How Much Should I Charge for Babysitting?
Babysitters charge by the hour. The rate depends on your experience, the number of kids, their ages and where you live. Certifications like CPR and first aid, and experience with babies, are good reasons to charge more.
Reference Rates: Babysitting
Based on a reference of $22 an hour for babysitting at an intermediate level, in a state with average living costs. These are starting points, before materials, travel and card fees.
| Experience | Per hour | Evening (4 h) | Full day (9 h) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Just Starting less than 1 year | $15.40 | $65 | $140 |
| Intermediate 1 to 3 years | $22 | $90 | $200 |
| Experienced 3 to 8 years | $29.70 | $120 | $270 |
| Expert top of your field | $39.60 | $160 | $360 |
By State (Intermediate Level)
| State | Per hour | Evening (4 h) | Full day (9 h) |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | $24.64 | $100 | $230 |
| New York | $23.76 | $100 | $220 |
| Texas | $21.34 | $90 | $200 |
| Florida | $22.44 | $90 | $210 |
| Illinois | $22 | $90 | $200 |
| Pennsylvania | $21.12 | $85 | $200 |
| Ohio | $19.80 | $80 | $180 |
| Georgia | $20.68 | $85 | $190 |
Working in a big city or its metro area, add about 8%. For your exact case, including any other state, use the calculator above.
Extra Kids, Late Nights and Short Notice
A common approach is to add a few dollars per hour for each extra child. Watching three kids is more work than watching one. Late nights after midnight, holidays and last-minute bookings are also often charged at a higher rate.
Agree on a minimum, for example 3 hours, so short bookings are still worth your trip.
Extra Tasks Count Too
Cooking dinner, helping with homework, driving to activities or light housekeeping go beyond babysitting. Agree on them before the first job, and charge more if they are part of the deal. If you drive the kids around, ask for gas money or add it under "Travel".
What's Usually Included
- Supervising and playing with the kids
- Serving meals the parents prepared
- Bath and bedtime routine
- Tidying up after the kids
What to Charge Extra For
- Each extra child
- Cooking full meals
- Driving the kids
- Late nights, holidays and short notice
- Housekeeping beyond the kids' mess
Common Pricing Mistakes
- Charging the same for one baby and three kids
- Not agreeing on a minimum number of hours
- Taking on extra chores for free
- Not being clear about payment at the end of the night
Frequently Asked Questions
How much should I charge per hour for babysitting?
Look at the table for your state and pick your experience level. If you have CPR or first aid certification, choose a higher level or the premium option.
How much more should I charge for extra kids?
Many sitters add a few dollars per hour for each extra child. You can also price it as the "Premium Price" option in the calculator.
Should parents pay for my ride home?
If it is late or far, it is fair to ask for a ride or rideshare money. Add it under "Travel".