What is a fair price to ask?

Question

I am going to start babysitting two little girls ages 10 months and 3 years. It will be 4 days a week from 7am till 5:30 pm. I haven't been a sitter in a few years and wanted sme ideas on how much to ask for. Should I just charge by the hour or should I ask for a set amount each week? Also, if you know what the rates are in your area could you tell me that? Thanks.

I failed to mention that the family lives in my neighborhood and they are strangers, not family friends. I am 23 and a part-time college student, so I have to work my clases around their schedule. Does that extra trouble make any difference?

Answer 1

I would ask for a set amount each week - and make sure you have an agreement for when the kids are sick and not coming and vacation days, etc. For example, if I didn't bring my child because she was sick or something I would still pay anyway. And make sure if you set an amount each week that the parents don't take advantage (dropping off early/picking up late).

When I was working I paid a $150/week for 1 child (and the lady was a family friend and charged me alot less than other people). It was about 40/45 hrs. a week. I lived in NY at the time.

Take into consideration if you are providing meals/snacks/diapers, etc..

And don't short change yourself - watching children is an exhausting job!! Good luck.

Answer 2

Since it is a set schedule, charge a flat weekly rate. How old are you? and is this for a family member? But ask around $250week.

Answer 3

that depends on you, where you live. In Kansas baby sitters get $8.00 an hour, per child .

Answer 4

definately by the hour. I would reccomend probably 5 or six dollars an hour since infants are harder to sit.

Answer 5

children that are younger than 2yrs $30.00
Older than 3yrs old $20.00
Hr prices

Answer 6

$ 150.00 to $ 175.00 per week would be about right