LoveToKnow Teens:AllComments

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Comments

Hi Lisa, Try this handy calculator I found to determine how much you should charge: Babysitter Pay Calculator (just click on this link).

-- Contributed by: Charlotte Gerber

what would you say is the best hourly rate for a babysitter if you are working at night and putting the kid to bed, Totallying 3 hours a night. Almost everyday of the week for the next two months.

-- Contributed by: Lisa

Hi Calpal,

Yes, that is a lot of work! If you decide to ask for a raise in pay, explain how much of a hand full it is. Chances are, they will understand...

-- Contributed by: Marcelina Hardy

i usually just take what they give me. but ive found out recently that i should be paid wayy more. i babysit triplets and their older sister. the triplets are 4 and their sister is 7. whata handful!

-- Contributed by: calpal

Hi Sohaa,

I am unfamiliar with the going rates for your area, so ask your friends to see what they charge. Also, if anyone here knows, please feel free to post a comment and help out!

-- Contributed by: Marcelina Hardy

hi guys, i asked for 9 or 10 bucks per hour for a 3 month old boy and a 2 year old girl...her eyebrows raised when i said that, probably because im 13 and i have no experience whatsoever. is that a good rate for occasional evenings?

-- Contributed by: sohaa

Hi lilkunta!

Thanks for coming back to let us know how it went! Sounds like you handled yourself well and have the skills to get you far with negotiating. This will be great for you in the future. Good for you. Enjoy the rest of your summer and your pay increase!

-- Contributed by: Marcelina Hardy

HI MsHardy, I talked to my family. They begrudgingly agreed. They did not like it. When I explained that $12 is the rate in our area for just one child; that I'd be caring for their 8y old and driving both girls at a loss to me, they agreed. They did try to be sneaky in that they said "Okay for the summer we will pay this higher rate and then back to the normal rate when school starts"; I didnt answer as I know I will be leaving this family August 24. Thank You for all your help. :)

-- Contributed by: lilkunta

Hi lilkunta,

All you can do is try and see what she says. She may surprise you. If she does say that she won't increase your rate because you agreed to do it for that rate until August 9th, then it will be up to you whether you stay or not.

What you might want to try is look for another babysitting job without asking anything of her first. If you find something that pays more or pays the same with less work involved, you can bring that to her as a negotiation tool.

Let us know how it goes! Much luck with your situation. :)

-- Contributed by: Marcelina Hardy

Hi Ms Hardy, Thank You. I've have been practising what I will say. This is what I plan on saying: I have to increase my rate from $12 to $14 to compensate for the care of your 8yo as well as the costs of driving her to/from her activities.

I see the Mom refusing sighting : -thus far (past 10mo since Aug 8) you've accepted $12 with no problem -we have you contracted thru Aug 9 for $12/hourly so you need to fulfill that contract

So how do I counter her refusals? Thanks.

-- Contributed by: lilkunta

HI Lilkunta,

You definitely do a lot. If you feel that how much they pay you isn't enough, you should bring it up to the mom. You won't be happy nor be at your best if you are feeling taken advantaged of. If the mom doesn't agree, you can either tell her that she might want to look for someone else or continue working until you find something else. Hope she is able to work with you!

-- Contributed by: Marcelina Hardy

Is this fair? I take care of a 2yr old and 8yr old. I am there from 11:30-7:30p on M W Th. I am with the 2yo from 11:30-3:30 and then both from 3:30-7:30p. I cook their lunch & dinner & occasionally bath the 2yo. I also drive the 8yr old to/from dance (2mi each way) on Mon & Wed.

I have been charging $12, no charge for the driving, no extra charge for the days I came early (@7:30), no charge for Spring Break when the 8yo was home, no charge for the many days Mom let the 8yo stay home, no charge for the 1/2 school days when the 8yo was home # 12:35, no charge for homework help.

Now that summer is here I think it is fair to increase my rate to $14 since the 8yo will be home. Early on I did mention this so the parent have put her in a day camp until 4pm. But the camp doesnt start for a week so both girls will be home from 11:30-7:30p.

When camp starts I will be driving 1mi 3days/wkly ( as opposed to just 2x a week during the school year),to pick her up @ 4p & then caring for her from 4-7:30p.

What do you all think ? If the mom says all school year I charged $12 for afterschool care for the 8yo so there is no reason to increase the charge now, what is a good response? Thanks.

-- Contributed by: lilkunta

Andrea,

If you feel that the pay is unfair, you might want to talk to the parents about this. You can give them an amount you feel that is fair and ask if they would be able to afford that. If they can't, you can choose to negotiate with them or possibly find another babysitting job. Good luck.

