Typical Hourly Wage for Babysitters
Babysitting wages can vary greatly depending on your location, the specifics of the job and the experience of the babysitter. Determining what to pay or what to charge can be tricky, but there are several guidelines that can help with your decision. When in doubt, consulting with other parents and babysitters in your area can offer additional detailed insight into the typical hourly wages for where you live.
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Average Earnings
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Overall, the typical pay for babysitters falls between $5 and $15 per hour, with the average settling around $10. To avoid confusion, the hourly wage should be set up front and can be adjusted as necessary to fit the needs of both the babysitter and the parents. Young babysitters with little experience should expect to fall toward the bottom of this range, while experienced sitters who are in their late teens or early twenties can command much more.
Tips
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In addition to the predetermined hourly range, a small tip is often included. Anywhere from $1 to $5 is sufficient for a standard tip. Babysitters who go above and beyond their duties or provide an exceptionally good service may deserve a larger tip. Overall, this is purely a judgment call for the parents, but babysitters may be expecting at least a small tip in addition to their hourly wage.
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Considerations
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Many factors can affect the hourly wage of a sitter. One of the most important considerations is the number and age of the children. An infant requires much more care than an older child. Parents with very small children should expect to add an extra $1 to $2 to compensate for the additional work. Having to care for multiple children instead of a single child increases the hourly rate as well. Expect to add $1 to $2 per child to the standard rate that you would expect to pay for just one child.
Responsibilities
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Standard responsibilities that most babysitters expect include feeding, changing and playing with children. A small amount of clean up can be expected after meals or activities. If you require additional services, this should be reflected in the hourly pay. Duties such as laundry, extensive cleaning or errands can command an extra $1 to $3 per hour. If the babysitter is expected to drive children to activities in her own car, gas expenses should be compensated in line with the current gas prices.
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