How much is the typical rate to pay a sitter ?

Sunni - posted on 05/13/2009

I should probably also add that we've only ever hired one babysitter, who holds an associate's degree in child development. We treat her like family. She gets great gifts from us on holidays and on special occasions. My husband and I agree that the great care she provides our son in our absence is invaluable.

Lisa - posted on 05/13/2009

I do babysitting on the side for my one family 3 boys 8, 6, 4 I charge about 8-10 an hour. If it is one child I charge 5 an hour. There are other families I babysit for and get 10 an hour for one child. this may not sound right but I think a high schooler doesnt need to make 15-20 an hour I used to babysit in high school and charge $3 an hour as long as I got 20-30 dollars for night of babysitting I was good, I know times have changed It has been almost 10 years since i was in high school.

Wendy - posted on 05/13/2009

Lisa,
I am the mother of 5 daughters...3 of them grown and out of the house. Twin teens still at home. My daughters were (are) babysitters "extradinaire". I want to encourage young moms to think beyond the money. My daughters have always responded to the relationships that they had with the families more than the actual amount they were paid. They would often accept a job from "friends" who treated them with honor and respect - who showed trust and interest in them as people - rather than a family who might pay more, but had no relationship. My girls have had ongoing friendships with a number of families and have watched several children grow up from birth to ages 10 and 11. Of course, being as generous as possible financially is one part of showing respect, but it is only one piece of that puzzle.

All the best to you!
Wendy I

Sunni - posted on 05/13/2009

We usually pay $10/hr but never less than $40. Hmmmm. Perhaps I should rethink this practice : ).

Amanda - posted on 05/13/2009

Personally, I think it depends on the activity that the babysitter is doing. My children are all young and go to bed early, so my husband and I generally go out after they are sleeping, the babysitter basically hangs out and listens to the baby monitor, so i say 10$ an hour is sufficent. If it is during the day, i would pay between 15-20 and hour, we have their children under five so their is alot responsibilty involved.

Kristina - posted on 05/13/2009

I personally just pay a flat rate (which can be negotiated between you and the sitter). I pay no less than $20. Sometimes they are only here for an hour or two so if they are here longer another day, it comes out about even.

Alexis - posted on 05/13/2009

We pay $7 an hour for the first child+ $1 an hour for each additional child.

Samantha - posted on 05/13/2009

I paid a highschool student 125 a week last summer.... 25 a day

Michelle - posted on 05/13/2009

has you have a baby under one and a pre-schooler it will cost you around £15 an hour.

Lindsay - posted on 05/13/2009

I typically pay a sitter about $7 an hour but if less than 3 hours, I go ahead and pay $20 so they aren't feeling like they are wasting their time.