Pennsylvania Nanny Tax Calculator
Estimate your total employer costs for hiring a nanny in Pennsylvania. Enter your nanny's pay below for a personalized tax breakdown.
Pennsylvania employer tax rates at a glance
Social Security
6.2%
employer share
Medicare
1.45%
employer share
FUTA
0.6%
on first $7,000
PA SUTA
1.75% - 10.95%
new employer rate range
Key facts for Pennsylvania household employers
- Minimum wage: $7.25/hour (federal) (compare nationwide)
- State income tax withholding required
- Flat state income tax of 3.07%
- Philadelphia and Pittsburgh have local wage taxes
Pennsylvania nanny tax FAQ
How does the calculator estimate Pennsylvania nanny taxes?
The calculator estimates the full employer cost for a household employee in Pennsylvania: federal FICA (15.3% combined, split between you and your employee), federal FUTA (0.6% effective on the first $7,000), and Pennsylvania SUTA (1.75% - 10.95%). It also factors in Pennsylvania state income tax (when withheld), local income tax (Pennsylvania has significant local layers). Numbers update for tax year 2026 and reflect the 2026 FICA threshold of $3,000.
Does Pennsylvania require state income tax withholding from a nanny's paycheck?
Pennsylvania has a state income tax. Withholding from household employees is typically optional unless your nanny elects it on the state's W-4 equivalent. If they do elect withholding, you will owe quarterly remittance to the state and an annual reconciliation return that includes copies of the W-2 you issued.
What's the minimum hourly rate I can pay a nanny in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania uses the federal minimum wage of $7.25/hour for household employees. Some local ordinances may set a higher floor — verify your city or county. FLSA overtime (1.5x for hours over 40 in a week) applies to most household employees, with a narrow exception for live-in nannies who are FLSA-exempt from overtime (but not from minimum wage).
Does Pennsylvania add disability or paid family leave premiums?
No. Pennsylvania does not require state disability insurance or paid family leave for household employees. Your obligations are the federal baseline (FICA, FUTA, Schedule H) plus Pennsylvania state unemployment insurance.
Why does my Pennsylvania nanny's net pay differ from the calculator total?
In Pennsylvania, the gross-to-net difference comes from federal FICA (6.2% Social Security + 1.45% Medicare = 7.65% withheld from the employee), any federal income tax your nanny chose to have withheld, plus Pennsylvania state income tax if elected on the state W-4. Your share — the employer FICA match and FUTA + SUTA — sits on top of the gross, not subtracted from it. The calculator separates "employer cost" (your total outlay) from "employee net pay" (what lands in their bank account).
This calculator provides estimates for informational purposes only. Actual tax obligations may vary. Always verify current rates with your state's tax agency or consult a qualified tax professional.
Learn more
Pennsylvania Tax Guide
Full compliance requirements for PA household employers.
Nanny Cost by State
See how Pennsylvania compares to all 50 states for total employer costs.
Pennsylvania Nanny Contract
Free contract builder with PA-specific requirements.
Complete Tax Guide
Everything you need to know about nanny taxes.
NannyKeeper handles Pennsylvania taxes automatically
All PA tax calculations, documents, and deadline reminders—starting at $10/month.
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