Talking about money can feel a little uncomfy. In fact, a 2025 survey found that 45% of adults don’t like talking about salaries. But the truth is, if you’re a babysitter or nanny, you’re doing super important, skilled work and you definitely deserve to be paid fairly. With that in mind, you should also know that if you’re prepared, articulate and straight-forward, conversations about your pay rate can be a positive experience — we promise! Here’s some advice on how to tackle these talks.
Do a little recon
Start by figuring out what other caregivers earn in your area. Knowing the local going rate is one of the easiest ways to feel prepared. Pay varies by city, experience, the number of kids you’re caring for, what the job includes, and more. As of 2025, babysitters across the U.S. earn an average of about $23/hr, but rates in large cities often go higher. Responsibilities such as driving, homework help, pet care, or caring for infants usually add a few extra dollars per hour. Before you sit down to chat with a family about your rate, take a moment to look up childcare rates in your area or ask other sitters what they charge. Walking into the conversation with real numbers makes a big difference.
Know which skills you bring
All your experience, training, and strengths make a big impact in determining your rate. A few things to think about:
- How long you’ve been caring for kids
- Any certifications (such as CPR or First Aid) you have
- The types of responsibilities you’re comfortable taking on
- Special skills, like tutoring, languages, or newborn care
Knowing your value helps you communicate it clearly.
Talk about pay before you start
It’s always easier to set expectations upfront. Bringing up pay early helps you and the family start off on the same page. Here’s one simple way to do it:
“I’m excited about the position. Before we finalize everything, can we review the rate and responsibilities to make sure we’re aligned?”
Most families will appreciate being upfront and transparent from the get-go.
Clarify the responsibilities
As we mentioned, pay and responsibilities go hand-in-hand, so definitely make sure you and the family discuss specifics such as…
- The number and ages of the kids
- Daily routines
- Driving or pickups
- Meal prep or cleaning expectations
- Homework help
- Occasional late nights, weekends, or overnights
And if the job grows beyond what you originally agreed upon? It’s totally okay to check in about adjusting your rate.
Use Simple, Direct Language When Sharing Your Rate
While you don’t need a script to follow word for word, you can practice a few lines or phrases to help you feel more confident in your communication. If they ask for your rate, you can try saying something like:
“For this type of job, I usually charge $X–$Y/hr. Based on what you’ve shared, $Z feels fair to me.”
If their offer is lower than what you had in mind, you could respond with:
“Thank you for the offer. Sitters with similar experience in this area typically earn closer to $X/hr. I’d be comfortable at $Y/hr.”
Want to ask without over-explaining? Consider something like:
“Given the responsibilities, would you be open to a rate of $X/hr?”
Staying calm and being clear with your communication will go a long way.
Check in when things change
As kids grow and schedules change, it’s natural that roles and responsibilities might shift. During those times of transition, it’s a smart time to revisit pay. A few reasons to broach the topic?
- Adding new duties (like driving or more household tasks)
- Caring for an additional child
- After several months of reliable work
- Annual check-ins
- Adjusting for cost of living
Sticking with a simple approach often works best:
“Since the role has grown over the last few months, I’d love to revisit my rate. Caregivers in similar roles usually earn around $X/hr, so an updated rate of $Y/hr would feel right to me.”
Trust us: These conversations don’t have to be tense. They’re simply part of maintaining a healthy working relationship.
Confirm details in writing
Once you and the family agree on a rate and your responsibilities, send a quick message to recap everything:
- Your hourly rate
- Any overtime or weekend differences
- Expectations around schedule changes
- Extra duties that may require additional pay
Having clear written expectations will protect both you and the family. It’s also a smart idea to create a contract to ensure both you and the family are clear on parameters.
Be confident talking about your pay
One final yet important reminder: Caring for children is meaningful, invaluable work. Remember that negotiating your rate isn’t asking for too much. It’s simply making sure your time, skills, and energy are valued appropriately. And the more you practice these conversations, the easier they become. Don’t forget that families want a great fit, too! Being upfront about pay helps everyone start off strong.
