How much should you pay your babysitter?

Finding a reliable babysitter is one of the best things you can do for your kids and yourself. But it’s expensive! Naturally, one of the most common questions for parents is how much to pay a babysitter. It’s about more than just the going local rate. Consider these factors when determining how much to offer a babysitter for childcare.

Average pay for babysitters by state

So, you're curious about how much babysitters make on average, right? Well, it's not a simple answer because it really depends on things like where you live, how many kids the babysitter is watching, and the time of day. As of late December 2023, the average pay for a babysitter in the U.S. was roughly $18 an hour. Here’s a look at what the top 10 U.S. cities are paying their babysitters:

$27.50 San Francisco, CA

$27.00 San Jose, CA

$25.00 Seattle, WA

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$24.00 Boston, MA

$23.00 Los Angeles, CA

$22.50 Stamford, CT

$22.50 New York, NY

$22.50 Denver, CO

$22.50 Thousand Oaks, CA

$22.50 San Diego, CA

The figures above were taken from Sittercity.com, an American online marketplace that connects babysitters, nannies, pet sitters, housekeepers, etc., with families.

Factors that influence the price of babysitting services

If you’re thinking back to the days when a babysitter cost five bucks an hour and a pizza and wondering why the prices are so different now, it’s not just inflation. Here are more factors determining how much you should pay your babysitter. 

Location

The cost of living varies from place to place, so it's essential to consider the location when determining how much pay babysitters receive. For example, a babysitter in a major city might charge significantly more than one in a smaller or more rural area.

Experience and qualifications

Babysitters with more experience or specific qualifications such as CPR or first aid training often charge higher rates. This is because they bring valuable skills and knowledge to the job.

Number of kids

How many kids do you need your babysitter to watch? That can also affect the rate you pay. Typically, babysitters charge an additional fee for each child they’re responsible for.

Age and responsibilities

If your babysitter will be caring for infants, kids with special needs, or driving to school or activities, they might charge a higher rate for the added responsibilities and specialized care required.

Time of day and duration

If you need someone to watch your kids late at night or overnight, babysitters often charge more for working outside of regular hours. The duration of the job can also impact the rate, with longer hours typically resulting in higher pay.

Additional tasks

If you want your babysitter to do extras like light housework or meal preparation, it's pretty standard to offer a higher rate. These added responsibilities take time and effort and aren’t always their primary skillset.

Starting price

Some parents choose to pay an hourly rate, while others prefer a flat rate for the entire job. Before deciding on an exact rate for your babysitter, it's best to have a conversation with them first before coming to a mutual agreement. Always discuss payment before making an offer so there are no misunderstandings or surprises.

Decide exactly what you want your babysitter to do, ask what they typically charge for those duties, and negotiate from there. The rate you pay your babysitter should be fair to both parties. It's a good idea to factor in any extra costs, such as transportation or providing meals for the sitter. Remember: They’re responsible for the most precious people in your life. Finding a reliable and trustworthy babysitter is invaluable, so it’s worth compensating them accordingly.