Editor’s note: This piece was first published May 12, 2017.
Before we heap praise on moms this coming well-earned holiday, let’s spare a thought for some of the other frequently underappreciated heroes of parenting: babysitters.
Babysitters step in to look after the children when moms and dads are at work, running errands or simply craving a much-needed night off without a toddler launching a breadstick at a server’s head. (Trust me, it happens.)
May 13 is National Babysitter’s Day, so to mark it we’re diving into a thorny question that has haunted parents since day one: What is the right amount to pay a babysitter?
After consulting multiple sources, I’ve got to confess there isn’t a single definitive answer — but there are sensible guidelines to help you determine an hourly rate that suits both your wallet and the caregiver.
Good Sitters Deserve Fair Pay
It’s easy to balk at the idea of paying a sitter — especially a teen — above minimum wage *gasp* for a date night. But when you consider what you’re asking — personalized care for your family and the safety of your children — it doesn’t seem quite as outrageous. (Some will still disagree.)
You’re entrusting someone with your kids’ well-being, and that responsibility is worth more than the $5 an hour I’ve been offered (and promptly declined) in the past.
So how do you land on a fair, competitive hourly pay that fits your budget and builds a good rapport with your sitter?
Find a Starting Point
Begin by researching the typical hourly rate for sitters in your region. That won’t necessarily be your final offer, but it gives you a useful benchmark so you don’t unintentionally underpay (or overpay) your caregiver.
While the national average hourly rate for babysitters in 2016 was $15.71, fees vary widely by state — and often by city.
Care.com provides a calculator that estimates the average hourly rate in your area when you enter your zip code.
Five Things That Affect Pay
Once you know the typical rate in your neighborhood, weigh these other elements that can change what a sitter should earn:
1. Number of Children
Many babysitters set their hourly fee according to how many kids they’ll watch.
For example, Carrie Pinson Harville, a member of The Penny Hoarder Community Group on Facebook, says her daughters charge a base of $10 per hour for two children, plus $2 per hour for each additional child.
Bottom line: the more children under a sitter’s care, the higher the rate should generally be.
2. Experience
As with most jobs, more seasoned babysitters typically command higher pay. Nowadays you’ll often find caregivers with substantial childcare credentials.
Stephen McDermott, an IT director for The Penny Hoarder, mentioned he’s hired a post-grad MBA student and a teacher to watch his child.
TPH Executive Editor Alexis Grant opted for a teen with extensive babysitting experience, noting she was “definitely willing to pay more for someone with experience.”
Whether it’s years of practical work or formal qualifications, match their expertise to your needs when deciding on a fair hourly wage.
3. Location and Transportation
You aren’t obligated to cover a sitter’s commute — that’s part of having a job — but if they’re driving your children around in their own vehicle, consider offering a gas or travel stipend. The IRS business mileage rate for 2017 was 53.5 cents per mile, though you and the sitter can agree on a different arrangement.
If you need to shuttle a young teen to and from your home, you might reasonably pay a bit less than for a sought-after, experienced sitter who must make a long drive each time.
4. Duties
If the sitter is expected to pick up kids from practice, assist with homework, prepare dinner, clean up and handle bedtime routines, be prepared to pay extra for that level of service.
Erin O’Neill, People and Culture Manager, pays her sitter slightly above the local hourly average and says, “good babysitters are hard to come by … so it’s worth every penny. She engages with the kids — that’s important.”
If the sitter only needs to arrive after bedtime and watch TV quietly until you return, offering a lower rate is reasonable.
But be transparent about expectations during the interview — if you want help with laundry or vacuuming while you’re out, say so, and offer higher pay for household assistance.
5. Timing
Pay can also depend on when you need the sitter. Four hours in the afternoon once a week may cost less than hiring someone during prime time — weekend evenings, holidays like Valentine’s Day or New Year’s Eve.
The reality is you’ll pay more for convenience and for coveted babysitting slots.
Do the Math
Once you’ve settled on a number that seems fair and competitive, discuss it with the prospective sitter — and don’t be afraid to negotiate a little.
Clear communication is essential: explain your expectations and listen to the sitter’s needs. There’s nothing more awkward for either party than hashing out pay at the end of the night.
