How to Set Babysitting Rates

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By FrogDoc
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Finding a good babysitter is difficult to do. Once you do find a good babysitter, it is important to keep her (or him) happy, which usually means paying them well. There are several things to take into consideration when setting babysitting rates.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Step 1

Go online. Visit bulletin boards that babysitters frequent and listen to the type of pay they expect. Find an online calculator that takes into consideration your location (babysitters in big cities expect more pay), the number of children you have, and the experience of the babysitter.
Step 2

Speak with your babysitter ahead of time. Ask them what rates they expect and negotiate with them.
Step 3

Consider what you are paying for. If your babysitter is an older individual with a lot of experience, or if she brings over crafts for the kids you may consider paying her more. If you are going to be gone a long time, if your children are babies, if you have several children, or if it is a special occasion (like New Year's Eve) you should adjust your pay accordingly. Remember that paying $10-15 extra dollars over the course of the evening may be worth it depending on your circumstances.