It’s a big question on every parent’s mind when they start looking for a babysitter: How much should you pay?
Unfortunately, there’s no one true answer, as there are many factors that influence how much a babysitter should get paid, including location, skill level, and the number and ages of the children that need care.
That being said, parents usually pay babysitters between $16 – $19 per hour. But the average wage doesn’t necessarily tell you what you’ll pay a babysitter in your province or specific area, nor does it factor in considerations like regularity of work and duties required. Fortunately, it’s fairly easy to arrive at what a fair pay rate for a sitter in your area should be. First, determine what you’re looking for in a sitter. Then, follow these steps:
1. Research going rates in your area
It’s all about where you live. Just as the cost of living varies by city, so, too, does the acceptable amount to pay someone for child care. In fact, standard rates can even vary based on what area of the city you live in. For example, if you live closer to downtown, rates may be higher than if you live on the outskirts of the city or closer to the suburbs. A babysitting rates calculator will give you a good baseline to work with, but the best way to get an idea of what people are really spending is to ask local friends how much they pay.
For example, let’s say the average rate you find after talking to your friends is CAD $15 per hour. This tells you what the average rate is in your area, but you still might need to adjust that depending on your specific situation.
Here are some examples of the going babysitter rates based on urban locations, which are going to be higher than the average rate, according to recent Care.com data.
| City | Average Babysitter Rates |
| Toronto | CAD 18.50 |
| Montreal | CAD 17.50 |
| Vancouver | CAD 19.00 |
| Calgary | CAD 17.80 |
| Edmonton | CAD 17.40 |
| Ottawa | CAD 17.60 |
| Winnipeg | CAD 16.30 |
| Quebec | CAD 17.20 |
| Hamilton | CAD 17.70 |
| Kitchener | CAD 17.90 |
2. Factor in the number and ages of your children
The next factor to consider is how many children you have and their ages.
If there’s one nine-year-old child who is well-behaved, then that’s an easy gig for the sitter. But if you have two-year-old twins, then that justifies a higher rate.”
Similarly, it is typical to offer more money for a higher needs child, such as a newborn, versus a child who is able to be more independent. How much more you offer will vary, but many parents start with the average rate for one child and add a small flat-rate amount per hour for each additional child. For an infant, parents may add an even higher flat rate. Of course, the babysitter’s skill level will also play a role in how much you up your offer.
3. Assess the skill-level of the sitter
If you’re hiring a mother’s helper to entertain your toddler while you’re home or a sitter who has only been babysitting a few months, then paying the average rate is likely OK. But if you’re seeking a sitter with multiple years of experience or who has completed training courses and/or gotten special certifications, like CPR, they will typically demand higher pay. How much higher depends on their qualifications and preferences.
For example, someone who has a lot of experience might be looking for something that is a higher paying position, even if it’s not necessarily a higher responsibility job.
In this situation, you should first determine how much you’re comfortable paying, using tools like a babysitting rates calculator, asking local friends what they pay and factoring in your unique needs. If you’re really stumped about what constitutes a fair offer, you can also have an open dialogue with the sitter about what they expect to be paid.
Sometimes, there is competition for the best sitters, so you want to make sure you’re offering a fair rate.
That said, don’t automatically rule out sitters who are younger or have slightly less experience. Depending on the ages of your children and your expectations, a responsible young sitter may be able to fill the role just as well for a rate that is more affordable.
4. Consider the number of hours and regularity of work needed
Sometimes, the hours and days you need your sitter can affect how much they get paid. For example, a babysitter may expect a higher pay rate if they’re working during busy times, like weekend nights or during the holidays, or if they’re called for a last-minute job. The rates for an after-school babysitter, overnight babysitter, or weekend sitter may also be calculated a little differently than a typical “date night” job.
All in all, it really ties back to what you’re asking of that person. If you’re asking a sitter to spend 15 hours per week with your family smack dab in the middle of the day, that requires a higher commitment level than a once-a-week job.”
If you’re looking for more regular care, you can use the average hourly babysitting rate in your area to determine what a good daily or weekly rate might be. For as-needed care, average rates are typically OK, as long as you’re accounting for things like holidays, high-demand hours, and any additional tasks you’re asking the babysitter to take on.
5. Determine duties and responsibilities
The last thing to consider when deciding how much to pay your babysitter is the amount of work you’re requiring them to do. Typical babysitter duties entail things like playing with the children, light meal prep, changing diapers, putting children to bed, and perhaps a quick cleanup of play areas or any kitchen items used. But if the workload expands beyond the basics, the pay rate should also increase.
Here are a few duties that might alter the cost of a sitter:
- Driving kids: A babysitter who is picking children up from school in a personal vehicle will need to be reimbursed for fuel.
- Doing more extensive cooking or cleaning: If you’re asking for the preparation of full meals or for housework beyond light cleaning or picking things up, you should plan to compensate the babysitter extra.
- Tutoring: Typically, a babysitter can monitor when a child’s homework is completed, but if you’re looking for more extensive help with homework or school projects, that costs more.
- Providing more specialized child care: Children with special needs may require more care and additional certifications, therefore increasing the cost of a babysitter.
Once you’ve decided on a reasonable pay rate, there’s one more small thing to consider. Find out from friends if tipping the babysitter is common in your area. If it is, then it’s a good idea to give a tip — typically just a few dollars on top of their regular pay — particularly for last-minute gigs, large groups of kids, holidays, or just exceptional care.