-- Contributed by: Marcelina Hardy

I only get paid $10 a day. I babysit 2 19 month old twins and a 3 year old girl. I think I am being very underpaid.

-- Contributed by: Andrea

Hi Barbara,

Babysitting rates depend on the parents. The best thing to do is sit down with the parents and ask how much they are willing to pay. If the hourly rate seems low to you, try negotiating. Good luck!

-- Contributed by: Marcelina Hardy

Well i just moved to virginia about 3 months ago my friends dont babysit Im wondering if there's an easier way to find out what the hourly rate is if anyone can tell me :)

-- Contributed by: barbara

I get paid 10 dollars an hour for being a teacher's aid at a pre-shool. I was recommended by a parent and asked to babysit a 2 month old for an afternoon. I'm firstaid and CPR certified, will have one on one time with the infant, and will travel there at my expense. I have years of experience, and believe that it is appropriate to apply the same rate for this situation.

-- Contributed by: Shelley

Hi Janae, The going rate for babysitting varies from city-to-city. Ask your friends what they are charging. As for asking too many questions, you can never ask too many questions- make sure you understand EVERYTHING before you sign on as a babysitter for someone.

-- Contributed by: Charlotte Gerber

Is 9-10 dollars too high and can you ask too many questions?

-- Contributed by: Janae

This is a good tip, but you must also understand the area that you live in. If it's a really nice area, then you can charge a little more in my opinion, but if you don't 10 an hour is a lot.

-- Contributed by: Alyson Stadler

Hi Kate, Check out Sitter City. It has lots of information on professional babysitting and a rate calculator based on the city you work in.

-- Contributed by: Charlotte Gerber

I think a good price is 6 or 7 dollars but is that to low? help!!!!

-- Contributed by: kate

Emily,

The key to finding a job is to start applying. Look in the want ads, ask around at your school, and inquire of your friends and neighbors. Include your parents in your decisions and I am sure you can find something interesting to do and make some money in the process.

-- Contributed by: Debbie Vasen

How do I get a job

-- Contributed by: Emily Sager

Hi Nicole, Check out Sitter City. It has lots of information on professional babysitting and a rate calculator based on the city you work in. In my personal opinion, you should be compensated based on the additional work you do, the number of children you are babysitting, anything you have to do with your car and the total number of hours you spend doing any of these things. I understand many babysitters will stay with children because they love them, but it is wrong to under pay babysitters, especially when they double as a taxi and housecleaner! You've got bills to pay too, so don't sell yourself short.

-- Contributed by: Charlotte Gerber

I watch 2 children under the age of 5 (one is 2 and the other is 4) in their house. I have my own transportation. I do housework, cook every meal for the family, take the 4 yr old to preschool 3 days a week, and care for FIVE dogs also. Some days I have more children (there are going to be older ones home now that school is almost out). I am 24 years old and have been babysitting since I was 12 (that's 12 yrs experience). When I take the one child to preschool, I do so on my own gas (no compensation offered). I was wondering what I should charge for the stuff I do? I feel like I'm getting the short end of the deal as far as pay goes. This family can afford to pay me decent, they are one of the richer families in my area. Please help!

-- Contributed by: Nicole

I'm very good with kids.

-- Contributed by: Latoya

Hello, I'm 14 and am an experienced babysitter. When I was only 12, I babysat 3 children at one time. They were the ages of 1, 4 and 5. I'm a good sitter and I watched them for almost a year. Then I moved.

So now I'm about to babysit my neighbors kids. I have one comment. Even though I cant drive, I know what to do if there's an emergency. Now a days, kids are more mature than adults think. There are teens like me who are very responsible and trustworthy.

So please don't down grade us. We are more responsible than other adults say we are. I'm not trying to be disrespectful. I just don't appreciate it when we look like imature little kids. We are almost adults. Just 4 years away! Thanks for reading.

-- Contributed by: me

Hi Babysitters, I just found a rate calculator that you can use to determine the hourly rate where you live. Check out Sitter City and click on the age (17-21, even if you are younger), enter your zip and the number of kids you'll be babysitting. It will give you an idea of what to charge. Unfortunately, to register on this site for babysitting gigs you have to be 18, but they have a lot of information even younger baby sitters can use.

-- Contributed by: Charlotte Gerber

Hi AJ,

The best way to get more jobs is to let as many people know that you are available as possible. This means advertising! Check out our article on Babysitting Flyers to find out how to make them and where you can post them for the biggest impact.

If you haven't done so already, consider taking some babysitting classes and infant/child CPR. Parents who need babysitters really like sitters who have some certification in these areas. Classes in this are usually offered at the YMCA, YWCA or local 4-H clubs.

-- Contributed by: Charlotte Gerber

cool advice, just call me Supernanny!

-- Contributed by: Debbie
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