Babysitting Rate Calculator: What to Charge Per Hour

Most sitters pick a number, stick with it for years, and never account for a second or third child. This tool turns your rate into an honest weekly and yearly figure.

Price Per Child, Not Per Family

A per-child add-on is standard and easy for parents to understand. It also means a busy household pays fairly for the extra work.

Raise Rates With Repeat Families

The easiest raise is with families who already trust you. A small annual increase, mentioned in advance, is almost always accepted.

What Justifies a Premium

Infants, overnight sitting, holidays, last-minute bookings, driving children to activities, and light housework all support higher rates.

Keep It Legal and Simple

Babysitting income is taxable in most places even when it's paid in cash. Keep a simple log of dates and amounts so nothing is a surprise later.

How the calculator works

It adds your per-child add-on to your base rate for each child beyond the first, multiplies by the hours you sit each week, and subtracts what travel costs you. The weekly and monthly figures are what you actually earn for that schedule, which is the number to compare with another job or a raise.

Taxes, and when a family becomes an employer

Occasional sitters who set their own hours and work for several families are usually self-employed: the income is reported on your tax return, and self-employment tax applies once net earnings reach $400. A family that pays one sitter regularly above the IRS household-employee threshold may be an employer with payroll duties — IRS Publication 926 sets out the rules, and it is worth both sides reading it.

See also: How Much Do Babysitters Make?.