Care.com and babysitting rates..

crene84

I've been avoiding this, but with no family nearby, I think it's time we find someone we can trust to babysit for date nights, appointments, etc.

What is the going rate for having someone watch two young kids?  I am sure it varies based on cost of living but I think NC is pretty average when it comes to that. And what would do you pay when you're just having them get to know the children and you're still there?  Or do you not pay them for that? I don't know what the expectations are with this.  Of course if/when we find someone, I will ask them what they feel is a fair rate, but I want to have something in mind ahead of time.

Do any of you use care.com?  We are thinking of signing up but it costs money to become a member and have access to their people.

Holly_1007

When I was in college I found families to babysit for on websites like care and sitter city. When I first met the families it was an interview and I was not paid for it. Whenever I went over after getting the job I was paid the regular rate, weather the parents were home or not. I've found a friend through playgroup who is a nanny that is going to watch the kids for me when I go on job interviews. I am paying her $10 per hour. I think that is kind of low, but we are also friends so she is helping me out a little. My sister lives in a city and gets $20 an hour for older kids. I think you should find a rate you are comfortable with first and then try to find someone that you like based on that. Keeping in mind, the people that are cheaper per hour might not be CPR certified or have other qualifications.

ShadowsRainFalls

I agree with 10 to 15 depending on experience and duties. I was on care.com at on point to find a nanny job. It seems reputable from a caregiver POV.

BeebopandBuddy

We pay ours $10 an hour. We always go out about an hour before bedtime though, so she only has one hour of awake time.

MarisaKathleen

We had such great luck on care.com.  However, when we used it, people put their expected rate down, so it worked out well for us.  

If you use code THANKS you save 35% off a 1 month membership. :-)

crene84

MarisaKathleen said:

We had such great luck on care.com.  However, when we used it, people put their expected rate down, so it worked out well for us.  

If you use code THANKS you save 35% off a 1 month membership. :-)

Thanks! We actually signed up for 1 month yesterday and DH found that code!

hmp1

I pay $12 an hour (in TN) and round up. So if they are here for 4 hours, I pay $50.

lbrown9807

We live in a pretty low cost area, I was paying $8/hour, but now that Ds2 is older and take more energy (running around, tantrums, etc) Im thinking of bumping it up. I also pay everyone "under the table" so I always justify paying a little less since they dont claim it on taxes.

The girls we use are college students, not formally educated or trained.

melody921

I haven't used care.com, but our sitter charges $10 an hour. I thought that was on the low side, so we always round up when she comes.