How much does it cost for babysitters to use Sittercity?

Babysitters can create detailed profiles, search and apply to jobs, message with families, and book interviews for free on Sittercity. Babysitters have the option to pay for background checks to run on themselves to stand out to families. However, families can also offer to pay for background checks on babysitters as well.

How much do babysitters make?

According to the latest Sittercity data, babysitters in the US typically charge $17.50 an hour. But your hourly rate can vary significantly depending on the cost of living in your area, the duties and responsibilities in the job description, and your state’s minimum wage laws. There’s no perfect calculator to determine your rate, but it’s important to factor in everything you have to offer a family.

Why are babysitters taxes important?

There are a lot of risk factors with getting paid “off the books,” but there are also a lot of benefits to getting paid “on the books.” Those benefits include verifiable income, a legal employment history, unemployment benefits, social security and medicare benefits, and worker’s compensation.

What career opportunities do I have as a babysitter?

A babysitter is a child care provider who doesn’t have a regular work schedule with a family. There is a wide range of possibilities in the specifics of a babysitter position and career. Because your work with each family is part-time, you can work with multiple families at the same time. You could provide care through before-school or after-school activities or for nights or weekends when the family needs care.

When do babysitters work?

Depending on the job responsibilities and schedules negotiated with the family, babysitters could work at any time. This includes in the morning, afternoon, evening, or at night. And on weekdays or on the weekend.

How do babysitters find jobs?

On Sittercity, babysitters can browse jobs based on their zip code. They can craft their online resume by creating a detailed profile. They can apply to jobs, message with interested parents, and schedule interviews. Many babysitters will also negotiate a contract with families to make sure the details of the job are clear on both sides.

What are things babysitters do with kids?

There are a lot of fun things that babysitters do with kids. Both indoor and outdoor activities, including arts and crafts projects, baking, sports, and field trips.

How can babysitters make extra money?

There are a few ways that babysitters can make some extra income. They can create relationships with more families to increase their opportunities to get hired for a sitting. Babysitters can also offer to care for kids on holidays so that the parents can celebrate on their own. Like on Valentine’s day.

$15–16/hr
Des Plaines, IL • 22 miles away

Reliable Babysitter Needed for 5...

1 child

Babysitting

Weekly

7:30am - 8:30am

Hi there! We need a babysitter for our five elementary school children. The job runs from January 20th, 2026, on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday, from 7:30 AM to 8:30 AM. You must have a car to help with school drop-offs. You will supervise the children, assist with morning routines, and make... More

Find a Babysitting Job in Elgin, IL

Refine Results

Other Care Types

Babysitting FAQ