I pay $10/hr for my daughter as well. But, since she's your friend and the child will be asleep, are you sure she thinks you are going to pay her? I would ask her.
We had a good friend babysit one night and I just made sure she had a good dinner here - picked up pre-made lasagna from a gourmet to go shop with spinach dip and tortilla chips and she was able to veg out on the couch with a good meal, no prep/clean up, and TV. maybe that? or a starbucks (or the like) gift card?
But if you do pay her...we pay our 19 year old babysitter $12/hr
Re: How much to pay baby-sitter?
Since it's a friend, does she expect to be paid?
Like Harriet, I'm in NJ and $10 per hour seems to be the going rate.
I agree about the friend/paying thing.
We had a good friend babysit one night and I just made sure she had a good dinner here - picked up pre-made lasagna from a gourmet to go shop with spinach dip and tortilla chips and she was able to veg out on the couch with a good meal, no prep/clean up, and TV. maybe that? or a starbucks (or the like) gift card?
But if you do pay her...we pay our 19 year old babysitter $12/hr
I have no idea if she expects to be paid!
What is a tactful way of finding out?
I would either do the have dinner for her or when she is leaving try to pay and she may decline. Really don't know of a tactful way to ask before.