How much to charge for babysitting
Updated October 25, 2026
Short answer
In 2026 the US average babysitting rate is $26.24 an hour for one child, $29.87 for two and $32.33 for three, by UrbanSitter's survey, with rates up 4.9% in a year. Set your rate from that average, then adjust for your city, experience and certifications, and add a few dollars an hour for infants, late nights, short notice or driving.
Start from the 2026 averages
| Kids | US average | Adjust for |
|---|---|---|
| 1 child | $26.24 an hour | Your city: big coastal metros run higher |
| 2 children | $29.87 an hour | Ages: infants and toddlers take more work |
| 3 children | $32.33 an hour | Experience, CPR, a second language, driving |
Charge more for
- Infants, twins and newborns.
- Late nights, holidays and New Year's Eve.
- Same-day or last-minute bookings.
- Driving kids in your own car, plus mileage.
- Extra duties like cooking for the family or housework.
Protect your time
Agree on a cancellation policy up front. On Nanny, families who cancel under 24 hours before a shift pay 50% of the booked pay, and under 2 hours, or if no one is home, pay in full, capped at 4 hours. You keep 100% of your pay plus tips, and standard payouts to your bank are free.
Questions
The 2026 US average is $26.24 an hour for one child, $29.87 for two and $32.33 for three, by UrbanSitter's survey. Rates are highest in San Francisco, Seattle and Honolulu.
Yes. Most sitters add a few dollars an hour per extra child; the 2026 averages run from $26.24 for one child to $32.33 for three.
Once a year is common, and when you add a certification like CPR, gain experience with infants, or take on more kids or duties.