Here’s the going rate for babysitting in every state

A great babysitter is an asset to families, but if you’re just getting started in your search for a sitter or are setting new rates for your own babysitting services, you might be wondering: What is the going rate for babysitting?

The pandemic has played a big role in changing the cost of child care over the past two years, and that includes the babysitting hourly rate. Quality caregivers are in high demand, and parents all over the country say they are paying more to ensure reliable and safe care for their kids. Nationwide, many sitters make an average of $16.26 per hour, but how much babysitters charge can vary depending on several factors, like:

• Where you live.
• How many children need care.
• How often a sitter is needed.
• The sitter’s level of experience.

In places like California or Washington, D.C., where the cost of living is higher, babysitters can expect to be paid just over $20 per hour. In other states, like Alabama, the going rate for babysitting falls below the national average at $14.50 per hour. Knowing the expected babysitting hourly rate in a specific area can help parents prepare for the expense and ensure that sitters are being paid a fair price for their vital skills and experience. Here is the average hourly rate for babysitting in every state, according to recent Care.com data.

The average hourly pay for babysitting in every U.S. state