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Babysitter Pay Calculator

Enter your details below to estimate hourly, weekly, and monthly babysitting costs anywhere in the United States.

Wyndy Smart Rate
$22.00
per hour

Wyndy Smart Rate: what parents on Wyndy paid over the last year, adjusted for your kids and their ages.

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Quick answer

How much should I pay a babysitter?

Most U.S. families pay $16 to $30 an hour. For one child, about $22 an hour is typical nationally, Wyndy's Smart Rate based on what parents paid on Wyndy over the last year. Add about 2% for each extra child, and a few dollars more for an infant. Big metro areas run higher; use the calculator above for your city.

Babysitting rates by number and age of children

National hourly estimates, by how many kids and the youngest child's age.

ChildrenInfantages 0–1Toddlerages 2–4Kidsages 5–9Big kidsages 9+
1 child$23/hr$23/hr$22/hr$22/hr
2 children$24/hr$23/hr$23/hr$23/hr
3 children$24/hr$24/hr$23/hr$23/hr
4+ children$25/hr$24/hr$24/hr$24/hr

What that adds up to for one child at $22 an hour:

  • $88Date night
    4 hours
  • $330After school
    15 hours a week
  • $880Full-time
    40 hours a week

Parents on Wyndy paid an average of $23 an hour over the last 12 months, across booked and completed jobs.

What raises or lowers the rate

  • Kids and agesMore children and younger children mean more hands-on care, and a higher rate.
  • ExperienceYears of sitting, CPR or first aid, or an education major can raise a sitter's rate.
  • Nights and overnightsLate nights often cost a little more; overnights are usually a flat rate for the night.
  • Last minute and holidaysSame-day requests and holidays commonly come with a higher hourly rate.
  • DrivingPickups and activities add responsibility; some families also cover mileage.
  • Weekly careSteady weekly hours with one family can mean a lower hourly rate than one-off jobs.

Babysitting rates in your city

Local rates and a calculator for each city.

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Babysitter pay FAQs

How much should I pay a babysitter?

Most U.S. families pay $16 to $30 an hour. For one child, about $22 an hour is typical nationally; big metro areas run higher and smaller cities lower. Use the calculator to see your city.

How much more for each extra child?

Plan on a few dollars more an hour for each additional child: about $23 for two, $23 for three and $24 for four or more.

Do babysitters charge more for babies?

Usually. Infants need more hands-on care, so families often pay a few dollars more an hour than for school-age kids.

Should I pay more for overnights, holidays or last-minute care?

Many families do. Overnights are often a flat rate for the night plus the hourly rate for the evening, and holidays and same-day requests commonly come with a higher hourly rate.

Do I tip my babysitter?

It isn't required, but many families round up or add a little extra for late nights, extra kids, holidays or going above and beyond.

Is weekly care cheaper than one-time babysitting?

Often, per hour. Sitters who get steady weekly hours with one family may offer a lower hourly rate than for occasional or last-minute jobs.

How we estimate: the calculator starts from typical U.S. babysitting rates, then adjusts for the number and ages of children and, on city pages, for local rates. Wyndy averages come from booked and completed jobs on Wyndy in the last 12 months. Updated November 2026.

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