Reviewed by the Nanny Lane team · Last updated
How much does a child care provider cost in Amherst, NY in 2026?
In Amherst, NY, the average child care provider earns about $20.60 per hour. For a typical 40-hour week, that works out to roughly $824/week or $3,571/month. Most Amherst families pay somewhere in the $16–$25/hour range, depending on experience, the number of kids, and what's expected on the job.
Average hourly rate$20.60/hr · Amherst average
These numbers come from 29 live child care provider listings in Amherst on Nanny Lane. We update this page whenever the data moves.
- Weekly
(40 hrs) - $824
- Monthly
- $3,571
- Annual
- $42,848
Find child care near you
What drives the price
Most Amherst families pay somewhere in the $16–$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 child care provider'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) | $20.60 |
|---|---|
| 2 kids | ~$21.60 |
| 3+ kids | ~$22.60+ |
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 Amherst child care provider rates compare to state and national averages?
Amherst runs above the U.S. average for child care provider rates, in line with most major metros.
Hiring child care in Amherst, NY typically costs about 4% less than the New York average of $22/hour and 8% more than the United States average of $19/hour.
| Area | Average hourly rate | vs. Amherst, NY |
|---|---|---|
| Amherst, NY | $21/hr | — |
| New York | $22/hr | +4% |
| United States | $19/hr | -8% |
Where Amherst, NY fits among nearby cities
10 nearby cities have enough child care provider data to compare, with rates ranging from $18.69/hour in Syracuse to $24.13/hour in New York.
Below: how each compares to the Amherst, NY average of $20.60/hour.
Nearby cities ranked by child care provider rate
| # | City | $/hr | vs. Amherst, NY | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | New York | $24.13 | +17% | |
| 2 | Flushing | $22.89 | +11% | |
| 3 | Brooklyn | $22.81 | +11% | |
| 4 | Queens | $20.99 | +2% | |
| 5 | Staten Island | $20.58 | — | |
| 6 | The Bronx | $20.47 | -1% | |
| 7 | Albany | $19.64 | -5% | |
| 8 | Buffalo | $19.44 | -6% | |
| 9 | Rochester | $19.11 | -7% | |
| 10 | Syracuse | $18.69 | -9% |
● Most expensive nearby: New York ($24.13)● Least expensive nearby: Syracuse ($18.69)
Tips to find a great child care provider without overpaying
- Be flexible on experience. Some of the best child care on the platform have 3–5 years on the job and charge meaningfully less than experienced child care 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 child care 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 child care provider in Amherst, NY
Nanny Lane is a marketplace built specifically for connecting families with child care — no recruiters in the middle. Most families work through it like this:
- 01
Browse child care provider profiles in Amherst, NY
Filter by hourly rate, experience, languages, and availability.
- 02
Message the ones who look like a fit
Reach out to the child care 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 child care provider fits with your family in real time.
- 04
Hire your child care provider
If you'd rather not handle taxes and payroll yourself, our payroll team can take care of it.
Available child care in Amherst, NY
29 active listings in Amherst
Nanny WRayona
Nanny WRayona
Amherst, NY
$20/hr
Full-time
9 years experience
A little bit about me
Hi, I’m W’Rayona but you can call me Ray. i love kids so much i have 7 nieces and nephews mixed, i grew up around kids. i’ve always been helping taking care of kids, my nieces and nephews are like my own. i’ve been inspired to work in pediatrics for so long but buffalo doesn’t have many opportunities for that field for (CNA). i’ve done internships in pediatrics worked with kids with trachs, and disabilities. i’ve done baby sitting for a very long time, even for families on care.com. i’m looking for a full time family that i can have trusted income and do something i enjoy doing and is actually excited to get up go to work you know. i can assist with all activities of daily living for your family.
Have experience working with
Infants
Special Needs
Certifications
CPR
First Aid
Nanny Ava
Nanny Ava
Amherst, NY
$20/hr
Part-time
4 years experience
A little bit about me
Hey! I’m Ava. I’m the oldest of five siblings, so I’ve always been the one people count on to stay organized and keep things moving. I’m currently in college studying pharmacy and playing Division II women’s lacrosse, which keeps life busy and exciting. I’m passionate about health, helping others, and finding balance between academics, athletics, and time with the people I care about. I’m always up for a challenge and love staying active and engaged in everything I do.
Have experience working with
Infants
Certifications
CPR
First Aid
Nanny Cheyenne
Nanny Cheyenne
Amherst, NY
$20/hr
Full-time
3 years experience
A little bit about me
My name is Cheyenne I am 20 I’m currently in the navy I don’t leave until march I was once a nanny before at 15 I watched the 3 girls ages 2,3,6 and 2 cats and a dog I would clean ,cook ,do homework ,take them places ,get them ready for bed they became family to me I stayed over night untill the next day and sometimes even stay for 3 days straight instead of going and coming back .
Have experience working with
Special Needs
Nanny Emma
Nanny Emma
Amherst, NY
$20/hr
Part-time
< 1 year experience
A little bit about me
Hello, my name is Emma Hagenbach and I am a graduate from Fairport High School. I am now a junior at the University at Buffalo studying child psychology. I absolutely adore children and have a lot of experience. I first started babysitting at age 11 and have continued working with kids since. I have worked at Doodle Bugs for over a year working mostly in the infant rooms! I have nannyed for several great families and absolutely love what I do.
Have experience working with
Special Needs
Nanny Sara
Nanny Sara
Amherst, NY
$19.25/hr
Full-time
< 1 year experience
A little bit about me
My name is Sara Bleuer. I have many many siblings and I’ve babysat and have experience with younger kids and babies due to nieces and nephews. I also volunteer in the nursery at my church.
Nanny Taiba
Nanny Taiba
Amherst, NY
$20 - $24/hr
Full-time
2 years experience
A little bit about me
Hi! My name is Taiba. I have experience working at a daycare with infants, toddlers, and preschool-aged children. I’m responsible, patient, and enjoy creating a safe and engaging environment for kids. I’m reliable, punctual, and always follow parents’ instructions carefully. I’d love the opportunity to support your family!
Have experience working with
Infants
Nanny Deja
Nanny Deja
Amherst, NY
$20/hr
Full-time
8 years experience
A little bit about me
Hi! I’m Deja — a dependable, patient, and caring nanny with experience supporting families with children of all ages. I focus on creating a safe, positive environment where kids can learn, play, and feel understood. I’d love the chance to be part of your family’s support system.
Have experience working with
Infants
Special Needs
Certifications
CPR
First Aid
Nanny Brooklyn
Nanny Brooklyn
Amherst, NY
$20/hr
Part-time
3 years experience
A little bit about me
My name is Brooklyn Alessi, I am from Buffalo. I’ve been around children my entire life and started babysitting at age 12. I’ve cared for my younger cousins from infancy through middle school, giving me experience with all stages of child development. I’m organized, patient, and understanding, and I truly love working with kids. I’m excited for the opportunity to provide a safe, fun, and caring environment for them.
Have experience working with
Special Needs
Certifications
CPR
First Aid
Nanny O’Ryelee
Nanny O’Ryelee
Amherst, NY
$18 - $25/hr
Full-time
1 year experience
A little bit about me
I’m a 16 year old girl I have a brother and I’m very good with kids! I was the first born and have many cousins so i would watch them all the time! Children love me I’ve never had any kid not like me or complain! I’m very fun energetic and I just love kids! I know to watch kids and keep them entertained.
Have experience working with
Infants