Babysitting rates?

Canada
May 24, 2008 8:39pm CST
I've recently been looking into doing some babysitting to make a bit of extra money but I have NO idea what to charge. When I was younger my neighbours used to give me $20 an hour but now I realize that is VERY high. I've been researching the "going rates" and it seems to be about $10-12/hr...but that still seems kind of high to me? I just don't want to scare away parents with too high of a price, but when they ask "What do you charge?" saying "Uh, whatever you think is best" might sound a bit unprofessional. I have lots of experience...I took the "babysitting course" offered by Red Cross when I was young... I'm 20, just finished college... Babysitters, or parents who hire babysitters... What the hell should I charge?
3 responses
kingcrapper
@kingcrapper (1536)
• United States
25 May 08
This is rather a loaded question! It would all depend on the situation and the city you live in. Can't image a baby sitter in New York City would make the same as a person in a trailer park in Alabama! In my area we usually pay babysitter $2-$3/hour per child. Usually we will pay extra if the person is willing to stay after the schedule time, drive themselves home, etc. We will usually pay a bonus at the end of the night. $20 hour is base pay for a factory worker in some places! I could not afford such a price! If you are good sitter, though, you will always find work!
1 person likes this
pixelpixie
@pixelpixie (473)
• Canada
25 May 08
I like to think I'm a good sitter. Kids really like me. My last girl I used to sit would DEMAND her parents leave so I could come watch her. Haha. Yeah, I made $27/hr working at the Ford plant. I would make my own way home. I've had two offers. One for a little girl of 15 months... and one for 3 kids aged 1 1/2, 5, and 8.
grammasnook
@grammasnook (1871)
• United States
25 May 08
I would go with 8 an hour that way if it is on the lower end you are sure to get the business. If you know the family and the kids are behavior problems go for the full 12.00. Heck when I was a kid I would watch the neighbors kids for 2 bucks an hour and I thought I was a millionaire lol .. Good luck
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pixelpixie
@pixelpixie (473)
• Canada
25 May 08
Hehe, two bucks an hour still makes me feel like a millionaire ;)
lilybug
@lilybug (21107)
• United States
25 May 08
Around here you can send your kid to a licensed daycare for 40 hours a week for under $75. I would never pay $10 an hour for a babysitter. That is more than a lot of people who are hiring the babysitter make.
1 person likes this