Comments on: How Much Should You Pay a Babysitter?

By: Miranda

Miranda — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 03:34:15 +0000

That one bit should have said “an entire day’s work”. Also, I probably would have watched her daughter for 5 bucks an hour.

By: Miranda

Miranda — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 03:25:54 +0000

I think it all depends. Some of the rates I’m seeing that people are getting paid for several hours, five days a week are pretty low. If you have someone watching your kids for 5+ hours for 5 days a week, you should at least pay minimum wage since it either isn’t really an option for them to have another job since they’re working for you so much, or they’re working a job and spending nearly all of their free time watching your children.

If it’s an every-once-in-a-while thing where you’re just wanting a night out or something, I can see paying a little less.

For instance: I’m a 25-year-old female living in Omaha. I have worked steadily for three years at a child care center (I’m now just a sub since I have another job). A single parent whose child attends the center just asked me to babysit for her on Saturday starting around 6. She said she’s not entirely sure when she’ll be back, but it will likely be after midnight. Her daughter is 3 years old and will be in bed around 8, so all but 2 hours of my time watching her, she’ll be asleep. Taking her mom’s single parent status, the fact that I don’t regularly watch her daughter, and the fact that her daughter will be asleep most of the time into account, I wouldn’t expect much money. Why should her mother have to pay me what might be the equivalent of an entire’s day’s work for a night out? She said she usually does between 6 and 7 dollars an hour, depending on what her home looks like upon her return. If I allow her daughter to make a mess and don’t clean up after her, I can expect 6/hr, but if I make sure it looks just as tidy as when she left, I’ll get 7. Seems fair to me.

By: Jessica

Jessica — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 22:56:18 +0000

I babysit a girl(11) 2 hours everyday a week and I only get paid $20 every Friday for the whole week. Getting taken advantage of.

By: Sydney

Sydney — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 15:09:00 +0000

I am a babysitter myself and for a family with 4 kids (2,4,6,8) I get paid $7/hour. I am in high school but cant drive myself.

By: Lorie

Lorie — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 19:52:14 +0000

Well i babysit 3 kids: ages 8, 6, and then 2.
i babysit them for 5 hours, and i get $15.

they are a lot of work; kinda stresses me out cuz they fight over games a lot and tend to get a bit of back talk. but hey, it’s job. noone is hiring where i live.

By: chelsea

chelsea — Sun, 18 Dec 2011 05:08:57 +0000

as i am reading the comments above i am shocked. i cannot believe that there are folks out there babysitting for a few bucks an hour. to babysit (in the evening) i charge $16.50/ hr and between $18-20 for two children. i live in the DC area which is known for expensive childcare. i’m starting to wonder if my rates are too much??

By: Ellen

Ellen — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 01:42:45 +0000

I live in a middle-upper class area, and I babysit regularly for 2 families. For one, they pay me about $7 an hour for 2 kids, and the onther (that I just started recently) pays me $10 an hour for one kid, which I think is a little bit too much… but hey! It’s extra money so I’ll go with it! Generally I say $5 an hour for one kid, and $3 for every additional child. So 4 kids would be $14 an hour, for me at least. However I do charge a little more, since the people that I babysit for are in the very wealthy area, and so I don’t feel bad making a few extra bucks $$$. Plus, those kids are high maintenance being so spoiled!

By: Lisa

Lisa — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 04:46:39 +0000

$50.00 for 3 1/2 hours for four children is a good rate! However, you should have been compensated for the “extra child” sleeping over. You were overseeing him and therefore doing a job that needed to be paid for…Don’t let them take advantage of your good nature of doing all those household chores. Just do your job with the four children and that is plenty enough. More work means more pay!!!

By: Isabelle

Isabelle — Sun, 04 Dec 2011 05:36:20 +0000

I actually just came home from babysitting and i got paid 50$ for being there for 3 1/2 hours. It’s my cousins that I’m watching, but they are four fairly young kids who are very rowdy and the oldest had a friend sleeping over. The first time I babysat for them I didn’t get paid very well, but then I started folding laundry and doing the dishes/putting them away and making beds and everything. Also, my cousin was throwing up and I had to tend to him. Once my aunt and uncle realized how much I did while I was there, they started paying me wayyyy more. Oh and by the way, I’m 13.

