When it comes to childcare, parents are always looking for the best option for their families. But with the childcare crisis and daycare costs on the rise, it’s hard to know where to even begin with finding a babysitter — let alone knowing a fair price to pay them.
For this reason, the big question for parents has become: how much does a babysitter cost? Unfortunately, the answer isn’t so simple when you have to factor in variables like location and experience. Although babysitter pay calculators may help you get a quick estimate, they tend to be broad, sometimes leaving you with more questions than answers. That’s why figuring out how much a babysitter is requires more than a Google search.
With help from experts, let’s dive into what to take into consideration when calculating the costs.
Experts Featured in This Article
Kristen Szapka is the founder and owner of A Nanny Match, a premiere nanny agency service that matches nannies with families.
Sean Lacey is the general manager of childcare at Care.com, an online service that connects families with caregivers.
How Much Does a Babysitter Cost?
On average, babysitting rates across the United States typically range between $20 to $40 per hour, says Kristen Szapka, owner of A Nanny Match. According to Sean Lacey, the general manager of childcare at Care.com, the national average hourly rate for a babysitter is $24.05, according to the company’s job post data.
It’s worth noting these numbers are purely an average estimate, meaning it shouldn’t be what you immediately decide on without factoring in other considerations. “Think about their experience, how many kids they’re watching, and if they’ll need to handle things like transportation, laundry, or pet care,” Lacey says. “These added responsibilities can definitely bump up the rate, so it’s important to weigh everything together to find a fair wage that appropriately reflects the work they’re doing.”
For example, if a babysitter is watching more than one child, “it’s common to add around $5 extra dollars per hour for each additional child,” Szapka says. However, in some cases (like their age), Lacey says adding at least $1 per hour for each additional child can be sufficient too.
You also have to factor in the cost of living, and where you are located. “Rates in urban areas like NYC start at around $30 per hour for one child when hiring a professional nanny, whereas rates in less urban areas start at lower rates,” Szapka says.
Again, experience will also play into the hourly rate of how much a babysitter costs, so make sure to take that into consideration as well. The more experience someone has, the higher their rate will likely be.
For Natalie Hammon, a nanny in Mission Viejo, California, her starting rate is $30 per hour. With 10 years of nannying experience, four years of special education preschool experience, and a bachelor’s degree in psychology, she says her level of expertise “definitely play a role” in the price that she charges. For someone like Zoe Kampf, however, a babysitter with one year of experience in Charlotte, NC, she charges $21 an hour.
Lastly, you have to consider added responsibilities. Do you want a babysitter to handle the laundry? Grocery shopping? Cooking? If that’s the case, expect to shell out some more money. For North Carolina resident Kristine Miller, she says she plays more of a “household manager” role. For $23 an hour, she does kid drop-offs, pick-ups, grocery store runs, cooking, and more.
At the end of the day, if you’re not sure what’s a fair price to pay your babysitter, Lacey recommends having an open and honest discussion to figure out a rate that works for both of you. Then, once you’ve agreed upon a rate, put together a contract that clearly states responsibilities and compensation. “A clear contract can turn potential confusion into a smooth, worry-free experience for everyone,” he says.
Taylor Andrews is a Balance editor at PS who specializes in topics relating to sex, relationships, dating, sexual health, mental health, and more.
