How much should I pay for child care in {{city}}, {{state}}?

The national typical hourly rate in 2024 is $22.50 per hour for nannies and $21.50 for babysitters. Rates can vary based on the child care provider's experience, certifications, employment status, 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 in-home child care rates for attracting the best babysitters and nannies.

How do I find child care for my kids in {{city}}, {{state}}?

The best way to find child care near you is to post a job detailing your needs on Sittercity, which will be shared with our community of available babysitters and nannies. We'll notify you when child care providers 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 child care providers can I find in {{city}}, {{state}}?

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

Find experienced child care providers in Columbia, MO

Q: How do families hire trustworthy child care providers in {{city}}, {{state}}?

Families find trustworthy child care providers on Sittercity who are passionate about providing safe and enriching care for their children. Many providers report they are First Aid and CPR certified to provide the best care for your family. Babysitters and nannies 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. Child care providers go through an identity verification process Berbix when registering an account. Some additional safety measures include Family Watchdog screening, babysitter and nanny reviews, and secure messaging.

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

Nannies and babysitters share the same primary responsibility of providing safe and enriching care for your child, but there are a few differences between them. Nannies 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. Babysitters, on the other hand, are typically hired for irregular or occasional work, either full or part-time. If you’re looking for last-minute care for date night, or the occasional few hours after school, a babysitter is a great best option. 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 does a child care provider interact with my child?

Child care providers 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, child care providers on Sittercity can engage them in a nurturing way.

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

Get started

I need a child care provider

On a regular schedule On occasion

33 active child care providers near you

Average rate is $20.19/hr

140,000 5-star parent reviews

Trusted by

Find your child care 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.

View Profile

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

View Profile

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

View Profile

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

View Profile

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

View Profile

Amanda K.

8 years paid experience
< 1 mile

$20–30/hr

I have my Associates Degree in Early Childhood Education. Over the past 10 years, I've gained experience working with infants all the way up to middle school age children. I enjoy working with children and seeing them grow each and every day. Currently I'm a nanny for two little boys, and have been with the family for the last 3 years. During my nannying with this family, I have relocated with them twice to 2 different states. So its been awesome exploring new environments with the children and seeing their excitement.

$20–30/hr

View Profile

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

View Profile

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

View Profile

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

View Profile

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!