By: Mrs. Feliciano

Mrs. Feliciano — Sat, 03 Dec 2011 18:44:12 +0000

Hi, I’m from Long Island NY,I;m a PCA and I just starting to babysit a 14 months old baby.They pays me 80.00 for a whole week,I have the baby in my house for 9 hours per day,(8am-5:15-5:20pm), she provide her baby own food.

I have to pick her up and bring her with me to my house and she gave me another $20.00 for that. Still good,because I’m at home with my baby and hers. So 100.00 a week for 5 days/9 hours a day plus pick her up, for me it’s OK. But I feel is not quite right overtime for the same flat weekly rate.

We talking about if she have to pick her baby at 5:10-5:20pm and she pick her baby late at 10:45pm. How much more should I ask for. Any help about extra hours.

By: Morgan

Morgan — Fri, 25 Nov 2011 13:06:07 +0000

I am an 11 year old girl and i babysit my neighbors 5 year old boy for 5 dollors and hour. Whenever i babysit the buys grandpa is always home and so are my parents across the street. I think this is fair because I am still young, yet responsible.

By: Lisa

Lisa — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 04:53:26 +0000

The rate to pay a babysitter depends on many factors: the area, experience, education and maturity level of the individual. As a teacher, most of my parents pay their child’s teacher, $15.00 per hr. This individual is not merely someone to watch children, but someone who provides challenging and stimulating activities to the children while providing peace of mind as the children are in good hands. $10.00 for such a person is down right insulting, while $12.00 is fair and $15.00 is right on target. Many times, this rate is even higher because the parents and children like and know you well. So, you get what you are paying for!

By: Carla

Carla — Mon, 14 Nov 2011 16:44:18 +0000

I used to pay 12.75 an hour for my son when he was a baby. It was like handing the daycare my check at the end of the week. I was left with a little left over and a household to run.

My husband and I decided later on that it would be best to have opposite schedules. Now I work from home and take care of my son.

In my opinion, $10 an hour does seem like a lot, but then again it is four children. That is a lot of responsibility for a teenager if those children are all between the ages of 3-5.

In my opinion, negotiate a flat rate for a certain amount of hours, if it exceeds those hours than pay extra. But most important be honest with what you can afford, if you can only do so much, than that is what you can do.

A good site to check out is sittercity.com, if you want to look up prices in near by areas. Hope this helps.

By: aimee

aimee — Fri, 11 Nov 2011 02:30:18 +0000

This is in regards to kelli’s comment. I would like to know why you are so heated about your response. Man are you trying to make people feel bad for paying the babysitter less than they make at their jobs because you are a daycare provider, or do you just feel stongly on the subject? I would do anything for my children. The way you put your comment is that if you don’t pay outragous prices then you are asking for something bad to happen to them. That is crazy. If the provider is charging a rate that is reasonable then what does it matter to anyone but the family and the provider. I don’t understand how a person could pay just as much as they earn to have the child watched and be expected to make it in the world. That is why alot of people can’t afford to work. I work part time and my husband full time because if I worked full time I would make nothing. And my daycare provider is very reasonable. I have an inhome provider now, but did have a daycare center and even they didn’t charge like that. Lets make things alittle more feasible for people with out making them feel like jerks.

