how much to pay babysitter?

KellykDC · April 2011

Hi everyone,

I've been lurking a while and have a question I hope you can help with....how much do you pay your babysitter?

I'm having one of the girls from my daycare watch my 8 month old while we go to a family event one evening this week. She's in college and is usually with the older kids but helps with the infants from time to time so DD knows her.

When I asked her how much she charges, she said "Whatever you want to pay is fine." I have no idea what the going rate is. DH will be asleep for most of the time.

Thanks!

JennigoesUSA · April 2011

I pay 10-12/hr but I always round up. Say I am gone for 3 hours and 20 minutes, I pay 4 hours. If I need one for a long period of time or super early or super late, I tend to add on an extra hours pay.

Now if this is a teenager then I would pay less but an adult with own transportation should get at least $10/hr

moonfaerie · April 2011

I saw this website on another board. It might help.

I'd offer $15-$18 per hour since she is experienced with kids and is familiar with your LO.

Saints2804 · April 2011

I hate it when people say "whatever you want!" Drives me crazy!

There are websites with the going rate that you could present her with and then discuss the comfort level of each of you. Try this babysitting pay rate calculator. It will give you the going rate in the area for both the experience and the number of kids. It's easy to use. If the baby is going to be asleep most of the time, you could pay less, but at least you know what the "ballpark" is now! Hope you have a great time at the family event!