L.M. asks from Utica, MI on February 24, 2009
How Much to Pay a College Student to Babysit over the Summer?
I am looking at having a college student (dtr of a friend) watch my kids (age 9 & 5 1/2) at our house, 2x a week, this summer while I'm at work. My previous daycare lady charged me $50 a day and I think this was quite reasonable. She even provided meals. What is the going rate these days? My son is getting to the age where he wants to be at home and near his friends. Any suggestions on the going rate??
More Answers
C.L. answers from Detroit on February 26, 2009
I would pay $10 a day if it was 3-4 hours and perhaps less and a set rate if it was a full day.. like 8 hours. I always would prefer to err on the side of paying more if I can especially if it's someone older...
L.O. answers from Detroit on February 24, 2009
I pay a college sitter 7 or 8 an hour. This is for a 1 and 2 year old.
Your kids would be somewhat less work.. although mine still nap -- so the sitter does get a nice break in the afternoon.
50 a day is OK as long as the days arent very long... if it is a 10 hour day 50 would not be a enough..
L.C. answers from Detroit on February 24, 2009
I wouldn't pay a college student less then $8/hour. It would be different if it was a 14 or 15 year old.
N.W. answers from Detroit on February 25, 2009
$10-12$ an/hour is the going rate for a college student. If she is there all day, I think you can cap the rate at 80$ an hour.
L.G. answers from Detroit on February 24, 2009
i think $50 per day sounds pretty reasonable for an 8 hour day. if it's any longer, i would go up to $60. I wouldn't let the hourly rate go down below $6 for sure, and if you have her at other times, for short periods, i would raise the hourly rate to $8/hour at least (for example, you go out for the evening). Either way, ask her what she has in mind, or tell her your rate and ask if that's acceptable to her.
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