What's the going rate for babysitters?

[Handbag Lady]

I would also factor in that it is nearing the holidays and you might want to pay a bit more in case you'll need the sitter again soon.

I haven't sat for money in nearly 15 years, but always at Christmas a little extra helped and I hate to say it, but it did make me a little more available during December.

 

[disfan07]

I would also factor in that it is nearing the holidays and you might want to pay a bit more in case you'll need the sitter again soon.

That is very very true.

For me, dec 24, 25 and 31st were booked months in advanced. The parents were always asking me about my holiday plans in like september and october. They wanted to keep me on standby for babysitting. Unfortuantely, I have had to say no to all 3 of those dates this year (11 job offers total so far) because I am having surgery dec 22nd and I already have plans for NYE this year.

Alos, the families that I babysat for during the holidays would always give be a "bonus" usually about an extra $30-$40. I would leave their houses NYE having made more than $200.

 

[taitai]

It depends more on where you live then the ages of the kids/sitter. Around here $5/hour is pretty top pay.

Really? I live in MN and everybody I know (and we) pay $12/hr. This is the high schoolers we get to babysit. Now, maybe it is supply and demand. In our neck of the woods, finding a high schooler who has time to babysit is always a challenge. With homework, sporting events, practices, choir, band, theatre, etc. it is hard to get on someone's calendar for a babysitting gig. I tend to book a month or so out just to make sure I can lock the babysitters in.