You’ve found the perfect sitter. Hallelujah!
Now comes the tricky part: figuring out how much to pay them. So, what’s the going rate for babysitters? The short answer: it all depends. There are a number of factors that determine how much you should pay a babysitter. Check out the list below for important things to consider when determining what to pay your sitter.
1) The age and experience of the sitter
The older and more experienced the babysitter, the more you can expect to pay.
2) Additional responsibilities
Will your sitter be responsible for transporting children to and from sports or other activities? Will your sitter be helping with homework? This will increase the rate you should pay. You should also pay extra if you want your sitter to do laundry or other household tasks.
3) The number and age(s) of your child(ren)
Each additional child requiring care will add additional cost. Even the child’s temperament may enter the equation. Babysitters may demand a higher price for a difficult child.
4) Your location
In general, rates are higher in urban areas than in rural areas. Check with neighbors, family, and friends to see how much they pay their sitters. Also, take a look at our babysitting rates by location to give you an idea of the going rate in your area.
5) Special occasions
You may want to offer up to 50 percent more on holidays like Valentine’s Day or New Year’s Eve. This shows the sitter that you appreciate their dedication on a night that they might rather be going out.
If you’re still unsure about what to pay a good babysitter, you could ask the sitter directly. If you do this, be prepared to pay the rate the sitter names. If you cannot afford to go over a certain amount, inform the sitter of that rate and make sure it is acceptable.
Above all, parents should remember the importance of childcare — you’re putting your child or children into their capable hands. Price accordingly when you determine how much to pay for babysitter services.
