Paying babysitters

[Kelly]

I've never had to pay a babysitter before, so I need some advice on how much to pay. Usually I have ILs, my parents, or my sister watch Alex, but there are times when NO one is available. My cousin said she'd be happy to help out, but I'm not sure how much to pay her. For example, tomorrow I would need her for 4 hours while I work. Whatcha think?

[Karri]

It really depends on the rate in your area. For one kid, I dont know.....$7/hr? $8/hr?

[bunybomb]

I think it depending on the babysitters age. I pay my teenage babysitter $5/hr. for both my kids. If it's just my older child (10) I pay her $3/hr.

[Alyssa]

We haven't used on in about a year, but paid $6.50/hr. I think that's good for my area, probably more like $7-$8 is the norm. I think it really depends on your area.

[Joan]

Depends on the age of the babysitter, your area and the time. If the baby is sleeping, we usually pay my 19 y/o nephew a flat rate for the evening, like $30. If it is during the day, then usually about $8/hr. If my 13 yr old son is watching the baby (17 months, while we are home doing housework, etc.) we usually give him $5.00.

College students in our area charge about $10-12 per hour!

[Michele]

We pay $10.00 an hour for our one child (a college student)...but then again everything is ridiculously expensive around here!

[Kelly]

Wow! Some of you guys pay pretty well, maybe i'll come work for you! Thanks for your comments, it's pretty interesting to see the differences! So, I was thinking $15-20 for the four hours. After asking around, that's pretty average for our area. Who knows, she might not even accept it:thumbsup:

[Clare]

We pay at least $10 per hour. I think we would be laughed at if we offered $15-20 for 4 hours! But I guess it's all relative to where you live and the age/experience of the sitter :dunno: