What Is the Going Rate for Babysitters?

My daughter, along with several others, are Am.Red.Cross certified. For 3 children ages 4,3,2 she received $5.00/hr during Friday day. It also depends whether it is a holiday weekend and the advance notice, what the hours are, if they will be sleeping most of the time, is cleaning up an expectation. I would lay it out with your babysitter and start at $3.00/hr and negotiate from there. It is not only a chance for you to go out, but it is an opportunity for that young girl or boy to get skills at negotiating for themselves.

I used Sarah's Sitting Service from Craigslist and paid $8 an hour for my 4 month old and 4 year old. When all five of my kids are home, the rate would be $12 an hour, but my 12 and 10 year old don't need a lot of hands on attention. She's cpr certified and has references, her own vehicle, no curfew, plays very well with the kids (my 4 year old keeps asking for her to come back). Good LUCK!!
M.

We usually pay our high school/college babysitters $8-10/hr, but sometimes we use a flat rate if the kids are in bed most of the time ($25-30/evening).

I think it depends. I went through craiglist.com and found a few to interview. And there was a wide range of prices.

My sister when she watches the kids gets a flat rate (she doesnt do anything but be here with them) for 10 - 20 depending on how bad we want to get out.

I have found sitters for like during work for about 5-6 and hour.

It is hard when you can't pay much like in our situation.