Babysitter Rates 2026
National average $18–$23/hr. Full breakdown by experience, city, number of children, age group, overnight, and weekends.
Hourly rates by experience level
Teen first job, no formal experience. Best with older children, with occasional parent check-ins.
1–2 years babysitting with references. Comfortable being left alone with children.
3+ years, CPR & First Aid certified. A trusted, reliable household name.
Early childhood education background. Treats childcare as a career, nanny-level expertise.
How child age affects rates
Younger children require more active hands-on care, which justifies higher pay.
Constant feeding, changing, holding. Highest demand.
Add $3–5/hrActive, mobile, high-energy supervision needed.
Add $2–3/hrStandard care. Base hourly rate applies.
Base rateMore independent. Some sitters charge slightly less.
−$1–2/hrBabysitter rates across the US
| City | Entry level | Experienced | Professional | vs. National |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New York City | $18–$22 | $25–$35 | $35–$50 | +32% |
| San Francisco | $19–$23 | $26–$36 | $36–$52 | +35% |
| Los Angeles | $16–$21 | $23–$32 | $30–$45 | +22% |
| Seattle | $16–$20 | $22–$30 | $28–$42 | +14% |
| Washington DC | $17–$21 | $23–$30 | $30–$42 | +15% |
| Boston | $15–$20 | $21–$28 | $28–$40 | +8% |
| Chicago | $15–$19 | $21–$28 | $27–$38 | +7% |
| Denver | $14–$18 | $20–$26 | $26–$36 | +2% |
| Austin | $14–$18 | $20–$26 | $26–$36 | +2% |
| Miami | $13–$18 | $19–$25 | $24–$34 | −1% |
| Houston | $13–$17 | $18–$24 | $23–$32 | −3% |
| Atlanta | $13–$17 | $18–$24 | $23–$32 | −3% |
| Phoenix | $13–$17 | $18–$23 | $22–$31 | −5% |
| Dallas | $13–$17 | $18–$24 | $23–$32 | −3% |
For one child. Source: Care.com 2026, Sittercity, BLS OES data.
Factors that raise or lower babysitter rates
- Multiple children (+$3–5/hr each)
- Infant or toddler care (+$2–5/hr)
- CPR / First Aid certification
- Weekend or holiday sessions (+15–50%)
- Overnight hours past 10pm (+25%)
- Last-minute booking (+$5 flat)
- Major metro area
- Special needs experience
- Cooking or driving children
- New Year's Eve, Thanksgiving, Christmas
- Single child, age 8–12
- Teen children (13–17 yr)
- Rural or small-town location
- Weekday daytime hours (9am–6pm)
- Regular scheduled sessions (predictable)
- Short sessions (under 2 hours)
- Family member sitter
- Teen sitter (first job)
- Child asleep most of the session
- Simple sit, no extra duties