How Much to Pay a Babysitter? - West Hollywood,CA

I didn't know that I could make that kind of money babysitting. I don't think anyone should complain about that amount since they are not getting taxes taken out. That is ridiculous that you should pay more, I believe minimum wage is a lot less, so $12. is a good rate! I would like to make $200. for working two days a week!

Your situation sounds like mine. Same aged kids, and same scenario where one is at preschool on one day, so the sitter only watches the younger kid that day. Our sitter (19 years old when hired, now 20) asked for $12/hour and I thought that was fair. I don't require her to take them anywhere (I prefer they stay at home). I don't require cleaning (except after they eat--easy loading of dishes in the dishwasher) and if it's evening time, I don't even require baths. I think that's a very reasonable rate. If a young woman this age were working in retail or at a coffee shop (i.e. a job that doesn't rely on tips), their salary would be much less than $12/hour, esp. after taxes. (I think that's what a lot of people forget,). It's come a long way when I used to charge $2/hour (and I'm only in my mid-30s!). And it does add up for us on 'date nights'...We're gone for lunch and an afternoon movie then dish out $75 more! I guess that's the price we have to pay to buy some alone time!

I pay $15/hr for my daughter's nanny. She comes to our home 3 days/week. This includes some light cleaning, especially as it pertains to the baby's stuff (laundry, dishes, food prep, etc.). I know women who pay as low as $12, but it's hard to negotiate down when you want someone you can really trust with your child. To make myself feel better about the money, I'm not shy about asking her to take on the extra tasks while my daughter is napping. However, now that she's more active, I do think it's important for her to take breaks and recharge throughout the day so she can do her best to engage and interact with my daughter. One of the young women who knows my daughter from her gym class also charges $15. I just think it's the going rate in LA. It's hard to believe considering I remember being paid $5 for an entire night of babysitting my younger cousins!

If it is a babysitter, just every once in a while, then $12 (at least) is OK. But if this is a regular person who cares for your kids, it sounds more like a nanny and $12 is pretty low. What is it worth to you to have someone take good care of your kids, love them AND have her feel appreciated and want to stick around instead of always looking for someone who will pay her more? It is always best to have her stick around since you do not want too many nannies in and out of your kid's lives. It makes it hard for them and the nanny.

I was also thinking...is $12 an hour enough for you to make ends meet? I know it is not for me, not in this economy, especially in Southern Califoirnia.

I think $12 is reasonable, though that's what I pay for 1. You can't compare what you're paying to someone at a day care because they are taking care of more kids at once. And paying $5/hour an hour for someone in your house is obscene!

You have to think about that the babysitter is not getting health insurance from you or any other benefits. She has no paid sick or vacation days. Does she get paid if you have to cancel (whether your child is sick or you're on vacation)?

And don't forget the holiday gift! Cash is always the most appreciated.

I pay my babysitter $200 per week. She's there from 8-5. I would say you are overpaying. But others would say I am grossly underpaying...but it's literally half my weekly check.
My main idea is that peace of mind is worth any price when it comes to your kids. Good luck.

Just be aware that once they are older and you may have a teenager babysit for a night out, my daughter gets $8/hour babysitting two kids. So if you ever get a teen, $12 is too much for them.

I take my twin 4 year old boys to a home daycare. I drop them off at 7:30am and pick them up at 5:15pm and pay only $30.00 a day. She is an amazing woman who love my kids. If it weren't for her I wouldn't be working. I think paying $100.00 a day for 8 hours is PLENTY!!

We pay our babysitter/nanny $15 an hour for one child. We asked around before we interviewed and this seems to be the normal rate. Our neighbor has two kids and they pay the same, but I believe only $12 when she is just watching one of the kids. For the holidays, we give her a bonus equal to one weeks pay. This also seems to be the norm. Best of luck.

I think $12 an hour is very reasonable... I have paid about the same and even less for sitters and I have 2 boys 1 and almost 3. If you sitter is OK with it dont rock the boat. If you want to give a Christmas bonus, maybe that is the way to go...

Updated

Also..just to put it in perspective, she is likely doing this for extra income and not as her only source of income (otherwise she would need to work full time). Take into consideration her skill set, education, and the service she provides. She would only make $8-9 if she worked at McDonalds. $12 an hour is equivalent to $25,000 a year (if full time). So you pay about $6000 a year for your nanny.
I know a lot of responses said they pay more, but i think it depends on you and your family income - paying that kind of money out of your take home pay is a lot (unless you or your husband make REALLY good money).
I think being fiscally responsible is important and if you can afford $12 and your sitter is making some money to contribute to her family, I think it is a good for both of you. Dont let other people pressure you into paying too much. Talk to your nanny about it, or offer her a raise or bonus every year - perhaps that will also incentivize her to stay with you longer.

Good Luck

That is extremely high for a "babysitter". If this is a St. lic. Family Child Care provider...it's still a bit high..but at least she has DOJ/FBI cleanance and is screened for TB..and hopefully ECE units and offers curriculum.

Helo, I used to do licensed childcare. I never received minimum wage and you are paying above that. I would love to find a daycare job which I could get paid what you are paying and only work two days a week. I watch my grandkids and for now get nothing. I am not complaining, but I can't imagine you paying more.
Good luck with your precious family.
K. K.

I think $12 must be the going rate because this summer I had 2 girls from the same family, that runs the childcare program at my church and who do lots of babysitting, charge me that amount. My nanny gets much more than that but she's a nanny.