How Much Should You Pay Your Sitter?

During press interviews for BabySitters.com the question of how much to pay a sitter comes up every time. Even if the story has nothing to do how much you would pay a sitter, the interviewer just asks out of curiosity. Parents want to be fair with how much they pay but let's face it - a night out just to grab dinner and a movie can really add up! Here are some guidelines to go by when deciding how much to pay your sitter.

Babysitting rates - usually paid by the hour - depend on a variety of factors, from where you live, to the ages and temperaments of your children. The type of sitter you hire also can be an important aspect in determining the amount you should pay. Adolescents who are just starting out will probably receive less than older, more experienced teens or adults. Babysitters with special qualifications or training might also receive higher rates. Some babysitters charge an extra dollar or two per hour for each child, over and above their base rate for one child.

Pay Ranges & Factors that Affect Them
Hourly ranges of pay for babysitters quoted in current sources run anywhere from $5.00 to $15.00. The best way to determine the going rate in your neighborhood is to ask around. Talk to other parents in your community about what they have paid. Babysitters often set their own rates and will communicate this to you when you talk to them about a potential job and in their BabySitters.com profile. You can also talk to a babysitter's references and find out how much they have paid the sitter.

Other things to consider are the responsibilities the job includes. "Watching a 7-year-old who is content to sit and read a book or play on her own for a few hours is different than caring for a brood of three, fixing dinner, bathing them and sending them off to bed," writes Jennifer Vogelsong in a recent newspaper article. Consider your children's specific needs and personalities and whether you want the babysitter to do certain activities or household tasks. Finally, you may want to take into account other factors such as the hours of the babysitting job (fees for long hours or late nights are often higher), or special dates like New Year's Eve. If you're looking for a sitter on BabySitters.com, most sitters will usually let you know about extra charges in the comments section of their profile.

Talking About It
Make sure that you discuss payment before hiring a new sitter. You can start by asking how much he or she charges or by indicating what you are willing to pay, negotiating if necessary until you reach an amount that is satisfactory to both of you. You should also agree on a method of payment. Younger teens often prefer to be paid in cash, while older babysitters might accept checks. If you do agree to pay cash, make sure to have enough on hand so that you can pay the babysitter when you return home. Regular babysitting arrangements (e.g. several times a week) might be paid at the end of the week or month.

Whatever agreement you work out initially, if you're happy with your babysitter, be sure to pay him or her well. Some parents will add a "tip" to the regular hourly pay. Parenthood.com points out that good babysitters are a scarce and valuable commodity, and they recommend paying a good sitter slightly more than the going rate: "This will keep your family at the top of her list-and your social life intact."