How Much Should Babysitters Charge?

Babysitters look after your children while you're away.

Charge A Low Rate When ...

Babysitters who are very young, have never babysat before, or are working as mother's helpers when a parent is still in the home should charge a lower rate. A babysitter may also charge less if she is doing it as a favor, or if she works regular or extended hours with the parents.

Charge A Higher Rate When ...

Babysitters with professional qualifications, training, or extensive experience can charge a higher rate for their services. Also, babysitters may charge more for special events (like babysitting on New Year's Eve, or overnight) or for special requests, such as light housework or driving the children to activities. They typically charge more the more children there are as well.

Bottom Line

Experience levels and training are the first element of assessing how much to charge for babysitting. Next, consider the circumstances: Are the parents asking you to do anything unusual? Babysitter pay usually ranges from $5 to $15 an hour.

References

• Sitters: How Much To Charge For Babysitting
• Sittercity: Rate Calculator