“Sooooo… how much should I pay a sitter?” It’s a question that plenty of parents ponder, particularly when hiring a new caregiver. Most of the time, landing on an answer isn’t as simple as we’d like. There’s a slew of factors that might determine a sitter’s rate: Timing, location, sitter skill set, number of children that need care, extra responsibilities, and more. The good news is that there are some guidelines to consider.
For starters, it helps to know that the national babysitter pay rate is about $22 per hour, according to the latest Sittercity.com data. Rates might be higher in metropolitan areas (where the cost of living is also loftier).
Start with the basics
Sure, spending money on a sitter costs you money. But let’s be honest: A trusted sitter isn’t an expense in your budget — it’s an investment. Yes, it buys you hours of child care, but it also yields a key benefit called TIME. Time for productivity (to get work done at home or your other full-time job besides being a parent). Time for date nights (to connect with your partner). Time for self-care (rest, a workout, a girls lunch, or whatever putting the “me” back in time looks like for you). The truth is, each and every hour you’re stressed and exhausted comes at a cost — a dip in energy, a lapse in patience, a lack of opportunity. Hiring a sitter actually buys you time that pays you back – we promise!
With that inspiring pep talk in mind, let’s consider the questions to ask when it comes to cost and how it breaks down. It might seem like a solving a math equation, complete with a few key variables:
Where do you live and where do I need child care?
First up? Location, location, location. Just like the cost of living varies by town and city, the going rate for child care is dependent on your geography.
What are the ages of your kids? How many do you have?
If you have newborns or children with higher needs, you might start with a higher base rate, and many parents start with the average cost for one child and add between $1 and $5 per hour for each additional child. For an infant, parents may add anywhere from $1-$2 per hour. Of course, the babysitter’s skill level will also play a role in how much you up your offer, which brings us to…
What is your sitter’s skill set and level of experience?
Hiring a mother’s helper who’s a teen that lives next door is different from having a CPR-certified Mary Poppins come to care for your kids. Depending on the ages of your children and your expectations, you can expect the sitter’s going rate to differ.
How many hours do you need? Is it a consistent gig or a one-time job?
Start by considering the number of hours and regularity of work needed. Sometimes, the hours and days you need your sitter can affect how much their pay rate is. For example, a babysitter may ask a higher rate if they’re working during busy times, like weekend nights or during the holidays, or if they’re called for a last-minute job. The asking rates of an after-school babysitter, overnight babysitter or weekend sitter may also be calculated a little differently than a typical “date night” job.
Are there extra responsibilities that are part of the job?
If work extends beyond the child care basics — think driving the kids, prepping meals, laundry, walking/feeding pets or homework help/tutoring — you should be prepared to pitch in some extra cash to compensate your sitter for that work. Each extra task nudges the rate up — because you’re not just paying for time watched, you’re paying for peace delivered. When a sitter steps in as chef, tutor, or chaos coordinator, that’s premium-level care.
Is the timing you need on the trickier side?
As the saying goes, timing is everything. If you need a sitter during the summer or holidays (when every parent is scrambling for care), be prepared that rates might rise. Proactively bumping up your rate can be a smart strategy during these windows.
Is it all worth it?
At the end of the day, you’re not just paying for a few quiet hours — you’re investing in reliability, peace of mind, and the luxury of returning home to kids who are happy, safe, and maybe even asleep.
Putting it into perspective: Parental ROI
Break it down with us: A trusted babysitter isn’t an expense — she’s a productivity multiplier. When you’ve got reliable care, you’re not missing meetings, racing for backup, or running on fumes. You’re showing up, both at work and at home. Every hour of trusted babysitting buys you energy, focus, and freedom from the burnout tax. Because when someone’s got the kids covered, you get to handle business, crush deadlines, and still have enough left in the tank for bedtime stories. That’s not just childcare — that’s smart parental ROI.
“Child care and support isn’t a personal expense tied to my salary because it’s a family investment. Support made our whole household less stressed. It gave my kids fresh energy and new relationships. It strengthened my marriage and it gave me space to grow. So if you’re wrestling with the idea of asking for or paying for help, here’s your reminder. You deserve it and your whole family benefits from it. — Neha Ruch, founder of thepowerpause.com and author of The Power Pause: How to Plan a Career Break After Kids—and Come Back Stronger Than Ever
Sittercity Data: How Costs Compare
The national “typical hourly rate” for a babysitter in 2025 is $22.50/hr — an uptick since 2020, when our data indicated that a babysitter’s rate started at $16.50/hr. These rates vary by region, number of children, additional responsibilities (driving, homework help, etc.), experience/certifications, and travel time. The jump from ~$16.50/hr in 2020 to ~$22.50/hr in 2025 suggests a sizable rate increase over time (from 2020 → 2025). What does this mean for you?
A few items to consider:
In or near a major metro like Boston or Chicago? You might need to budget $22-25/hr or more as a starting point, given the national average is ~$22.50/hr.
Want to ask the sitter to drive the kids, help with homework, do a bedtime routine, or stay late/overnight? Add more above base.
Located in a smaller town or less expensive area? You still should check local rates, but you may be able to negotiate somewhat below the major city benchmark.
It’s helpful to revisit your rate annually (or every few years) because national typical rates have been increasing.
How to Make Your Babysitting Choice
Landing on the right babysitting rate is part algorithm, part gut instinct, and a sort of like online dating — you’re looking for the perfect match. Start with the going rate in your area (city rates hit harder than small-town ones), factor in experience, number of kids, and any bonus duties like cooking, carpooling, or homework help. Then add a “peace-of-mind premium” — because a sitter you trust is worth more than a bargain that keeps you checking your phone every five minutes. The right rate is the one that feels fair, keeps your sitter happy coming back, and delivers the freedom to step away without worry. And that’s genius parenting math.
Babysitting Pay Rate FAQs: How Much to Pay a Babysitter
Q: What is included in a babysitter’s pay rate?
A: A babysitter’s hourly rate typically covers basic childcare — keeping kids safe, feeding them, and supervising playtime. Extra responsibilities like cooking, homework help, bedtime routines, carpooling, or light cleaning may increase the rate. When budgeting, consider all tasks the sitter will handle.
Q: How much should I pay for multiple children?
A: Babysitting rates usually start with a base rate for one child, with an additional $2–$5 per extra child. Younger children or toddlers may require higher pay because they need more attention. Always communicate the number of children and their ages upfront.
Q: How do I negotiate a babysitting rate?
A: Research local babysitter rates using platforms like Sittercity. Be clear about your expectations, duties, and schedule. Negotiation works best when you show flexibility and respect: You can offer slightly higher pay, guaranteed hours, or perks like flexible scheduling to make it fair. Also, be sure to consider any taxes you’ll need to pay.
Q: Should I pay more for holidays or last-minute babysitting?
A: Yes. Holidays, weekends, and last-minute requests often justify a higher babysitting rate. Parents competing for limited babysitters may need to pay a premium to secure quality care.
Q: How often should I review or increase a babysitter’s pay?
A: Reassess rates annually or when responsibilities change. Providing fair increases keeps your babysitter motivated, loyal, and ensures high-quality care. A reliable sitter is an investment in your child’s safety and your peace of mind.
Q: Should I tip my sitter or nanny around the holidays?
A: Totally a personal decision. However, it’s a thoughtful, generous gesture to let your caregiver know how much you appreciate their energy and hard work. Need advice on how much to give? Check out our guide to holiday tipping.
Ready to find your perfect sitter match? Post a job at Sittercity today.