By: Kelli

Kelli — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 03:16:06 +0000

Clearly there is extremely cheap day care for single moms who have no other option but to work. But for those who are a two parent home and you are trying to get away paying an adult so little… i.e. $3, $5 and $8 an hour because you think the job is unworthy of decent pay, then you should stay home and care for your own children. Anything less than $10 an hour for one child is just insulting and not worth most peoples time. If it is worth it for you to go and make your money doing whatever it is you deem worthy of YOUR time then perhaps you can see clearly why someone might think caring for and protecting another human being, not to mention a helpless human being, might be a worthy vocation and warrants better pay than that of a janitor. Actually I think many people will pay more to have you care for their toilet than for their offspring. Kinda twisted when you consider it. Just sayin…

By: Kelli

Kelli — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 02:50:02 +0000

Clearly there is extremely cheap day care for single moms who have no other option but to work. But for those who are a two parent home and you are trying to get away paying an adult so little… i.e. $3, $5 and $8 an hour because you think the job is unworthy of decent pay, then you should stay home and care for your own children. If it is worth it for you to go and make your money doing whatever it is you deem worthy of YOUR time then perhaps you can see clearly why someone might think caring for and protecting another human being, not to mention a helpless human being, might be a worthy job and should pay more than that of a janitor. Actually I think people will pay more to have you care for their toilet than for their offspring. Kinda twisted when you consider it. Just sayin…

By: b stryker

b stryker — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 23:33:41 +0000

I was the one asking the question. Not for myself but, because my daughter believes sitters cost a lot in south Jersey. I keep telling her it should not cost more than minimum wage …..especially if it is a teen and the baby is asleep…like for an evening out. As a kid, I sat and always was paid just under minimum wage, because I guess the parents felt there was no taxes to pay. I believe when min wage was 1.75 I was paid 1.25 /hr…and when min wage was 4.00 an hour I got about 3.50-3.75. But when the kids were awake, and it was an all day thing, I remember getting like 30.00 bucks a day…as an older teen.
I’m thinking kids should be getting around 6.00 per hour at night to sit these days…any teens there with opinions…..? Location?

By: Krisha

Krisha — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 21:57:23 +0000

I get paid 120 dollars for three days. 5.00 to 6.00 dollars is not enough, you should either get paid from 8 dollars an hour up to 20 dollars an hour. That is the perfect rate for babysitting because for one, it’s a lot of responsibility especially it is not your child. My past experience I’ve babysit kids from 13 up 15 dollars per hour but my pay rate will go up to 15 dollars an hour up 20 dollars an hour because that should be the right pay rate for a babysitters.

By: Daniela

Daniela — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 18:47:05 +0000

I am a nanny for 2 girls. I work T, W and TH. 730-530
I have been with this family for 3 years. (I originally worked 4 days a week.) They take taxes out.
I am paid a salary. Appx $340 a week. It evens out to be a little less than $12/hr. They also give me $20/WK for gas and activities.
I am looking in to a Monday and Friday nanny position for extra income.
I’m not sure what to say my price is. My current employers are pretty dr’s.
This job I’m looking at is for 3 boys under the age of 4/10 hours a day.
Any suggestions on how much I should ask for?

By: Hailey

Hailey — Mon, 07 Nov 2011 23:21:27 +0000

I’m 19 years old and CPR certified and a college student. I babysit for multiple families.
First family: pays me $10/hour to watch their 5 year old daughter on date nights.
Second family: pays me $10/hour and an extra $10 for gas when I pick them up from school, 2 boys (ages-5 & 7)
Third family: $11/hour for 2year old girl, while mom sleeps (works night shift) and occasionally overnight.
Fourth family: $15 an hour, for 2 boys (18months & 5year old). This is occasional whenever they need me.

I live in Southern California, my minimum is $10 an hour but I leave the decision up to the parents mostly on pay.

By: Nicole

Nicole — Sun, 06 Nov 2011 20:57:30 +0000

I am 21 years old and CPR certified and I am paid $12 an hour to watch a 19 month old child, and Im paid $13 an hour to watch a 3 year old and a 5 year old.

By: Nikki

Nikki — Thu, 03 Nov 2011 21:10:10 +0000

I am babysitting a 2 and 4 year old, 40 hours a week and getting paid 75.00 a week. So that works out to be 1.87 an hour, I just haven’t found the right way to say “I quit” yet.

By: Casie

Casie — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 14:27:53 +0000

I need to know how much more I should charge to watch the children I nanny over night.
I am a live in nanny for two children ages 1 and 3. I watch them Monday-Friday from 8am.-5pm. for a pay rate of 130 a week. I get free room and board, free internet access and free food. The mom is going out of town for 4 days and 3 nights. Please give me your advice.

