How to Decide Babysitter Rates

A babysitter essentially fills in for you, the parent, during your absence. To ensure that your child is in safe hands, it is essential that you get the right babysitter for the job.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Babysitter rates are not usually defined. Although babysitters put up their expectations on their online profiles based on their personal achievements and the hourly payment pattern, babysitter rates still vary as no two babysitters hold the same responsibilities.

2. * Teenagers are paid much less than elderly babysitters. Young babysitters usually take up babysitting to earn some pocket money during their free time. Therefore, they lack the commitment of professionals.

3. * Professional babysitters charge higher rates based on their qualifications. Their experience, training, good references, etc. also determines rates.

4. * Current hourly payment rates usually range from $5.00 to $15.00 all over US. However, these rates may vary depending on the current rates in the state and the neighborhood.

5. * The personality of a child also determines babysitter rates. Every child has different needs. Some may not be as demanding whereas caring for some may take up a lot of energy. Therefore, babysitters usually come around to a rate only after discussing the above issues with the child's parents.

6. * The number of children to be cared for and their respective ages affect babysitter rates. Infants and small children need extra care and continuous vigilance whereas bigger children are more independent comparatively.

7. * Some babysitter jobs also include extra household tasks or even entire home management yielding to increased rates.

8. * Babysitter rates also include fixed extra charges for late hours, late nights, etc.

9. Finally, it is best to negotiate the payment with the potential babysitter to reach an agreeable amount suited to both parties. Nevertheless, it is always wise to overpay rather than underpay a deserving babysitter if you can afford it. After all, a babysitter affects your child's development in a huge way so it pays to keep her happy, too.

Resources

• Child's Development

[abigailbeth]

on 10/2/2009 I am just getting back into babysitting at age 23. I became CPR/AED and First Aid certified for the first time this summer, but have taken all those child care classes back in middle school. I do have plenty of experience--just not recently. I asked around and searched online finding that in my community in North Dakota the average rates were $7+ an hour for one child. I've told parents that I'm looking to make around minimum wage and so far it's working out well. Some pay me $6 and another pays me $8 for one child!

[shamoon]

on 7/29/2009 The going rate for us is around $12-15 if an adult, and about $8-10 for a teenager. I have also found that if you pack your child's food and send things that will occupy them and keep the stress levels down, you will get a cheaper rate and they are more willing to keep your child in the future. Also, if the babysitter will be keeping your child in your home it tends to be cheaper. One rule of thumb...Don't get aggravated with the babysitter if they don't do things the way you do or want them to. They are doing what they can to get the job done safely and efficiently. I had a hard time with this. No one could do it better than me, and every parent feels that way, but it's best to appreciate that you have a good babysitter that genuinely cares for your child's wellbeing and kept safe. Besides, why would you want someone to be "just like you?" That's unique and something you sha...