No matter how long you’ve been in the nanny or babysitter field, talking about money with families is always a bit tricky. It’s hard to know when the best time is or the right language to use. But, if you’re serious about your babysitting or nanny business, you know how important it is to be able to talk pay rates and ask for what you deserve.
Negotiation is an incredibly important and useful skill in all jobs. If it doesn’t come easily to you, though, you’re not alone. That’s why we’ve spoken to some professional sitters and nannies who have the experience and know-how to help you get the rate you deserve. Whether you’re trying to figure out the best starting rate or negotiating a raise, read these tips to help you broach the subject with your clients.
1. Go into negotiations with a calm, positive attitude
“When negotiating your pay rate, or desiring to, it is important to approach the conversation in a calm and prepared manner. There’s no reason these conversations need to become a pain point for anyone involved. Come up with a friendly yet firm way to lay out for them that you know the value you provide.”
– Samantha Steiger, founder of Sittersam, traveling pet/house sitting and nannying with 15 years’ experience
2. Figure out the balance between a good rate and a great family
“Know your worth, try to stick to what you’re asking, but also come in with your lowest accepted rate in your head, just in case. It can be worth it to take a few dollars lower to be with the perfect family, whereas it might not be worth it to take a job that pays more but is not a good fit. It’s a tough job, and we work very closely with families, so it’s important that it’s a good fit for everyone.”
– Cynthia Halstead, nanny with over 10 years’ experience, Denver
3. Be realistic
“When asking for a raise, take into consideration how long you’ve worked with the family, if roles have changed and if the cost of living has gone up; these are all good things to bring up when asking for a raise. Also, be realistic with what you’re asking for, for both parties.”
– Cynthia Halstead, nanny with over 10 years’ experience, Denver
4. Research the going rates in your area
“Research your geographic area to see what the regular going rate is. These change often, so check every year. Compare that rate to yours and make a realistic assessment. Do you have enough years of experience to ask for the higher rate, or are you just starting off? Having these comparisons on hand to use in a rate discussion will help show your initiative and that the rate you’re asking for is researched, not just a shot in the dark.”
– Cristina Twigg, babysitter with 20+ years’ experience, founder of Easy Care Sitters (2010-2020) and freelance copywriter, Lafayette, Colorado
5. …and make sure you’re researching the right rates
“[If you are a nanny], figure out the market rate for nanny care — not babysitting or daycare. This is very important, as nannies are considered luxury child care.”
– Elizabeth Hawksmith, nanny and child care provider with 26 years’ experience, Indianapolis
6. Highlight your value and accomplishments
“When negotiating for the pay rate you deserve, focus on communicating the value you bring to the role. Highlight your experience, specialized skills and any additional responsibilities or certifications you possess. Share success stories and positive feedback from previous employers. By emphasizing your accomplishments, you can demonstrate why you deserve fair compensation for your services.”
– Sarah Johnson, nanny with 3 years’ experience at Muffetta’s Domestic Assistants, New York City
7. Explain why the rate is required for the work
“When it comes to negotiation, be sure to connect the work you’re doing with the compensation that you need. You are letting them know what the job description requires, not being greedy. Negotiation is 100% normal and part of everyone’s life on the administrative side of things.”
– Maggie Larkin, parent coach at The Radical Nanny with 22 years’ experience as a babysitter, New York City
8. Consider additional benefits along with pay
“If they simply cannot do more per hour, consider other benefits, like them covering your cell service, transit, etc. If a family takes it personally or is rude about it, that’s a red flag that they’re not a great fit.”
– Maggie Larkin, parent coach at The Radical Nanny with 22 years’ experience as a babysitter, New York City
9. Consider what you deserve first
“To determine a fair pay rate, you should consider several factors, such as the number of years you have worked with children, the number of children you will be caring for, the distance of the place you will be driving to, your tasks and responsibilities and the ages of the children. It’s important to personally ask yourself these questions and determine what you feel you deserve before jumping into this conversation head first.”
– Brooke DeFranco, professional nanny for 8+ years, Boynton Beach, Florida
10. Calculate your responsibilities
“Make a detailed list of all your responsibilities. Put time into it as you will likely realize you do a lot more than you thought. Having that list will help showcase how much work you actually do that the parent may not be considering or remembering. This will help convince them you are worth the investment.”
– Cristina Twigg, babysitter with 20+ years’ experience, founder of Easy Care Sitters (2010-2020) and freelance copywriter, Lafayette, Colorado
11. If you’re new, consider a lower rate as you gain experience
“If you’re new to the field, it’s reasonable to start with a lower pay rate and work your way up as you gain more experience. However, if you have many years of experience, certifications and a strong resume, you should give yourself the credit you deserve and not settle for a pay rate that will make you unhappy.”
– Brooke DeFranco, professional nanny for 8+ years, Boynton Beach, Florida
12. Find ways to meet in the middle
“As a nanny, it can be disheartening to work hard and not receive the pay you deserve, it is essential to come to a happy medium with the family’s price range as well. For example, if they advertised pay up to $20 an hour, but you typically earn $25 an hour, I feel it’s reasonable to meet in the middle at $23 an hour. If they see your worth the way you do, this should not be an issue!”
– Brooke DeFranco, professional nanny for 8+ years, Boynton Beach, Florida
13. Ask for raises annually (if you aren’t already)
“I certainly think annual raises should be given. Even if it’s just by a few dollars, it goes a long way! The only time I would feel an annual raise is not necessary would be if your performance has been slacking, or if your bosses are generous throughout the year, such as [offering ] days off, letting you leave early on occasion or giving you bonuses throughout the year. The way a family treats you during your time with them says a lot about your relationship with them.”
– Brooke DeFranco, professional nanny for 8+ years, Boynton Beach, Florida
14. Ask for their rate before offering yours
“Allow the family to give you their rate of pay first. If they ask you what you want, I would just say, ‘I am open to what the job pays.’ That way you don’t shoot lower than the going rate. If they come back with, let’s say, $15 an hour, you can tell them that the job you did prior to this one paid $20 an hour and ask them to consider that rate.”
– Rachel Devine, former babysitter with 10 years’ experience, Bayside, New York
15. Highlight your unique, in-demand attributes
“Point out unique attributes that you bring to the table as a sitter or nanny to push for [the rate you want]. For example, you can point out that you have excellent references or have enhanced the life of the last child you worked for. If you can really give them a reason to go to $20, they might agree. One really important aspect of being a sitter or nanny is to be on time, reliable and also trustworthy, so you might want to use those reasons for negotiating.”
– Rachel Devine, former babysitter with 10 years’ experience, Bayside, New York