By: UltimateSmartMoney

UltimateSmartMoney — Sat, 29 Oct 2011 02:49:43 +0000

I think you are generous. I know some kids get paid $5/hr.

By: Kaeleigh

Kaeleigh — Fri, 28 Oct 2011 21:12:15 +0000

Just for a point of reference:

I’m 23, and have been babysitting both part and full-time for 11 years. I’m a semester away from having my degree, and I have two first aid certifications. I usually charge $8/hr for one child, $10-13/hr for two kids, and then it increases by about $5/hr per child after that. Tomorrow I’m babysitting for 6 kids under 7, and am getting paid $36/hr. It is however split between families, so each is only really paying me my usual $12. I live in Alberta, in a pretty wealthy town, and babysitting starts at about $8 an hour minimum here.

Don’t pay your babysitters too little, your kids are important, and we have bills to pay!

By: Ashley

Ashley — Fri, 28 Oct 2011 20:49:45 +0000

Im gana start working 5 days out of the week for about 8hrs a day im gana drop her off and pick her up from the babysiter and im taking her food. How much should I pay her

By: Lidia

Lidia — Fri, 28 Oct 2011 04:28:49 +0000

I take care of a 6 month old baby girl and I get paid $25 a day from 8am to 5pm the mom brings her and pick her up. I stay home taking care of my own kids and dive them to school, she is just like other daughter to me and I’m comfortable with what she pays me and she doesn’t really cares that I have to bring her with me everywere I go. Still I try to give her time to have her naps at home and give her her meals on time.

By: Brittany!

Brittany! — Fri, 28 Oct 2011 00:56:33 +0000

Hello!
I am babysitting a 4 year old boy soon.. And I am wondering how much I should ask per hour..Any ideas??

By: Dian

Dian — Fri, 21 Oct 2011 21:51:41 +0000

A neighbor wants to pay me 45 a day (8 hrs) to watch a 5 month old. Is that about right? I think its not enough.

By: Alex

Alex — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 00:06:57 +0000

I am about to start a babysitting job for a 2 and 4 year old. i am 13 how much should i get paid?

By: Kristy

Kristy — Fri, 07 Oct 2011 03:46:20 +0000

Here is my snowball if ugh!

I am a stay at home mother of 3, two of my children are special needs. Their ages are 5, 6 and 12. A few years ago I took on a full time babysitting job of 30 hours a week for a 2 year old. I was getting paid $200 per month by the mom and the state paid me $247 additionally because of assistance she qualified for. I then took on the cousin of the 2 year old who was 3 and his mom was having hard times. I charged her $2.50/hr because she insisted on paying me. I typically received about $160 per month from her. Fast forward to today, the boys are 4 and 5 years old. The 4 year olds mom got married and no longer qualifies for state assistance. She then asked if I would watch him hourly and I said yes. She then reduced his days to 3 days per week instead of 5 to save money and doesn’t get charged if she doesn’t bring him. We are a family of 5 on 1 income and I provide all food and don’t charge for late pick ups. Now I will be earning $180 per month, providing he is here everyday he is scheduled to be (even though I’m available and he sometimes does not show up). As far as the 5 year old goes, I watch him for about 3 hours on Mondays only now, still at a rate if $2.50 per hour and I’m responsible for feeding lunch and snacks. I don’t feel like these rates are fair, but since they are now family I feel uncomfortable charging or asking for more. My husband is upset and feels like I’m being taken advantage of and thinks I should charge $25/day for full day and $15/day for half day. Any suggestions?

