Babysitting Rates: How Much to Charge Per Hour in 2026
5 min read·Updated June 2026
The short answer
Babysitting usually runs about $15 to $30 per hour. One child is commonly $15 to $25, two children $18 to $28, and three or more $22 to $35. Big cities and experienced, certified sitters sit at the top of those ranges.
Typical rates by number of kids
- One child: $15 to $25 per hour
- Two children: $18 to $28 per hour
- Three or more: $22 to $35 per hour
What changes the rate
- Number and ages of children.
- Your experience and certifications (CPR, first aid).
- Late-night or last-minute bookings.
- Extra duties like cooking, bath time, or light tidying.
Set a confident number
State your rate as a confident round number and let your experience justify it. Families pay more for someone who sounds sure of their worth than for the cheapest available sitter, because trust beats price in childcare. Use the free calculator to set a rate for your area.
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