How Much Do Babysitters Make? Setting Your Rate
Base rates, per-child add-ons, premiums, and how to raise prices with existing families
By the Monthly Income Booster editorial team · Updated · How we research and fact-check
On this topic
Babysitting pay varies more by city and by number of children than by experience. Most sitters undercharge because they set a rate once and never revisit it.
What BLS data shows (May 2025)
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics' Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics survey (May 2025 national estimates) puts the median wage for childcare workers (SOC 39-9011) at $16.82 an hour, or $34,980 a year. The lowest-paid 10% earned under $11.66 an hour and the top 10% more than $22.12. BLS has no separate babysitter line; childcare workers is the occupation babysitters and nannies are classified under. It counts employees of daycares and households, not cash babysitting arranged directly with parents.
| Percentile | Hourly | Annual |
|---|---|---|
| 10th (lowest-paid 10% earn less) | $11.66 | $24,260 |
| Median | $16.82 | $34,980 |
| 90th (top 10% earn more) | $22.12 | $46,010 |
Worked example
The babysitting calculator's starting inputs — illustrative numbers to replace with your own rate and hours:
| Input or result | Value |
|---|---|
| Base hourly rate | $20.00 |
| Extra per additional child | $5.00 |
| Additional children | 1 |
| Hours per week | 10 |
| Travel cost per job | $4.00 |
| Jobs per week | 3 |
| = Your real hourly rate | $25.00 |
| = Weekly take-home | $238.00 |
| = Monthly take-home | $1,031 |
| = Yearly at this pace | $12,376 |
Start From Local Rates
Ask two or three sitters in your area or check local parenting groups. That range, not a national average, is what parents expect to pay.
Add Per Child
A per-child add-on is standard, easy to explain, and reflects the genuine jump in work between one child and three.
Charge More For Harder Work
Infants, overnights, holidays, last-minute bookings, school runs, and tidying up after meals all justify a premium.
Getting Booked
Neighbours, school groups, and parent networks fill a calendar faster than apps. Two families who book weekly are worth more than twenty one-off jobs.
Check Your Real Income
Run your numbers through the babysitting rate calculator to see weekly, monthly, and yearly totals after travel.
Related reading: Babysitting Rate Calculator.
Official sources
Tax rules, limits and pay data change. Check the current figures with the primary source before acting on them.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much should a teenager charge for babysitting?+
Usually below the local adult sitter rate, rising with experience, first-aid training, and repeat families.
Is babysitting income taxable?+
In most places yes, even when paid in cash. Keep a simple log of dates and amounts.
How do I raise my rate?+
Tell families a month in advance, keep the increase small, and mention any new training or certification.
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