What to Pay the Babysitter: How to Decide Babysitting Rates

An article on the Huffington Post about what to pay your babysitter took my Facebook news feed by storm not long ago.  It brought up many mixed feelings regarding babysitting rates. And, frankly? Lots of questions were left unanswered.

So maybe you’re still wondering what’s a fair babysitting rates to pay your teen babysitter?  Or maybe you’re a sitter and you want to know what’s fair to ask of parents?

A LOT can go into that decision, so we’ll make it simple for you by showing you the things you need to think about.  Watch the FREE video below!

Maybe you’re on break at work, at school, or reading this while rocking the baby to sleep? We understand you can’t always watch a video, here’s the basics of what you need to consider:

Pay Your Sitter Fair Babysitting Rates

If you’re hiring a sitter, please remember you’re looking for a fair wage, NOT a clearance rate.

Remember the saying: you get what you pay for! (And, by all means, it should be at least minimum wage.)

Ask Around Regarding Babysitting Rates

I suggest in the Babysitting 101 online e-course or local class to ask the parents in your area who hire babysitters what they’re paying these days.  You can also ask teens who currently babysit what they charge. This will give you a better idea of the going rate in your area.

Other Things to Factor in Babysitting Rates

Consider these things, too:

• The more children to babysit, the greater the hourly rate a sitter makes.
• A driving babysitter makes more money because the parents don’t have to pick her up or get her home.
• An experienced babysitter with good references will earn more than someone just starting babysitting jobs.
• Parents often consider the workload involved in the job: if a sitter comes when the children are about to go to bed, she may not be paid as much as a sitter there during the day, actively playing with the kids, feeding them, etc.

Some Final Advice

I recommend to sitters that if the parents don’t bring up the subject of payment when booking, a babysitter should say, “I’m excited about babysitting for your family.  And I usually charge this much is that okay with you?”  The parent can negotiate, but the babysitter should be prepared in advance and know their limits. That way there are no surprises — or awkward moments — at the end of the gig.

I also believe every babysitter should be certified — that way parents can be confident that their sitters can handle any situation that arises. Sitters who are certified can also expect to earn more money since they bring more skills to the job. If certification is what you seek, the Babysitting 101 online e-Course or local class is an easy way to start.

So we’ve got to know: what do YOU pay your babysitter? Let us know in the comments below.  And click the orange button below to share this page on your Facebook if your friends are wondering what to pay the babysitter, too!

READ NEXT: Why You Need a Certified Babysitter (and How to Get One) 

About Julie Hunt
I’ve lived a full life with many unimaginable joys and heartache like you wouldn’t believe. Our blog exists to encourage folks to slow down, chill out, and love more.