What is a fair babysitting rate?

Question

I am 22 and live in Wisconsin. A few friends have brought up the idea that I should babysit for all of them because I am certified to teach in a daycare and I get along well with all their kids.

I don't think my rate should be based on how many children there are total, something that was brought up by them. They were thinking an hourly rate, regardless of how many I had at once, allowing them to split the cost. I felt this was extremely unfair. At the same time, I don't know if I'd want to do a per day rate, another suggestion, as either they or I would get ripped off.

I am wondering what would be a fair rate (both for me and them) to charge?
Any idea what the average rate per child per hour is?

Answer 1

My daughter is in a private daycare, and each parent pays up to $18.00 per day (which for me would work out to $2.25 per hour over a maximum of 8 hours). My lady provides 2 snacks and lunch, as well as juice or milk. Ultimately, between you and your friends, perhaps some amicable agreement can be reached. And a contract must be drawn up, or you risk losing your friends, and perhaps, your sanity. Do your friends want to use you like a daycare, or just for a few hours when they go out? And how many kids and what ages? Too many kids and their safety (and perhaps your own? LOL) could be in danger.
Hope this helps!

Answer 2

I am certified ECE and I am now doing home daycare. The going rate up here in Canada (CAN$'s) is $40/day per child over 18months. A full day is anything over 4 hours. Under 4 hours would be $20.00.Food is not included in this price. If you will be driving anywhere with the children you need to insure your vehicle for work and extra liability. You also need to have extra insurance for your home or you will not be covered in case of an accident. According to your local laws you are also limited to how many children you have in your care at any one time. I am limited to 2 sibling groups - my own children count as one. With a Home daycare license you can have up to 7 children but you will have to pass health and safety inspections from your local officials. Hourly rates for Nannies is about $10 - $14. CAN per hour.

Answer 3

I think each family should each pay you the same rate of $10-$12 per hour. Don't take on too many kids at the same time though as it can get pretty hectic/difficult. Been There, Done That!!!! If you take on a lot of kids then you'll need help and you'll have to split your earnings with that person. Suggest 1 or 2 families at a time only. Also, set up a time for them to return by so you can return to your own place and or your own level of sanity. Make sure they return when they say yhey will or charge them extra. Good Luck!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Answer 4

I usually charge $12 an hour for 1 kid and then $5 for each additional kid...like some of the other answers it depends on how they're using you...is it just so they can go shopping for the afternoon or is more like a private daycare where you look after them 5 days a week for 8 hours a day...if its more like a daycare..I'd charge more and provide lunches and snacks and things like that...if they're your friends they would understand and wouldn't want to take advantage of you

Answer 5

I go to a friend and she charges $15 a daywhich is 300 a month. and i think that is very good. usually it will cost about $30 a day which is 600 a month so i think my pay is very reasonable. plus i go to school when i get off of work. so the 8 hours plus another 3 hours of school is very good and my daughter is only 10 months.

Answer 6

I would say $100 per week for the first child, $80 per week for the second. That sounds fair. You would be making some great money and helping your friends. Don't let them run you over though, just because they are your friends. You are doing this because they are your friends.

Answer 7

I would go any where between 5-10 dollars an hour depending on how hard the kid was to handle.

Answer 8

10 dollars per hour for both kids.

Answer 9

12 dollars an hour