Reviewed by the Nanny Lane team · Last updated

How much does a nanny cost in Prior Lake, MN in 2026?

In Prior Lake, MN, the average nanny earns about $20.31 per hour. For a typical 40-hour week, that works out to roughly $812/week or $3,520/month. Most Prior Lake families pay somewhere in the $14–$25/hour range, depending on experience, the number of kids, and what's expected on the job.

Average hourly rate$20.31/hr · Prior Lake average

These numbers come from 29 live nanny listings in Prior Lake on Nanny Lane. We update this page whenever the data moves.

$812
$3,520
$42,245

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What drives the price

Most Prior Lake families pay somewhere in the $14–$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
Hourly rate by number of kids
1 kid (baseline)$20.31
2 kids~$21.31
3+ kids~$22.31+

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.

How do Prior Lake nanny rates compare to state and national averages?

Prior Lake sits close to the national average for nanny rates.

Hiring nannies in Prior Lake, MN typically costs about 8% more than the Minnesota average of $19/hour and 5% more than the United States average of $19/hour.

Average hourly nannies rates compared across Prior Lake, MN and reference areas.
AreaAverage hourly ratevs. Prior Lake, MN
Prior Lake, MN$20/hr—
Minnesota$19/hr-7%
United States$19/hr-4%

Where Prior Lake, MN fits among nearby cities

10 nearby cities have enough nanny data to compare, with rates ranging from $16.91/hour in Mankato to $20.62/hour in Minneapolis.

Below: how each compares to the Prior Lake, MN average of $20.31/hour.

Nearby cities ranked by nanny rate

10 cities near Prior Lake, MN ranked by average hourly nanny rate, most to least expensive.
#City$/hrvs. Prior Lake, MN
1Minneapolis$20.62+2%
2Maple Grove$20.50+1%
3Lakeville$19.97-2%
4Woodbury$19.90-2%
5Saint Paul$19.84-2%
6Rochester$19.22-5%
7St. Cloud$18.29-10%
8Blaine$18.28-10%
9Duluth$17.61-13%
10Mankato$16.91-17%
● Most expensive nearby: Minneapolis ($20.62)● Least expensive nearby: Mankato ($16.91)

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.
Learn more about nanny sharing

How families use Nanny Lane to find a nanny in Prior Lake, MN

Nanny Lane is a marketplace built specifically for connecting families with nannies — no recruiters in the middle. Most families work through it like this:

  1. 01

    Browse nanny profiles in Prior Lake, MN

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

  2. 02

    Message the ones who look like a fit

    Reach out to the nannies 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 nanny fits with your family in real time.

  4. 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 Prior Lake, MN

29 active listings in Prior Lake

Kyra H. - Seeking Work in Prior Lake

Nanny Kyra

Prior Lake, MN
$14 - $20/hr
Full-time
Part-time
3 years experience

A little bit about me

My name is Kyra, and I just got my Bachelor's degree in Kinesiology and Health Science from Iowa State University. I will be starting graduate school for physical therapy at the end of August! This summer, I was looking to nanny to save up some money before I start graduate school. In high school, I worked at a daycare for about 3 years and gained experience working with children as young as 6 weeks old. I just spent the last two years working in Ames as a rehabilitation technician in an outpatient PT clinic, and even got to work with some of the children. Overall, I am very capable of providing for kids and would love the opportunity to help a family out for the summer!

Have experience working with

Infants
Special Needs

Certification

CPR
Maggie J. - Seeking Work in Prior Lake

Nanny Maggie

Prior Lake, MN
$20/hr
Full-time
3 years experience

A little bit about me

My name is Maggie! I am 21 years old. I have a strong passion for caring for children! I have about 3 years total of childcare experience and lots of little family members that I have cared for a bunch! I am currently attending college online and will be graduating in October!

