Reviewed by the Nanny Lane team · Last updated

How much does a nanny cost in Lancaster, PA in 2026?

In Lancaster, PA, the average nanny earns about $17.38 per hour. For a typical 40-hour week, that works out to roughly $695/week or $3,013/month. Most Lancaster families pay somewhere in the $10–$27/hour range, depending on experience, the number of kids, and what's expected on the job.

Average hourly rate$17.38/hr · Lancaster average

These numbers come from 59 live nanny listings in Lancaster on Nanny Lane. We update this page whenever the data moves.

$695
$3,013
$36,150

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What drives the price

Most Lancaster families pay somewhere in the $10–$27/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)$17.38
2 kids~$18.38
3+ kids~$19.38+

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 Lancaster nanny rates compare to state and national averages?

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

Hiring nannies in Lancaster, PA typically costs about 2% less than the Pennsylvania average of $18/hour and 8% less than the United States average of $19/hour.

Average hourly nannies rates compared across Lancaster, PA and reference areas.
AreaAverage hourly ratevs. Lancaster, PA
Lancaster, PA$17/hr
Pennsylvania$18/hr+2%
United States$19/hr+9%

Where Lancaster, 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 Lancaster, PA average of $17.38/hour — Lancaster, PA is highlighted at its true rank.

Nearby cities ranked by nanny rate

10 cities near Lancaster, PA ranked by average hourly nanny rate, most to least expensive.
#City$/hrvs. Lancaster, PA
1West Chester$20.53+18%
2Pittsburgh$19.77+14%
3Philadelphia$19.60+13%
4State College$17.66+2%
Lancaster$17.38
6Allentown$17.01-2%
7Reading$16.76-4%
8York$16.40-6%
9Harrisburg$16.37-6%
10Erie$16.00-8%
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.
Learn more about nanny sharing

How families use Nanny Lane to find a nanny in Lancaster, 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:

  1. 01

    Browse nanny profiles in Lancaster, PA

    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 Lancaster, PA

59 active listings in Lancaster

Jillian S. - Seeking Work in Lancaster

Nanny Jillian

Lancaster, PA
$20 - $40/hr
Full-time
3 years experience

A little bit about me

Hi my name is Jillian, I am looking for a summer nanny position while I prepare to take my board certification exam for physical therapy. I recently graduated with my doctorate of physical therapy and have had experience caring for people of all ages for many years. I would love to meet you!

Have experience working with

Infants
Special Needs

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Olivia M. - Seeking Work in Lancaster

Nanny Olivia

Lancaster, PA
$18/hr
Full-time
2 years experience

A little bit about me

Hi! I’m Olivia 😊 I’ve always loved being around kids and naturally connect with them. I’m patient, fun, and responsible, and I enjoy doing things like helping with homework, playing games, and just keeping kids happy and safe. I treat every child like they’re my own and always try to make parents feel comfortable and stress-free.

Have experience working with

Infants
Special Needs
Jenna F. - Seeking Work in Lancaster

Nanny Jenna

Lancaster, PA
$17/hr
Full-time
< 1 year experience

A little bit about me

Hi I’m Jenna, I’m 23! I love working with kids! Some of my favorite activities are arts and crafts, reading, and spending time outside! I have two cats and love coffee! I look forward to caring for your kiddos!

Have experience working with

Infants
Special Needs

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Valentina R. - Seeking Work in Lancaster

Nanny Valentina

Lancaster, PA
$25 - $40/hr
Full-time
5 years experience

A little bit about me

Hi! I'm Valentina and I’m 22 years old. I am outgoing, and I enjoy talking and spending time with people, especially kids. They are a delight and I love being with them. I've taken care of my brother throughout his whole childhood, and from time to time I also babysat some cousins. I have had jobs as a full time and part time nanny, live-ins and also live out, and I think of them as my little siblings. I have many videos I can show you if you’d like to see! I like learning new things, so I’d be happy to learn what they like or we could learn something new together. I love pets also! I do want to mention I have a cat who has been with me since his birth. Please consider that for live in positions. I like traveling so I’m happy to move to work for you and go on trips.
I am CPR/first aid certified, and I have a PA drivers license. No car though! Thank you for taking the time to read this! Feel free to ask anything. If you think we could be a match, I’ll look forward to hearing from you!

Have experience working with

Infants
Special Needs

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Sheyla M. - Seeking Work in Lancaster

Nanny Sheyla

Lancaster, PA
$18/hr
Full-time
< 1 year experience

A little bit about me

Im 20 and have a son who will be 1 soon. I’m looking for a family to be their nanny and be able to bring my son along with. I’ve been working and watching kids since I was younger, I know how to work with special needs and have been working with kids since elementary school. I am CPR certified and have my drivers license and vehicle.
I am comfortable with pets as long as they aren’t aggressive.

Have experience working with

Special Needs

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Alana M. - Seeking Work in Lancaster

Nanny Alana

Lancaster, PA
$16/hr
Full-time
< 1 year experience

A little bit about me

I’m passionate about making a positive impact on kids’ lives and enjoy supporting families by providing dependable, caring supervision. I have past babysitting experience, including caring for a toddler, and recently worked as a PCA in an autistic support classroom in an elementary school with students from grades 1–6. That role gave me the chance to work with kids of various ages and needs, helping me become more patient, adaptable, and creative. I enjoy keeping children engaged with activities like outdoor play, board games, and simple crafts, and I’m comfortable following household routines and rules. I’m also active in my church community and attend services every Sunday, which has taught me the importance of kindness, patience, and treating others with respect. I’m currently in cosmetology school, and I bring the same dedication and focus I have in my studies to caring for children.
Katherinne P. - Seeking Work in Lancaster

Nanny Katherinne

Lancaster, PA
$16/hr
Full-time
2 years experience

A little bit about me

Mi nombre es Katherinne soy Dominica y tengo 2 años de experiencia cuidado bebés y adolescentes, tengo solo 22 años y estoy capacitada para trabajar con personas y niños

Have experience working with

Infants
Special Needs

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Leanna G. - Seeking Work in Lancaster

Nanny Leanna

Lancaster, PA
$22 - $30/hr
Full-time
Part-time
5 years experience

A little bit about me

My name is Leanna! I'm a Master's student in an online program through The College of New Jersey. My background is in Psychology. I am looking for a nannying role throughout the summer. I have experience nannying infants and children from age 1 month-7 years old. I would love to share my references-the families I have worked with are like family to me! I love kids and enjoy keeping busy and active! I love to play, read, sing, and explore with the kiddos I take care of. I am reliable, flexible, responsible, and safety is always my number one priority.

Have experience working with

Infants
Jaila Y. - Seeking Work in Lancaster

Nanny Jaila

Lancaster, PA
$10 - $15/hr
Part-time
< 1 year experience

A little bit about me

Hi, my name is Jaila Young, I am 14 years old. I'm looking for afterschool and summer babysitting jobs. I come from a large family and have experience baby sitting cousins and family friends ages 1-10. I'm fun caring and honest. I love math and science, I'm at the top of my class and I'm a quick learner, so I have no problem helping out with homework. If you or anyone you know is looking for is looking for a babysitter send me a message!
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