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What would you pay a babysitter?

babymilliebabymillie member
in Austin Babies

I am meeting a potential new babysitter tomorrow for occasional sitting (FINALLY).  When I asked her rate, she said "my families pay between $11-$18."  So, DH said to me "great then, $11." 

What is standard?  I am so new to this game.  She is in her early 30s, has tons of experience, and will be driving to SW Austin from Pflugerville (she said she drives to Temple every other day for a job so SW Austin was nothing for her).  But I should take these things into account, right? 

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Re: What would you pay a babysitter?

  • MrsBeckOMrsBeckO member
    Meet her first before determining her rate. But yes, I would take all those things into account. I would also consider what other tasks (if any) you may want her to help with - meal prep, bath/bedtime, etc vs just being an adult body in the house with sleeping children. Also remember that if this is someone you want to be able to call up last minute or rely on regularly, what you pay her will determine where you fall on her totem pole of families. ;)
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  • molliedbmolliedb

    my guess is she's expecting at least $12.  keep in mind your pay may increase if you have more kiddos in the future.

    also if this is very occasional, another $1 an hour might be $20max a month and give you peace of mind that you have a stable, reliable sitter.  don't discount that!

    great advice from beck.

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  • mrs.wildmanmrs.wildman member
    Since she's a "grown-up" I'd say $12-15. I babysat a lot in college and just after and generally got paid a bit more than what I did in H.S. in that I was experienced, took some child psych classes, etc. In H.S. I got $10 an hour and as an "older" sitter I asked for $12-15.
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  • babymilliebabymillie member
    Thanks for all of the great advice!
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  • MC+KKMC+KK
    Around 13-15. If you pay her 11 she may never come back!
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  • babymilliebabymillie member
    all very good points!  plus, you don't want the person watching after your kid to not have job satisfaction! 
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  • fjarilfjaril

    wow, we paid the 13 year old next door 15 bucks an hour to watch H.

    I'd say 15. 

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  • mlf625mlf625
    We pay our college girl $10-12 for occasional sitting.  If you meet her and really like her, then I'd say ~$15.
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  • meg120510meg120510
    We pay our sitter $15/hr and guarantee her 3 hours. She is 24, has a bachelor's and has been screened by a nanny agency. When we asked about pay, she saith most people pay her $13-15/hr. DH didn't want to deal with $1 bills and we agreed that she would appreciate the higher hourly wage. We treat her as part of the family, bought her a birthday gift and bring dessert back to her. I was a nanny with a family in NY for three years, and appreciated the little extras the family did for me. That said, we love our sitter and never worry about the care of DS when we are out.
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  • babymilliebabymillie member
    Thanks everyone!
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