What is the going rate for babysitters these days?

Question

I have a son who is going to be turning 7 in a few months. My mom has always been the person who watched him for me when I worked. But I am getting ready to move out of state soon, and will be in need of finding someone to watch him. My friend is going to watch him whenever he can (but he works too, and will be able to watch him during the week because he gets out of work at 2, but Saturdays will be a problem), but he has a niece who is 14 and I have asked her if she would be interested in watching my son on Saturdays for a few hours (about 4) while I work. She is interested, and I trust her. She has always been good to my son. But since I have never really hired a teenager to watch my son, I am not sure what to pay her. Can anyone help me out? Thank you

Answer 1

I charge 7 an hour.  I can go up to 10 depending on the age of the kids.  And I have a $20 minimum.  Ask the sitter how much she charges.  Especially a teenager since they most certainly have things they would rather be doing but on the other hand need the money.  If someone gave me 15 bucks for 4 hours I would definately say "I deserve more than that."  

And $7 an hour is less than minimum wage now.  The government recently raised it to 7 dollars something.

Answer 2

i would pay her about $15 dollars not to much but enough (hope this helps and good luck)

Answer 3

it depends on the amount and quality of the liquor in the cabinet and the amount of nyquil available to subdue the little monsters

i myself prefer to be paid in ham

Answer 4

i would say 6-7 dollars an hour

Answer 5

I pay 10 dollars an hour and that's a cheap rate here out in Orange County, CA.  I did find a teenager (not nearly as responsible) that I could use for an hour or two here and there that charged 7, but she was the absolute cheapest and wasn't always there for me to count on like the others.  When I lived in Colorado I would pay $30 for a night out... it's so different here, so I think it depends on where you live.

Answer 6

20-30 dollars!! because she is a teenager and she might have other things she would rather do!!

Answer 7

I would say $6-8 dollars an hour because your son is very young, requiring more work than an older child who can do more things for themselves. But then again, if he is napping the whole time I'd pay only about $6 dollars an hour.

Answer 8

She is making a commitment on Saturdays to watch your son... i would think $20.00 for 4 hours is fair. Just remember teens could be doing something fun on the weekends and you don't want her to get bored, but too only make it worth her while.