What is the current going rate for baby-sitters?

Question

I've been baby-sitting for about 3 years now. I have experiance and people would like to know my rates and I don't have one. And I don't like telling people what to pay. What is an average ammount I should start out with?

By the way this is in Wisconsin

Answer 1

I think you should have an idea of how much to charge, you might want to do a flat rate kinda deal if there is more than one kid in your charge.
Maybe $20.00 from 8 to 1 am or whatever you feel your time is worth.
But be sure to go over this with your mom.
AN infant might be harder to watch than a toddler.
A 5 year old might be less intense than a 8 month old.

If they are sleeping maybeyou could charge less than if they sitter is needed at noon.

are these kids terrors or do they enjoy you reading to them and playing with them.
will you have to give them a bath?

Also you can charge more if you tell them what you will do for the money...I will bathe your kids, go over homework, I am cpr certified etc.

I think $5.00 an hour is reasonable (one kid) but would not be worth it for a .5 hour assignment.
so be sure to say you have a minimum of $10.00 or whatever you feel comfortable with.

when they ask you how much you charge, ask how many kids, then ask them how old are the kids and what times did she have in mind for you to come over.
Come up with your figure based on that info

Answer 2

The average rate here in Boston is from 15-18an hour. But that is for a well qualified childcare giver/babysitter that has some college experience or degree. Many high school students get in the 12-15 dollar range. You need to be up front and honest about what you think you are worth. Many families take advantage of sitters that do well by them. Taking care of children is a VERY important job. Think about how much you need to be paid for your time. Think about the gas, time away from school/regular job, families that you sit for, and lastly again what you think you are worth. Don't just settle for a family because you need money....

If you are looking for jobs, we found a great website that helped us find sitters in our area. www.sittercity.com

Answer 3

I've generally paid $3/hr for 1 child; $5/hr for 2 children and $7/hr for 3 kids. But it's been a long time since I've had one child and would probably pay more now. I've hoped to scale back what I pay for 3 kids now that they are getting older. Try to get a feel for how difficult the assignment is going to be. Will you be feeding dinner and/or preparing food? Will they need baths? Will they be sleeping a good portion of the time? How easy are they to lay down? If you don't like to tell people what you charge you could say: "The Johnsons give me $7/hr for their kids" and let them draw their own conclusions. You can always turn them down next time if their kids are too difficult or the pay is too stingy.

Answer 4

3 dollars an hour per child

5 dollars for brats (dont tell the parents their kids are brats just tell them that's your price) and children under 3 (still in diapers)

2 dollars for children willing and able to help

make sure anybody who your not charging 5 dollars an hour that they are getting a deal cause cause there kids are well behaved

or you can just charge a set price this is just a basic idea

Answer 5

I live in Ohio, provide lunch, and take the kids to the park one day a week. I charge $30 per kid, per day. Day care centers in the area charge $45 per kid per day. Oh yea, that rate it for a 7am to 5:30 pm day.

Answer 6

Depends on experience and age I think. But maybe 7 dollars an hour maybe more depending on how many kids and they kids ages. You can charge more if they are really young.