By: Gia

Gia — Tue, 04 Oct 2011 02:38:58 +0000

Hello All,
A lot to read but all important. lol

I am a single mom of a 3yr old. I was asked today by a complete stranger I met at the bus stop (as I was taking my little one to pre-school) if I would baby sit her almost 2yr old 9a-5p and pick up her 8yr old after school(15min walk from my house). I dont currently have access to a car. I take my boy to preschool/playschool Mo,Wed,Fri 830-1045A. The opposite direction 10-15mins by bus.
I would be willing to give the 8yr old a snack after school. But ask that the 2yr old food be supplied for the day. Taking into consideration I have no access to a car. Although its a short walk I am concerned about the winter months and having to bundle a 2yr and 3yr to go meet the 8yr old. I would have to get my mom to cover me for that 15mins so I can get the 8yr old. So what would the going rate be for all of that?

Luckily I have dealt with kids in the distant past but not my profession.
3 girls (one at 7, set of twins from 2yrs) until they all turned 16 (back in the day 16yr olds were still kids lol)

2yrs – Parks and Rec Supervisor kids 6-12

And most recently my 3yr son to be 4. Who I have schooled at home and currently is reading simple books.
And I can provide a background check if needed.

I have a current check on hand because of volunterring to assist Long term care patients with feeding and entertainment.
So what should I charge? oh ya I’m 45 but with the looks and energy of a 35yr old yeahhh me.

Gia

By: alliie

alliie — Mon, 03 Oct 2011 06:47:40 +0000

I am an older adult, a neighbor asked me today if I would get 2 of their kids off the bus and watch them for about an hour or so… at my house everyday. I would have to provide food. I have a young child who goes half day in mornings, she does not get off the bus at same time as these kids. She wants to pay me $20 dollars a week. I am single mom, these 2 children have both parents working. I will not do this at all for $20 dollars. It’s full responsibility, takes my time away from my daughter and a lot of other things, ties my time up, may have to alter my plans. It’s just not really worth it at all. I would rather relax and spend time with my daughter or be free to do anything we want to do. Maybe if it was 75 dollars a week I would consider it that’s including me providing food. It’s normal kids always want a snack and drink when they get off the bus. To be paid $20 dollars a week I would be basically be babysitting for free because I am providing food. Its not worth it. Feel like I will be taken advantage of.

By: Laura

Laura — Fri, 23 Sep 2011 22:27:06 +0000

I am a freshman in highschool. I take an Early Childhood Education class working in the preschool there. I am cpr and first aid trained. I worked with my sisters on their babysitting jobs when i was younger, so I was very well experienced by the time people would hire me by myself. I babysit for a family with a 1year old and a 4year old. Durring night jobs I bring my own food, make dinner for the child, and feed the baby. I also clean up after the kids whenever posible. They pay me about $7 an hour, which is very good considering how well behaved they are. For pay, I usually let the family decide, but if they would ask I would charge a base price of $5 plus $1 per additional kid. For those trying to figure out how much to pay their sitters, you need to know their experience. Are they one who really interacts with the kids? or do they just care for them when nesessary? are they certified in first aid? What’s their background working with children? You want to know this before you hire. you wouldn’t want to leave your kids with someone unreliable would you?

By: Jennifer

Jennifer — Thu, 22 Sep 2011 04:12:38 +0000

I think it is up to who you are babysitting for, just as a job you don’t get to pick your wage. If you don’t like the pay don’t do it. Not every parent has the extra money to pay a large amount. I plan to pay between 3-4 dollars for my two kids. I also live in a very small area and am sure someone in their teens will not mind especially for a first job or so. Do you get paid at a regular job for the ride to and from work? Its the same principle. These are just my thoughts, but If i am paying for your ride, shouldnt I also get paid from the company i work for for my ride?

By: Shauna

Shauna — Tue, 13 Sep 2011 20:25:32 +0000

Hello,
I am an experienced babysitter with my own transportation, Years of experience, CPR and First Aid training, as well as Red Cross babysitting certification, I charge $9 an hour and $3 more per additional child. But rates vary based on experience, age of the babysitter, and ability to react to emergencies. Parents in my area are willing to pay a little more knowing I can truly take care of their child in any situation. I put up flyers about 3 weeks ago since coming back to college and I now babysit for 2 families a few days a week as well as an additional 4-5 jobs a week that are just for a day or so. I have begun to find other experienced babysitters at my school so I could almost expand it into a micro business.

