What Is the Going Rate for Babysitting Right Now?

Whether you need a trustworthy babysitter for a date night, special occasions, or for long-term work, you are probably wondering, “What is the going rate for babysitting?”

All kinds of babysitters are available for whatever your schedule requires, but what you need from your babysitter can dramatically change your rates.

Before Hiring a Sitter

– Are you planning to hire a teenager or an adult? – Will the sitter have a set schedule, or are your needs more sporadic? – Do you need someone to provide childcare early in the morning, late at night, or overnight?

An older babysitter is likely to have more experience with children than a younger teenager. There is nothing wrong with hiring a teenage babysitter, especially if they are friends of the family. However, your particular circumstances might call for highly recommended babysitters with childcare certifications.

A Babysitter’s Age and Experience Affects Rates

– The average cost of a babysitter in New York City is $18.94 per hour—on par with the national average. – The average cost of a babysitter in San Francisco is $21.17 per hour, making it the most expensive city to hire a babysitter. – Contrarily, the average hourly rate for babysitters in a town like Little Rock, Arkansas, is just $12.50.

Your Location Affects Babysitting Rates

The Number and Age of Your Children Affect Rates

The rate you can expect to pay will change depending on the number of children you have. Caring for multiple children is a much bigger job than caring for just one child.

Babysitter, Nanny, or Daycare?

If you require regular childcare, there are different types you can choose from. Babysitters, nannies, and daycares are all different. All three of these services are in the childcare field.

– Babysitters watch children for parents, usually at the children’s house, when the parent requires temporary childcare. These jobs are usually part-time verbal agreements, and contracts are casual. – Nannies are full-time, usually salaried, permanent employees. Sometimes nannies live in the children’s home, and their responsibilities span all hours of the day. Nannies also help with childhood development and household operations. – Daycares are businesses. Daycares usually charge parents a monthly fee.

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