We're using a babysitter next Friday for the first time for our one year-old son. How much do I pay her? Do I ask her what her rate is or do I just pay her what I feel is a fair amount? She'll be at house from about 6:30 - 10:00 and my son goes to bed around 7:30 every night so it will be a pretty easy job. Any advice/ideas are appreciated. Thanks in advance!
Thanks for the advice. Everyone seems to be consistent with $8-$12 per hour range. I guess that's what I was expecting but wow things sure have changed! I used to get paid $4/hour for babysitting 2 kids!!!
I'd ask. How old is she? If she is in high school, i'd pay $8/hour, if she was in college or older, then $10/hour.
Hi K.,
Our daughter is 2 1/2 and we were kind of shocked when we used our first baby sitter and the "going" rate. I think back to when I used to babysit and what I used to get.
Anyway, our first baby sitter asked for $12 an hr. Another baby sitter we used told us she will accept whatever we gave her. We did $10 an hr. The girl we use now and really love (she is actually her teacher at day care) and we give her $12 an hour. Asking around with friends, $10-$12 seems to be the going rate.
K.
My daughter is a babysitter and she gets around $8.00/hour, depending on the family, number of children, etc.
I would ask the girl first what her rate is.
The rate should stay the same no matter if the child is awake or asleep.
K.,
How old is the sitter, and how experienced? A high school senior should get paid more than a middle schooler, etc.
I also would ask the sitter what her rate is. If she is young she may say, "Whatever you want to pay me." In that case, have a number in mind for yourself.
Good luck!
