Updated July 2026
Babysitter Rates 2026
National average $18–$23/hr. Full breakdown by experience, city, number of children, age group, overnight and weekends.
$18–23
National avg/hr
1 child, suburban, some experience
+$3–5
Per additional child/hr
Added on top of the base rate
15–50%
Weekend & holiday premium
Weekends +15%, holidays up to +50%
By Experience
Hourly rates by experience level
Entry level
$12–$16/hr
Teen first job, no formal experience. Best with older children.
Some experience
$16–$21/hr
1–2 years with references. Comfortable alone.
Experienced
$21–$30/hr
3+ years, CPR & First Aid certified.
Professional
$30–$45/hr
Early childhood education background.
By Child Age
How child age affects rates
👶
Infant (under 1)
Feeding, changing, constant attention.
Add $3–5/hr🧒
Toddler (1–3)
Active, mobile, high-energy care.
Add $2–3/hr🧑
Child (4–12)
Standard base rate applies.
Base rate👦
Teen (13–17)
More independent. Sometimes less.
−$1–2/hrBy City
Babysitter 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% |
All factors
What raises or lowers babysitter rates
↑ Factors that raise pay
- Multiple children (+$3–5/hr each)
- Infant or toddler care (+$2–5/hr)
- CPR / First Aid certification
- Weekend sessions (+15%)
- Holiday sessions (+50%)
- Night hours 10pm–6am (+25%)
- Last-minute booking (+$5)
- Major metro area
- Special needs experience
- Driving children (+mileage)
↓ Factors that lower pay
- Single child aged 8–12
- Teen children (13–17 yr)
- Rural or small-town location
- Weekday daytime hours
- Regular scheduled sessions
- Short sessions (1–2 hours)
- Family member sitter
- Teen sitter (first job)
- Child asleep most of session
- Simple sit, no extras
Rate FAQ
Common rate questions
The national average babysitter rate in 2026 is $18–$23 per hour for one child in a suburban area, with some experience. Entry-level sitters start at $12–$16/hr, experienced sitters with CPR earn $21–$30/hr, and professional-level sitters in major metros can charge $35–$50/hr.
Add $3–5 per hour per additional child beyond the first. For two children, add $3–5/hr to your base rate. For three children, add $6–10/hr total. Multiple infant or toddler children may command even higher additional rates due to the increased workload.
Yes, significantly. New York City and San Francisco rates average $25–$42/hr for experienced sitters, while cities like Houston and Atlanta average $18–$28/hr. Cost of living, local minimum wage laws, and market competition all affect local rates.
Weekend sessions typically command a 15–20% surcharge over weekday rates. Holiday sessions (New Year's Eve, Thanksgiving, Christmas Day) often carry a 25–50% premium. Last-minute bookings typically add a $5–15 flat fee on top.