How much should I pay for a babysitter in {{city}}, {{state}}?

The national typical hourly rate of babysitters in 2024 is 21.50 per hour. Rates can vary based on your babysitter's experience, certifications, and travel expenses. When calculating the cost of child care, you should also account for the number of children they'll care for and additional responsibilities like household tasks or homework help. Learn more about how to set competitive babysitting rates for attracting the best babysitters.

How do I find a babysitter for my kids in {{city}}, {{state}}?

The best way to find babysitters near you is to post a job detailing your needs on Sittercity, which will be shared with our community of available babysitters. We'll notify you when sitters apply to your job, and from there you can proceed with interviews, background checks, and reference checks so you can find the perfect fit for your family.

What kind of babysitters can I find in {{city}}, {{state}}?

You can find experienced and passionate babysitters near you to provide the best care for your child, either in-home or virtually. Babysitters can help families with managing strict schedules, transportation to activities, homework help, last-minute coverage, date nights, and more. Whatever occasion you're looking to find a babysitter for, including full-time, part-time, or last-minute care, you can count on Sittercity for finding passionate and experienced babysitters.

How do families hire trustworthy babysitters in {{city}}, {{state}}?

Families find trustworthy babysitters on Sittercity who are passionate about providing safe and enriching care for their children. Many babysitters report they are First Aid and CPR certified to provide the best care for your family. Babysitters have the option to complete regular background checks, and you can easily request a recent background check if they don’t have one or it is not recent. Families can also request to see professional references! Our dedicated team also champions safety across our platform every day. Babysitters go through an identity verification process with Berbix when registering an account. Some additional safety measures include Family Watchdog screening, sitter reviews, and secure messaging.

Find experienced babysitters in San Luis Obispo, CA

Q: What’s the difference between a babysitter and a nanny?

Babysitters and nannies share the same primary responsibility of providing safe and enriching care for your child, but there are a few differences between them. Babysitters are typically hired for occasional work on an irregular schedule. If you’re looking for last-minute care for date night, or the occasional few hours after school, a babysitter is a great option. Nannies, on the other hand, are more commonly associated with regular work, whether full or part-time, offering daily or consistent care to a particular family. There are also several different types of nannies, including au pairs, house managers, doulas, live-in, and overnight nannies. Identifying the type and frequency of child care you’ll need is the best way to decide whether a babysitter or nanny is a better fit for your family.

Q: How do babysitters interact with my child?

Babysitters on Sittercity love providing enriching experiences for your children, and sharing their passions with them. They're happy to participate in outdoor activities like sports, or indoor activities like music, baking, tutoring help, and art. Wherever your child's interests lie, babysitters on Sittercity are prepared to engage them in a nurturing way.

Last-minute, school and tutoring, date nights—find the right babysitters for you.

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Average rate is $25.28/hr

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Find your babysitter in San Luis Obispo, CA

Dillon S.

1 year paid experience
11 miles

$20–25/hr

I love working with young children. Preschool aged children specifically. Elementary aged children are also a great age group to work with. I have experience working with preschoolers, toddlers, and babysitting. I’m also a preschool assistant teacher. I love to play, help, and do whatever the child wants to do. I'm good at organizing, cleaning, and providing care to a child. I also enjoy going to places where I can take the child or children to play, eat, or explore. I also completed all Early Childhood Classes at Allan Hancock College as well. My goal is to make sure the child or children I’m with are safe, healthy, and happy. I also want to make sure they have the best day possible. I will send you my availability when you send me a message. I’ll also ask questions as we make it work. I look forward to babysitting your child and making great memories with them!

$20–25/hr

Recent review:

5.0

Kendra N.

Dillon was very professional in his phone interview and demonstrated a real passion for early childhood education through his studies and current job at a preschool. Leading up to the nights he babysat, Dillon was very communicative and asked good questions about our preferences. Dillon babysat our 2 year old and 4.5 year old two nights. He was on time, and kept us updated with photos throughout the evening. The kids were happy that Dillon was returning the second night which is always a good sign!

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Laura L.

10 years paid experience
< 1 mile

$15–20/hr

Hello!!! I'm Laura.. I have 12+ years experience being a Nanny. I'm looking for a part-time position. My 33/34 clearances are updated. I have excellent experience and references. I taught preschool for 10 years and elementary school for 5 years. I Have a BS in Child Development (cum laude) and a K-6th teaching credential. I am Flexible w/ my schedule as needed. I adore children and I am very creative , artistic, loyal, reliable and FUN!!. I would love to work with a baby or young children. (Up to age 9 )I speak Spanish as well. CPR certified w/car. Hope to meet you soon. Thanks . Laura L.

$15–20/hr

Recent review:

5.0

Alexandra B.

Laura cared for our daughter from ages 1–2, and we were so grateful to have her for that year. Her background as a teacher really came through in the thoughtful, engaging care she provided. She was attentive, patient, and genuinely invested in her development and well-being. We always felt she was in wonderful hands and would highly recommend Laura to any family.

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Aura R.

16 years paid experience
11 miles

$28–30/hr

Hi, my name is Aura Ramirez and I’m from Dominican Republic , I have 16 years of nanny experience and I have very goods recommendations of all the families I been working for. I studied children’s development in Montgomery college MD. I just love kids and love to work with them.

$28–30/hr

Recent review:

5.0

Shirley G.

Aura is an amazing nanny. She is kind, loving, hardworking and professional. She cared for my baby full time from when he was a couple months old through 1 year, in addition to caring for my 4 year old on days school was out. She developed a deep and genuine bond with my children and they get so excited when she babysits. She also finds ways to help our family whether it is by picking up some needed supplies while on a walk with the baby, or tidying the common area so it looks better than when she found it. Any family is lucky to work with her!

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Ella K.

9 years paid experience
3 miles

$25–30/hr

I am a 21 yo college student studying mathematics at Cal Poly, SLO! I have been nannying kids of all ages and many neurotypes for years. I love to provide a compassionate environment and adapt to your child's needs. I am prepared to clean, help with homework (especially math!), drive, and ensure the kids are comfortable, enjoying themselves, and set up for success.

$25–30/hr

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Sophia M.

3 years paid experience
< 1 mile

$20–35/hr

Hi! My name is Sophie and I am a 26 year old wife and step mom to a 12 year old girl. I have been working at a preschool for the last 3 years, but have worked with kids all my life. I have 5 brothers (2 with special needs) and 2 sisters. Safe to say I have been through it all! I am CPR + First Aide certified. I am a loving and energetic person who loves spending time with kids! I live in San Luis Obispo, and will be beginning my schooling come January 2027. I am looking to find a family I can help care for while also attending school. Feel free to message me or set up a phone call!

$20–35/hr

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Lacey D.

5 years paid experience
3 miles

$20–30/hr

Hello! I've been a nanny for 3 years now and I'm looking for a new full time position. I have been babysitting kids since I was one myself and genuinely love spending time with children. My silly humor and creative mind allow me to connect with kids in amazing ways. I have experience with all ages but I'm currently looking to work with infants/toddlers.

$20–30/hr

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Alison L.

31 years paid experience
7 miles

$23–40/hr

I am a recently retired high school English teacher. I have also raised three children of my own. Now that I am retired I would really like a part time opportunity to continue to work with children of all ages.

$23–40/hr

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Savannah R.

1 year paid experience
< 1 mile

$26–28/hr

I am currently a Elementary Education Major and I have always known since I was young that I want work with children. I have lots of young family members like nieces, nephews and cousins. I've babysat all of them multiple time since they were infants. I also have one babysitting experience outside of family. I am both CPR and First Aid certifie. I love creating fun activities to do and I am also good at helping with school work. I am more than happy to help out with any house chores, errands and pet care as well.

$26–28/hr

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Aslynn H.

6 years paid experience
10 miles

$24–30/hr

I've worked as a nanny and a professional supervised visitation provider. The first thing I do at the start of the day is an emotional check-in, children point to a chart to express their mood, and I track that alongside our activities. At the end of the day, I share a log with parents that includes moods, what we did, any challenges, and anything I think they'd want to know. This way parents feel included and informed. I follow the values of each home and gently hold boundaries when needed, like taking a short break or putting a toy or tablet away for a while. I don't believe in shame, just calm redirection and steady presence. I enjoy being outdoors, playing games, creating art, learning new things, or watching a cozy movie if the moment calls for it. What matters most to me is offering a space where children feel safe, emotionally supported, and free to enjoy their childhood while parents feel confident in the care they're receiving.

$24–30/hr

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Margaret R.

8 years paid experience
< 1 mile

$15–30/hr

Hi, my name is Margaret (Margie) and I have 10+ years of childcare experience. I am an American Red Cross lifeguard/cpr/aed/first aid instructor certified for the past 7 years. I currently have a full-time job 8am-5pm Monday-Friday, therefore I am looking for opportunities to help babysit on a regular or occasional basis outside of these hours. I enjoy working with children and being active outside.