Babysitting rates in 2026: What parents should budget

Families across the United States are paying significantly different rates for babysitting depending on where they live, according to new data released by UrbanSitter, which has tracked child care cost trends for the past 15 years.

Methodology:

The babysitting rates presented here are based on average hourly pay recorded through UrbanSitter bookings and are updated each year. 

For the past 15 years, UrbanSitter has analyzed tens of thousands of babysitting jobs annually to track child care cost trends and provide a detailed overview of what families pay. 

City-specific rates reflect the metropolitan areas listed and include averages for both one child and two children.

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By the numbers:

The national average babysitting rate in 2026 is $26.24 per hour for one child and $29.87 per hour for two children, according to UrbanSitter booking data updated in January. 

San Francisco ranks as the most expensive city for babysitting at $29.63 per hour, followed by Seattle at $27.70 and Honolulu at $27.22. 

At the other end of the spectrum, San Antonio has the lowest average rate at $18.21 per hour, with Dallas/Ft. Worth at $19.25 and Columbus at $19.98, underscoring the significant regional differences in child care costs nationwide.

How Much Do Babysitters Make?

Why you should care:

Babysitting rates across the United States increased 4.9% over the past year, significantly outpacing the 3% inflation rate.

Families seeking child care in 2026 can expect to pay between $19 and $29 per hour, depending on their location, with the national average landing at $26.24 per hour.

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Consider this when setting a babysitting rate

What you can do:

While national and local averages offer a helpful starting point, several additional factors can influence what families should reasonably pay a babysitter — or what sitters may choose to charge.

Location

Begin with the average rate in your city, then account for your specific neighborhood. Families in dense urban centers or near college campuses, where many sitters may live, could find more competitive pricing. In contrast, households located in outlying suburbs or areas requiring long commutes may need to offer higher pay to attract candidates.

Job Responsibilities

The number of children being cared for is a primary cost driver. While rates typically do not double or triple with each additional child, they often increase incrementally. Additional duties — such as driving, homework help, meal preparation, light housekeeping, laundry, cleaning, or pet care — can also justify a higher hourly rate.

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Skills and Experience

A sitter’s background plays a significant role in pay expectations. Experienced caregivers generally charge more than high school students, and those with specialized certifications or degrees in Early Childhood Education often command premium rates. Parents can gauge experience by asking how long a sitter has been working and which age groups they have cared for, from newborns to school-aged children.

Transportation

Some babysitters expect reimbursement for travel expenses, including mileage or public transportation costs. If a sitter is responsible for driving a child — whether using their own vehicle or the family’s — parents may also consider covering fuel expenses.

Additional Expenses

Beyond transportation, sitters may incur other job-related costs, such as meals, supplies, or activity fees for children. Families should clarify in advance which expenses they will cover and incorporate those costs into their overall child care budget.

Specialized Needs

Families with children who have disabilities or require specialized care should anticipate paying higher rates for caregivers with the appropriate qualifications and experience.

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