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 Columbia, MO

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 $18.85/hr

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Find your babysitter in Columbia, MO

Hannah W.

6 years paid experience
< 1 mile

$15–22/hr

Hi Everyone! I am originally from Columbia, Mo! My name is Hannah W, I’m getting my degree in psychology and my minor is in child and family development! I want to become a therapist! I go to Missouri State University! I graduate in summer of 2025! I have a lot of experience with kids of all ages and background! I worked at a preschool and I have helped multiple families out! I have done overnight stays and love to help! I currently babysit part time and work at a preschool! 😊

$15–22/hr

Recent review:

5.0

Adam B.

Hannah, is amazing. Here communication and follow up has been wonderful. We look forward to lots of more time with Hannah.

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Quinncee C.

6 years paid experience
< 1 mile

$10–100/hr

My name is Quinncee, I am 21 and love to work with kids!! I have babysat for about 6 years now and I worked at a preschool with infants and young children for 2 years and it was a blast!

$10–100/hr

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Ellie W.

3 years paid experience
7 miles

$18–22/hr

I am currently an undergraduate student at Mizzou studying Health Sciences. I have been babysitting for various families for the past 7 years. For the past three years I have been teaching swim lessons to children. Additionally, I have been a lifeguard for the past 6 years and have my Lifeguard CPR and first aide certification.

$18–22/hr

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Mercie G.

2 years paid experience
14 miles

$10–15/hr

I've been babysitting since I was 14. I recently moved to kirksville and would love to start babysitting again. I will try my hardest to make your kids smile and have fun and promise I will be trustworthy.

$10–15/hr

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Elise M.

4 years paid experience
3 miles

$20–24/hr

I have been working at a day care for the past three years with ages that range from 4-12. I work now as a swim instructor from ages 2-10. My major is social work and want to be in an elementary school but am comfortable with all ages! I am very passionate with working with kids and would love to find a family to babysit/nanny!

$20–24/hr

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Madeline L.

5 years paid experience
11 miles

$13–18/hr

I’m the oldest of five children, and have been babysitting as far as I can remember. I have experience with special needs, both in my personal life with my little sister, and through high school training. I took a course called Peer to Peer, where we worked one on one and focused on motor development and behavioral regulation. I’m a skilled cook and housekeeper, and often meal prep for my families. I love babysitting because kids have such active imaginations and I love seeing how they view the world. Every kid is different, and I enjoy getting to know each one.

$13–18/hr

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Jana W.

8 years paid experience
5 miles

$10–15/hr

I currently substitute at Apple School Daycare. I have a BS in Psychology and a Masters in Elementary Education from Truman State University. I love Singing and reading to children. Please feel free to contact me to interview anytime. I have 5 1/2 years total experience in a preschool setting and have been personal assisting special needs youths for the past 4 years. I enjoy creating art with children and letting them get a bit messy! I look forward to hearing back from you and Best of Luck finding the right Match for your family!

$10–15/hr

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Jessie T.

2 years paid experience
3 miles

$20–25/hr

I am a freshman at Mizzou, I am a licensed CNA and have my CPR and BLS certifications. I want to go into pediatrics so I love working with children and have worked with that age group my whole life!

$20–25/hr

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Anna G.

3 years paid experience
3 miles

$15–21/hr

Hi there!!! My name is Anna, and I have just recently moved to Knoxville to complete an internship at Dolly Children’s! This past May before moving, I graduated from the University of Missouri with a bachelors degree in Human Development and Family Science. With my degree and internship experience, I hope to become a Certified Child Life Specialist, supporting kiddos and their families in coping with the ups and downs of hospitalization! I have always loved caring for others and feeling like I am directly impacting their lives, and this occupation will allow me to do just that for not only vulnerable children, but their families and the people that mean the most to them too. I think what sets me apart is how willing I am to not only provide whatever care I can, but also learn from all of my experiences! I really believe I can apply all of the lessons I learn in my childcare experiences to my future opportunities, and I take that really seriously. I cannot wait to have more opportunities like this because of your consideration, and am so excited to start meeting new families soon!

$15–21/hr

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Semaurianna K.

7 years paid experience
5 miles

$15–25/hr

Heyy my name is semaurianna im 18 i have really good experience with kids i have been babysitting my whole life i am the oldest of a bunch lol and i just love kids😌i can also help around the house and things like that whatever you neeed