What should I pay a babysitter?

Here are some things to consider so, the next time you hire a sitter, you're prepared:

Ask other parents in your neighborhood, coworkers, friends (or any other parents in your community that use teen sitters) what they typically pay. Find out the base rate (the rate with no extras), usual situations for extra charges, and what those charges are. Typically, extra money is paid for more than two children, hours after midnight, and special dates, like New Year's Eve. Extra charges result from extra responsibilities, although we suggest not giving sitters other duties besides babysitting, such as cleaning the house, etc. 

Young adolescents who have just started babysitting will probably charge at the lower end of the average for your community. You should be paying an older adolescent with babysitting experience more. Teens who have taken a babysitting preparation course, such as Safe Sitter®, usually charge more as well. 

If you live in a large city, you'll probably find there is quite a range from one geographical area to another in the amount that families pay sitters. You'll find it most helpful to check with other families in your immediate area for the going rates.