Have experience working with

Infants
Special Needs
Alicia K. - Seeking Work in Prior Lake

Nanny Alicia

Prior Lake, MN
$20/hr
Full-time
Part-time
5 years experience

A little bit about me

I am a college student looking for a summer nanny position. With five years of experience working with children, I'm passionate about providing families with dependable childcare. My previous roles of babysitting and leading youth summer camps motivated me to continue supporting families. I'm known for my patient, calm, creative, and friendly nature.

I enjoy playing outdoor sports, board games, puzzles, and educational games with the kids. I am comfortable caring for multiple children aged 4 and older. I follow the parents' lead on household rules and preferred communication methods. I can also assist with cooking, meal preparation, carpooling, light housekeeping, crafts, and swimming supervision.

I have some college experience and hold First Aid and CPR Training certifications. I look forward to bringing my skills and enthusiasm to your family!

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Madie P. - Seeking Work in Prior Lake

Nanny Madie

Prior Lake, MN
$20/hr
Full-time
3 years experience

A little bit about me

Hi! My name is Madie Peterson and I am currently a freshman in college majoring in Elementary and Early Childhood Education, and I also work in the toddler room at the on-campus daycare, where I gain hands-on experience every day. For the past two years, I have worked as a nanny for two different families. One with children ages 5 and 7, and another with children ages 10 and 12. In addition, I regularly babysit for a family with four children (ages 6, 4, and twin 2-year-olds) and have been caring for them for many years. I have reliable transportation and feel comfortable driving children when needed. I love helping kids with workbooks or homework, doing crafts, and finding fun ways to get them outside and active. On rainy days, I enjoy planning movie days, playing board games, and keeping kids engaged in creative indoor activities. I am responsible, patient, and passionate about creating a safe, fun, and supportive environment where children can learn and grow.
Tanya O. - Seeking Work in Prior Lake

Nanny Tanya

Prior Lake, MN
$20/hr
Part-time
10+ years experience

A little bit about me

My name is Tanya. I am a mom of 5 wonderful kids. The oldest is 20 and the youngest is 8.
I've been Sunday school teacher for 10 years. I also speak 2 languages, English and Russian. Looking for a part time job, while kids are in school and college.

Have experience working with

Infants

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Jocelyn L. - Seeking Work in Prior Lake

Nanny Jocelyn

Prior Lake, MN
$21/hr
Part-time
3 years experience

A little bit about me

Dedicated childcare provider with a background in softball, bringing a fun and energetic approach to engaging children in sports and games. Passionate about baking, I bring creativity and warmth to creating enjoyable and educational activities for kids. Enthusiastic movie enthusiast who enjoys sparking imagination and creativity. Experienced in developing meaningful connections with children and families, fostering a supportive and nurturing environment. Skilled in organizing walks and outdoor activities to promote physical well-being and exploration. Certified in CPR and First Aid to ensure a safe and secure environment for all.

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Madeline L. - Seeking Work in Prior Lake

Nanny Madeline

Prior Lake, MN
$20/hr
Full-time
10+ years experience

A little bit about me

Hello! My name is Madeline. I have devoted my career to working with children in a variety of different settings, including mental health treatment, caring for children with special needs, an early childhood educator, and most recently a special education paraprofessional. In my free time, I love spending time outside and with my friends and family. Children are my passion and I would love the opportunity to not only provide your children with high quality care, but to fill your children's lives with lots of fun and love and to fit seamlessly into your family's life.

Have experience working with

Infants
Special Needs

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
McKenzie B. - Seeking Work in Prior Lake

Nanny McKenzie

Prior Lake, MN
$19/hr
Part-time
2 years experience

A little bit about me

I have babysat kids since I was in 6th grade. I am currently a swim lesson teacher and I work in childcare seasonally. I have been a swim lesson teacher for a year and have done childcare for two years. I enjoy being outdoors and active.

Have experience working with

Infants
Special Needs
Emma E. - Seeking Work in Prior Lake

Nanny Emma

Prior Lake, MN
$20/hr
Full-time
< 1 year experience

A little bit about me

I am a very positive out going person. I love to be outside and active. I enjoy cooking and baking. I'm very patient and willing to try different ways to help.

Have experience working with

Special Needs
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