The nanny-parent relationship is built on trust, communication, and fairness. In Pennsylvania, where no state-level Domestic Workers' Bill of Rights exists, understanding fair wages, legal protections, and industry best practices is essential for both families hiring nannies and nannies seeking fair treatment.
In this 2025 guide, we break down legal protections, salary expectations, and job market trends to ensure that Pennsylvania nannies and parents are well-informed.
📌Legal Rights & Protections for Nannies in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania follows federal labor laws for household employees, but Philadelphia has implemented additional protections under its Domestic Workers' Bill of Rights. Here’s what nannies and parents need to know:
✅Overtime Pay – Nannies in Pennsylvania must be paid 1.5x their hourly wage for hours worked beyond 40 per week, as per the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) (U.S. Department of Labor).
✅Written Work Agreements (Philadelphia Only) – Families hiring nannies in Philadelphia are legally required to provide a written contract outlining:
Work hours & responsibilities:
✅Wages & pay frequency
✅Rest & meal breaks
✅Benefits & termination policies (phila.gov).
Paid Rest Breaks & Time Off (Philadelphia Only) –
Employers must provide:
✅10-minute paid break for every 4 hours worked
✅30-minute unpaid meal break for shifts over 5 hours
✅Accrual of 1 hour of paid time off per 40 hours worked, up to 40 hours per year (phila.gov).
For Parents: If you’re hiring a nanny in Philadelphia, ensuring compliance with written agreements, paid time off, and break policies is required by law. For parents in other Pennsylvania regions, offering similar protections voluntarily can help attract and retain top nannies.
For Nannies: If you work in Pennsylvania, understanding your rights regarding overtime and paid leave ensures you negotiate a fair agreement.
Salary Expectations for Pennsylvania Nannies (2025)
How much should parents pay their nanny? How much should nannies expect to earn?
According to Care.com, ZipRecruiter, and BNCR 2024 data:
✔️Entry-level nannies: $14–$15/hour ($29K–$31K/year) (care.com).
✔️Experienced nannies: $20–$24/hour ($45K–$52K/year) (ziprecruiter.com).
✔️Average nanny salary in PA: $19.31/hour, translating to $3,347 per month (care.com).
In Philadelphia, rates are often higher due to stronger legal protections and demand for experienced caregivers.
For Parents: Offering competitive pay ensures your nanny stays committed to your family long-term. Retention reduces hiring costs and ensures consistent care for your children.
For Nannies: If you’re earning below market rate, consider negotiating for:
✔️Paid vacation and sick leave
✔️Transportation reimbursement
✔️Guaranteed hours for income stability
✔️Professional development support (CPR, childcare courses, etc.)
Pennsylvania Nanny Employment Trends (2025)
✔️90% of parents in Pennsylvania provide paid vacation and holiday bonuses.
✔️Philadelphia nannies must receive a written contract, improving job clarity and security.
✔️63% of nannies cite communication with employers as their biggest workplace challenge.
For Parents: Open, transparent communication reduces turnover and improves the nanny-family relationship.
For Nannies: Clearly discussing expectations upfront can prevent misunderstandings.
How to Build a Strong Parent-Nanny Relationship
A successful nanny-parent relationship is built on mutual respect, trust, and professionalism.
For Parents:
✔️Provide a clear work agreement with defined duties and benefits.
✔️Offer timely and fair payments to maintain a professional relationship.
✔️Respect work-life balance—nannies deserve personal time off.
For Nannies:
✔️Be upfront about work expectations, preferred schedules, and benefits.
✔️Track overtime and sick leave accrual to ensure compliance.
✔️Continue professional development to enhance skills and job opportunities.
Final Thoughts: Ensuring Fairness for Both Parents & Nannies
Whether you're hiring a nanny or working as one, understanding Pennsylvania’s employment laws, salary expectations, and best practices creates a positive, legally compliant work environment.
