How much do people pay babysitters these days?

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  Posted by CynthiaS Mon Aug 4, 2008 9:42am PDT

  $5 an hour is plenty. She has no taxes or overhead to pay. Once in a while surprise her with a couple bucks to reward her for doing an extra special good job. Keeps her on her toes and interested. Too much, too soon is never good for anyone.

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  Posted by Tara Mon Aug 4, 2008 10:12am PDT

  I think 5 dollars is good but I would not leave a 12 year old with my 3 year old I have 5 boys and let me tell you that they are still young but while in the home they all better help eachother in anything they do. I think depending on your older ones they need to learn the responsiblitiy of watching there sister why should you put money out of your pocket for a sitter, make them learn there responsibilities of being helpful in the home.

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  Posted by MissK Mon Aug 4, 2008 10:12am PDT

  Can I ask where you guys live? I live in northern NJ - maybe that's why the rate is higher. Also, for many, like myself growing up, babysitting IS your job. I babysat all the time and never had another job - right through college, until I became a teacher. Also, just a side note - is it fair to pay someone less than minimum wage just because you CAN? That seems unfair. I also think it's unfair to pay someone based on whether or not you think she "needs" the money. Just something to think about. I have no trouble paying $5 for a frappacino or spending a little extra to get something better - like upgrading plane tickets, for example, so why would I balk at paying an objectively fair wage to someone who is left in charge of my most precious possession??????

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  Posted by dian Mon Aug 4, 2008 9:17pm PDT

  If it is not in serious condition, I wouldn't left my child with a girl of 12.

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  Posted by Jen Tue Aug 5, 2008 2:42pm PDT

  The amount you pay a sitter should depend on the job they are doing. If your child is simply being kept safe and fed then $5 an hour for a 12 year old is fine. If, however, your sitter is actively playing with your daughter or doing housework for you then you should really try to meet minimum wage. As a teenager I was happy to watch kids for very little after school while we all did homework. Playing barbies and having tea parties all day on a Saturday when I could be out with my friends was worth a lot more per hour. I had my daughter while in college and took a job as a nanny while she was too young too go to daycare. I was fine getting paid $10 and hour (plus some generous tips) but only because I got to bring my baby with me to work. I pay $20 per day for preschool but you have to multiply that times the six to one ratio of the class. And really, if a twelve year old is mature for her age she is perfectly capable of watching a three year old without special needs for a few hours. She will probably enjoy giving attention to your daughter more than an 18 year old would.

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  Posted by Wed Aug 6, 2008 7:09pm PDT

  It totally depends on who your babysitter is and what their qualifications are. I am a 24 year old experienced child care provider and an EMT and I usually charge about $10 an hour for up to 2 kids and only normal stuff like feeding them. Housework is extra. My sister is closer to your babysitters age and she has had the American Red Cross Babysitting Course and CPR, so she charges about $6 or $7 an hour. I think that's appropriate. If the girl has no certifications (anyone of any age can become certified in First Aid and CPR), then $5 is good. However, I'd really recommend you encourage her to get certified.

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  Posted by Maggie Thu Aug 7, 2008 1:39am PDT

  In my opinion, if you pay someone over 20 $20 a hour then you are underpaying. My sister babysit for my cousin - 4 kids and get $50-$100 for babysitting from 4PM - 1 AM. My cousin went to Church in Jersey so it was a long time for there and back and Church. Anyway, if the child is 12 then $7 should be enough.

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  Posted by kavs Sat Aug 9, 2008 8:27am PDT

  i used to charge $4 per hour and $2 per kid. so if it's for two hours with two kids, the total would be $12. i had this evil boss a while ago who said that that was too much!!!

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  Posted by Steph Wed Aug 20, 2008 11:47am PDT

  My daughter babysat at the age of 12. She charges between $5 and $8, depending on the age of the child she is watching. She is now 15 and still watches the same child she did when she was 12, they are close and she is a great sitter, she will make a wonderful mom!!!! So $5 is a good amount.

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  Posted by Nancy Wed Dec 10, 2008 10:12am PST

  Just a comment on charging for a babysitter: My daughter babysits alot & is very experienced & has been doing it for 4 yrs. She is 17 yrs old now & charges 8.00 for one child & 10.00 for more then one. She is very serious as this being her only job while in High School & able to keep her grade average up. She also has her own car to drive to the peoples house & can stay as late as the parents want. She one day hopes to open her own daycare center or out of the house so she is worth what she gets paid. She also volunteers at church every Sunday in the nursery & thats where she got most of her jobs, through word of mouth.

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