By: Alyssa

Alyssa — Tue, 13 Sep 2011 04:02:52 +0000

Hi, I’m 13 and tomorrow I will be babysitting a 1,3,5, and 9 year old. I’m not sure how much to charge per hour. Usually for 1 child I charge $4.00 an hour, but this particular family has four young children. I am thinking of charging $6.00 or $7.00 dollars. But I’m not sure.

By: ben

ben — Sat, 10 Sep 2011 18:28:12 +0000

I charge 4 dollars an for 3 kids and 5 dollar for any more you should charge less if they are not a american red cross babysitter

By: Tiffany

Tiffany — Tue, 06 Sep 2011 15:48:35 +0000

I’ve worked in daycare settings for over 5 years and now am a nanny. I take care of one year old triplets two days a week for 11 hours each day. I get $180 a week. If I watch them on the weekends or any other time during the week I get paid $10 an hour and will not except less than that. Another child I take care of I receive $15 an hour but I pick him up from school and take him places using my vehicle and gas. I used to charge $7 for 1 child $10 for 2 and $5 for each additional child. But that was normally taking care of several families at once. Now when I babysit I charge a flat rate of $10 an hour since a lot of people cannot afford more than that. Also I am CPR and first aid trained so I believe I am not charging too much.

By: Tinkerbelle

Tinkerbelle — Tue, 06 Sep 2011 00:10:36 +0000

Right now i’m 11 and im being offered a babysitting job for when im twelve. I would be babysitting twin infants, a four year old, and a dog. im a first time babysitter and im wondering what to charge. The location is only a couple miles away and the parents and the four year old know me very well. What should i do? Please reply back

By: Nicole

Nicole — Mon, 05 Sep 2011 20:07:36 +0000

I babysitt a 3 kids ages 4 months, 3 yrs, and 6 yrs and I charge a flat rate of $10 an hour. I start off at $6 for one child and add $2 for each additional child… most people find what I charge fair.

By: Malorie

Malorie — Mon, 05 Sep 2011 13:25:38 +0000

I am about to start babysitting. Im 13 and I’ve been babysitting my niece for about 2 years now since she was born. I’m well experienced. I babysat a 4 yr old And a 2 year old in the past, receiving 5-6 dollars an hour. For my new jobs I’m thinking of charging $7-8 an hour. What do u think?

By: Skylar

Skylar — Fri, 02 Sep 2011 14:30:40 +0000

I think that everyone is being extremely picky . I’m 19 and I have been watching a set of 2 year old twins since they were a week old . For free . I am just taking on the job as full time , And I am now getting paid . Being a mom who has to take care of her family is hard work and hey guess what , it’s expensive . If you have a family , and you are taking on a babysitting job , you should open a home daycare Figure out your cost per hour , if it’s local non local . So on and so forth . Babysitting is a job for those who don’t have kids or in school . If your babysitter is asking for 160 dollars and she eats the food in your house , you’re being screwed . The deal me and my friend worked out is , I get 125 a week , enough to take care of me and my boyfriend , I will work from 6 am till about 2 go home till 4 stay for the rest of the night . She will supply food for me the girls to eat . Or money for take out . Babysitting for me is my favorite thing to do , and with a set of 2 year old twin girls , it’s stressful . So when you talk wages with your babysitter , make sure YOU feel comfortable , if she’s a family friend agreeing to do it but is asking you an arm 2 legs a a finger as she eats yourfood feeds her kids with your food , you should probably look for a new babysitter because you’re being used .

By: Jess

Jess — Sun, 28 Aug 2011 20:05:24 +0000

I am 25 years old and have over 12 years of babysitting experience and I was a full-time nanny for about a year. I have recently started my professional career in education, but still enjoy babysitting from time to time, as I do not have a family of my own.

Last night I babysit for two 10 year olds for close to 5.5 hours and was paid $60. The mom said she usually pays $10 and asked if that was ok, and trying to be polite I said that $10 or $11 was what I was thinking, but generally I get paid $10-$11 for 1 child and $12-$13 for 2.

