% more than the Pennsylvania average of $17/hour and 5% less than the United States average of $19/hour.

Average hourly babysitters rates compared across Bethlehem, PA and reference areas.
AreaAverage hourly ratevs. Bethlehem, PA
Bethlehem, PA$18/hr
Pennsylvania$17/hr-2%
United States$19/hr+6%

Where Bethlehem, 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 Bethlehem, PA average of $17.80/hour.

Nearby cities ranked by babysitter rate

10 cities near Bethlehem, PA ranked by average hourly babysitter rate, most to least expensive.
#City$/hrvs. Bethlehem, PA
1West Chester$20.43+15%
2Philadelphia$19.35+9%
3Pittsburgh$18.98+7%
4State College$17.50-2%
5Lancaster$17.31-3%
6Allentown$17.00-4%
7York$16.33-8%
8Reading$16.33-8%
9Harrisburg$16.17-9%
10Erie$15.92-11%
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.
Learn more about nanny sharing

How families use Nanny Lane to find a babysitter in Bethlehem, 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 Bethlehem, 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 Bethlehem, PA

98 active listings in Bethlehem

Leah C. - Seeking Work in Bethlehem

Nanny Leah

Bethlehem, PA
$18/hr
Part-time
Occasional
1 year experience

A little bit about me

My Name is Leah Curzi I am a high school student and a part time swim instructor at Goldfish swim school in bethlehem. I love working with children and would love to start babysitting on the side!

Have experience working with

Infants
Special Needs

Certification

CPR
Lauren S. - Seeking Work in Bethlehem

Nanny Lauren

Bethlehem, PA
$15 - $30/hr
Part-time
Occasional
10+ years experience

A little bit about me

I work in an elementary school during the school year and am currently off for the summer. Spending time with my pup, niece, nephews, family, and friends but also have availability to provide child care.

Have experience working with

Infants
Special Needs
Alize C. - Seeking Work in Bethlehem

Nanny Alize

Bethlehem, PA
$20 - $25/hr
Part-time
Occasional
1 year experience

A little bit about me

Hi, my name is Alizé! I'm a nursing student who loves traveling, painting, learning about different cultures, and trying new foods. I also enjoy fashion and going to the movie theater. I'm great with kids and have lots of experience helping care for my four younger sisters and baby brother. I love meeting new people, learning new things, and making the most of every experience.

Have experience working with

Infants
Special Needs

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Elizabeth B. - Seeking Work in Bethlehem

Nanny Elizabeth

Bethlehem, PA
$25 - $35/hr
Full-time
Part-time
Occasional
1 year experience

A little bit about me

Hi! I’m Liz, a 31-year-old from Bethlehem, PA with a big heart for kids and a background in behavioral health. I currently work as a Behavioral Health Technician, so patience, consistency, and meeting kids where they’re at comes naturally to me. I’ve also been a hands-on auntie to my niece and nephews since they were babies, which is honestly some of my favorite experience. I’m CPR and First Aid certified, a non-smoker, and an animal lover of all kinds. I’m looking for a position where I can show up reliably and be someone a family really trusts.

Have experience working with

Infants

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Abbie O. - Seeking Work in Bethlehem

Nanny Abbie

Bethlehem, PA
$18/hr
Occasional
8 years experience

A little bit about me

Hi I am Abbie! I am empathetic and patient when caring for children and can help with anything to make your needs met! I recently graduated with my bachelors degree in Psychology and just started graduate school to get my masters degree in School Psychology. I am an experienced dance teacher so I have handled children from ages 3-13+. I have a car so transportation is not a problem.

Have experience working with

Special Needs
Jasalene C. - Seeking Work in Bethlehem

Nanny Jasalene

Bethlehem, PA
$17/hr
Occasional
2 years experience

A little bit about me

Hi my name is Jas I’m a 18 year old going to college in the fall I am CPR and first aid certified. I am also a CNA if that counts. I have two younger siblings so babysitting is a piece of cake, also have babysat other kids as well. :) I hope to meet you and your little one.

Have experience working with

Infants

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Ruby R. - Seeking Work in Bethlehem

Nanny Ruby

Bethlehem, PA
$17 - $19/hr
Occasional
2 years experience

A little bit about me

Hi! My name is Ruby. I am a responsible and energetic 17-year-old high school student with a passion for working with children. For the past two years, I have worked as both a swim and dance instructor, caring for and teaching children aged 2 to 12. Because of this, I know how to strike the perfect balance between keeping things fun and maintaining structure and discipline.

Safety is my absolute top priority. I am a certified lifeguard, as well as CPR and First Aid certified, so you can have total peace of mind while your children are in my care. I would love the opportunity to help your family with after-school care, during the school year and mornings, afternoons, or evenings during the summer months. I look forward to meeting you and your little ones!

Have experience working with

Special Needs

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Luz R. - Seeking Work in Bethlehem

Nanny Luz

Bethlehem, PA
$18/hr
Full-time
Part-time
Occasional
10+ years experience

A little bit about me

I am a very outgoing person, love to engage with children. Hence why I have 5 of my own who are now adults. It will be a pleasure to care for your little ones.

Have experience working with

Infants
Special Needs

Certification

CPR
Kim C. - Seeking Work in Bethlehem

Nanny Kim

Bethlehem, PA
$18/hr
Occasional
4 years experience

A little bit about me

Hi! My name is Kim. I am currently in nursing school and set to graduate in the upcoming months! I have a pretty open and flexible schedule as my classes are currently self-paced and online. I am first aid and BLS/CPR certified, I am good around animals, and I have around 4 years of experience with children (not including children in my family- then it would be around 13 years!). I would love to talk more about the needs you have and how I can help!

Have experience working with

Infants
Special Needs

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
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