No matter which profession you work in, asking for a raise isn’t an easy conversation. Even if you’re excellent at your job, it might feel awkward. Sure, it’s normal to worry about sounding pushy or over-confident, but you can take heart in the fact that asking for a raise is typically a successful process. In fact, 2024 survey found that a whopping 82% of people who requested a raise received one. Nice, right?
The truth is, asking for a raise is a normal part of working as a babysitter or nanny, and families no doubt expect rates to increase as experience and responsibilities grow and as time goes on. This guide will walk you through how to ask for a raise as a babysitter or nanny, including when to ask, how to prepare, and a few sample scripts you can use to help you.
When’s the Right Time to Ask for a Raise as a Babysitter or Nanny?
Timing counts. The best opportunities to broach the topic of a raise are when it’s super-clear that you’re a valued part of a child’s routine. You might consider asking if
- You’ve been working with the family for at least 6 to 12 months
- Your responsibilities have grown (more kids, new routines, homework help, driving, etc.)
- You’ve gained new experience, certifications, or skills
- The family’s routine or needs have changed
- Your rate is now below the local average
An extra word of advice: Avoid asking during stressful moments (such as rushed mornings, late nights, quick transitions, or right after a long day).
How Much of a Raise Should You Ask For?
A typical range is $1–$3 more per hour, depending on:
- Your experience
- The number and ages of children
- Added responsibilities
- Local caregiver rates
Not sure where to land on what to ask for? Do a little research on current babysitter and nanny pay rates and jobs in your area to learn what families are offering for roles similar to yours.
How to Prep Before the Conversation
Before you set up a time to talk, try to take a few minutes to clarify a few things. Be sure to ask yourself:
- What do I do really well for this child or this family?
- In what ways have I grown since I started the position?
- What type of feedback or appreciation have they shared with me?
Try to have three examples you could potentially share.
A Few Scripts for Asking for a Babysitter or Nanny Raise
“I really love working with your family, and I appreciate how much trust you’ve put in me. Since I’ve been caring for the kids for [INSERT LENGTH OF TIME] and have taken on more responsibility like [INSERT ADDED RESPONSIBILITIES], I wanted to ask if we could talk about adjusting my hourly rate.”
“Over the past [INSERT LENGTH OF TIME], I have gained more experience and I feel very confident supporting the kids’ routines, including homework and activities. So I wanted to check in about possibly increasing my rate to reflect that growth.”
“Since I’ve started helping with [INSERT ADDED RESPONSIBILITIES], my role has grown so I wanted to ask if we could talk about a small rate increase that reflects those added responsibilities.”
Wording for Texts About a Babysitter or Nanny Raise
While in-person conversations work best for some sitters and nannies, others might feel more comfortable corresponding by text. In those cases, you could try:
“Hi! I was hoping we could check in sometime soon about my rate. I really love working with your family and I’d love to chat about a possible adjustment. No rush—just wanted to ask. ”
“Hi! I wanted to check in with you about my rate. I’ve noticed sitter rates in our area have gone up recently, especially for roles like mine. Would it be possible to talk about adjusting my rate to stay in line with current rates nearby?”
What Happens After You Ask for a Raise?
Be patient: Don’t expect an answer immediately since the family might need some time to make a decision and figure out how a raise fits into their budget. If they ask for extra time, you can try to set a time to have a follow-up conversation or a date for when they will let you know their decision. And remember: The answer might not be yes or no; there could be some negotiation and compromise until you land on a rate that both you and the family feeds good about.
What If They Say No When You Ask for a Raise?
There’s a chance you might get a “no” when you ask for a raise, but that definitely doesn’t mean you’ve done anything wrong. If they do turn down your request, you can:
- Thank them for considering it
- Ask if it’s a topic you can revisit at a later time
- Ask for clarity on what they’d need to see for a potential raise in the future
You could try:
“Thanks for letting me know and considering it. I appreciate you taking the time to have the conversation. Would it be possible to revisit it in a few months?”
When Is Time to Look for New Opportunities as a Babysitter or Nanny?
If you’ve asked for a raise in a respectful way and you’ve shown how valuable you are — yet you feel like your rate still doesn’t reflect your experience — it might be time to explore other babysitter and nanny opportunities. It’s important to remember that families are always looking for sitters and nannies who are reliable, responsive, responsible, experienced and communicative — and those attributes definitely deserve commensurate pay.
Quick Recap and Reminder
Remember: Asking for a raise and advocating for yourself does not make you difficult and demanding. Instead, it shows you’re professional and that you care about your role and your responsibilities. Trust us: Families that are right for you will respect clear, open communication and they will be grateful for the care you provide their child. Whenever you’re ready to apply for jobs that are a match for your schedule, your experience and professional goals, Sittercity is ready to support you.