And I have been trying to work with parents because I know the economy is tight, but I also only apply for babysitting jobs where parents say they will pay between $10-$15/hr, which is what this family said. I would have never asked for $14-$15 for 2 children (except maybe NYE or if it was only for 2-3 hrs).

The parents both hold excellent jobs where they are making $150K plus together. I also had to drive about 18 miles each way. I just was surprised to hear the mom say she only wanted to pay me $10 considering my experience, education, and age. I guess as much as I don’t like talking pay with parents, talking about rates ahead of time is best.

By: Ryan

Ryan — Fri, 26 Aug 2011 22:31:00 +0000

Ican’t beleive how low some of these are…I hope you guys can make more or pay more. I pray you get payed what you deserve….$3 hr is really nothing….I feel unless there extenuating circumstances like a loved onne or someone who is desperate that this is way to low.

By: Sarah

Sarah — Thu, 25 Aug 2011 18:18:50 +0000

Some of you are getting paid ridiculously low amounts. $3/hr are you serious? That’s nowhere close to minimum wage. I babysat a lot while I was in college and I would never get less than $10/hr. Nowadays I charge $12/hr.

By: Kate

Kate — Mon, 22 Aug 2011 13:40:30 +0000

I nannied for a family 50 hrs/week and was given $500 plus health insurance.
Daycare is cheaper than a babysitter because at daycare your child is sharing the sitter with other children. The daycare provider can afford to charge $3 an hour because there are 6 other children there, therefore bringing in a total of $21/hour. Ask yourself, would you do anything for only $5-6 an hour? Maybe a middle school child would see that as a lot of money, but you won’t get anyone qualified for that, unless they are a close family friend and are doing you a favor (in which case, you should be ashamed of yourself for taking advantage of this person).
Mothers who watch your children in their homes (who have children of their own) can afford to charge less because they would be at home with their children anyways – adding your child to the lot doesn’t put them out at all.
Basically, if you are asking someone to be in your home, watching only your children, you need to pay them a lot more, particularly if this individual is an adult.

By: Tami

Tami — Sat, 30 Jul 2011 14:37:35 +0000

I think no matter how many kids you babysit, it is a job that doesn’t require a college education so I believe no one should get more than minimum wage.

Child care providers should also take into consideration wether it is tax free or not. So if you you are getting $8.00 per hour but not having to pay taxes, well now aren’t you lucky?
40 average hours worked per week x $8.00= $320
or
40x $8.00= $320-21% tax(average single person deduction= $253 or $6.32 per hour.

are you reading to the kids, playing with them, teaching them…..etc? or do you have them off playing with toys while you study for your final, read a book, watch tv, text your friends?

Just saying………..

By: Katie

Katie — Mon, 25 Jul 2011 16:59:44 +0000

I think the best thing to charge is 4-5 dollars an hour for one child. It’s cheaper than most, but if your a good babysitter and babysit often, that won’t be a problem.

By: Amber

Amber — Mon, 18 Jul 2011 13:11:22 +0000

First I want to reply to Adi. Are your own kids getting on and off this same bus? If so, then that is something I wouldn’t even charge for and would consider my neighbors as being generous for giving me pay for something I am doing anyway which is something I would take into account when charging for a full day of babysitting. I would charge them less if they are giving me money for something I would do anyway.
Second is a reply to Megan who wants to charge $5/hour for her first babysitting job. That would be dependent on where you live. If you are in a big city (like Chicago, LA, etc) then that is probably a fair price. If you are in a smaller community you probably won’t get many call backs for future jobs. I personally probably wouldn’t hire an inexperienced babysitter for my 2 year old anyway as 2 year olds (and younger) tend to be a little more work. As an inexperienced babysitter I would probably start my prices at $3, and $1 for each additional child. Is the child going to be 3 soon? If so, then I would stick with that rate, if he/she just turned 2, I might bump my price up by 50 cents to a $1. These rates go on the assumption that you are also CPR & First Aid trained in case of an emergency.