Going rate for younger baby sitters?
Hello,
I have a 13 year old who will be offering baby sitting services and she wants to balance her rate to consider her age, but also be fair for the work and her time. It will be helpful for her to know what the normal range is for a younger sitter (say age 12, 13) that does have a lot of experience with babies and young children and is CPR certified. This would be in SF where the minimum wage is $18.67/hr. What are going rates for younger sitters for 1 child (and what are additional amounts for additional kids, and any age of child being cared for)? Thank you!
May 6, 2025
Parent Replies
When my daughter was starting out about a year ago, she asked for the minimum wage, but the hiring parents told her that was too low and said that they would pay her $20. She is now 17 years old, working in Albany/Berkeley area, and still makes $20/hr but with a very consistent family that she enjoys and referrals to their friends. In the beginning, she had to sort out some less desirable options, such as someone trying to pay her less and not pay for extra children, and another family that was inconsistent.
Note from the Moderator:
In California, teens under age 18 who provide babysitting are exempt from the minimum wage laws. Young teens 12-13 year olds can legally work on weekends and holidays as a babysitter, yard helper, or newsletter carrier as long as they attend school full time. A work permit is not required. Regulations for teens 14-17 are similar. The CA Dept of Industrial Relations has a Summary Chart here of wages, hours, and restrictions for teens under 18.