OT -- Babysitting Rates

Hello MD Board. You guys seem to have your finger on the pulse of all things Maryland, so I figured I'd ask about babysitting rates. (I think I remember someone else asking about this, but I can't remember if it was here or on the lapband board....so if it's a repeat....bear with me .)

So -- what is the going rate for a babysitter these days? I have one little boy who is 5 and a half. I have been 'interviewing' some teens as well as some SAHMs. I'm curious what the going rate is these days.

Thanks in advance!

Katherine

We have a lady here Kelly Wheeler that does daycare and I am sure when she see's this she will respond all I know is daycare is expensive everywhere.

Stephanie

Hi Katherine

The going rate for daycare kids is about 165.00. Thats what I charge for 4 and up and I went a little lower then the daycare centers in my area

Thats if you are looking for a full time sitter. If your looking for someone occasionally on the weekend nights or something usually it depends on the person. Some teens will do 7-10 bucks and hour.

are you referring to full-time daycare, as kelly has described or are you referring to hourly babysitting?

my 21 year old teaches at a full-time daycare/pre-school  (the goddard school), but makes most of her money as an hourly sitter at night and on weekends.  she charges $10 - 12 an hour per family per evening.  she gets more if she watches them overnight or for a full weekend.  her families love her and she's booked weeks in advance. 

I pay $8.00 an hour for a 10 year old and a high functioning 13 year old autistic.  Really all they need is for someone to make sure they eat, get in the shower and go to bed.  They amuse themselves and everyone who "sits" for us always want's to know when they will be needed again as it is a pretty easy job.  All I ask is that they clean any mess they make and that the boys get to bed on time.

Thanks for your responses everyone.

I'm not looking for full time daycare. This would be an hourly babysitter who would watch my son when school is closed. I was thinking of a local teen or even college student and my thought was in the $8 - $10 an hour range.

Pamela, if you don't mind my asking, which Goddard School does your daughter work for? My son went to the one here in Pasadena from 18 months through pre-k. I loved the staff there, and my son still misses everyone.

Thanks again everyone!!

Katherine