Parents, brace yourselves—it’s not just fuel costs that are rising; babysitter rates are skyrocketing too! A recent report from UrbanSitter reveals that babysitting fees surged by 11% in 2021, and the situation has likely worsened since then. During the pandemic’s peak, demand for babysitters plummeted by 85% as families were confined to their homes. However, with vaccinations in full swing, parents are now eager for relief from continuous childcare duties.
Labor shortages have made even entry-level positions at fast food restaurants and retail stores more lucrative, leaving fewer young people willing to take on babysitting jobs unless they receive competitive pay. Additionally, many skilled early educators and childcare professionals have exited traditional roles and are now seeking private employment, leading to an influx of more experienced—and pricier—options for families needing assistance.
Lily Carson, CEO of UrbanSitter, explained, “We’ve seen a significant increase in former teachers and early childhood specialists transitioning to in-home care, allowing them to command higher rates due to their expertise.” Most parents want to compensate sitters fairly, recognizing the invaluable service they provide. However, with rising inflation, soaring rents, and other escalating costs, many families struggle to find affordable childcare. “While it’s great to see caregivers receiving the wages they deserve, there’s a growing gap where families simply can’t keep up with these expenses,” Carson added.
Currently, the average hourly rate for babysitting one child is $20.57, according to UrbanSitter. If you’re watching two kids, expect to pay around $23.25 per hour, and for three, it’s approximately $24.35. Coastal cities are hit the hardest, with New York City leading at an average of $23.45 per hour for one child, followed closely by San Francisco at $23.32 and Seattle at $21.23.
Care.com has also reported that the average hourly rate has climbed from $14.72 pre-pandemic to $18.00 as of April 2022. Babysitters are experiencing a shift in how they are valued, with many parents expressing gratitude for their services. “It’s quite overwhelming,” shared 19-year-old Mia Thompson with The Wall Street Journal. “I used to feel lucky to earn a little pocket money, but now I’m charging $30 an hour and parents thank me like I’m doing them a huge favor.”
This surge in rates stems from word-of-mouth as young sitters share their earnings, alongside families competing for the best caregivers, often leading to poaching. In some instances, middle schoolers are earning $15 an hour or more. Parents have also become more accommodating, often providing meals like DoorDash to make babysitting more appealing.
The childcare landscape is changing, necessitating a balance between fairly compensating caregivers and offering parents affordable options.
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In summary, babysitter rates are on the rise as demand increases and the labor market shifts. Parents are finding it increasingly challenging to afford these essential services, even as caregivers receive the pay they deserve.