I would ask the babysitter what her going rate is. I used to babysit a lot and everyone asked me that and I had a number that I thought was worth my while. I also think it varies by how long you're gone. I didn't mind making $8 an hour if you're gone for 6 hours, but only gone for 2-3 hours and I could have gotten a better paying job elsewhere, especially on a weekend night.

Anonymous wrote:Totally depends on your area of town. Out in the cheaper VA 'burbs... $10 an hour works fine. I doubt that would fly in Arlington, McLean, Bethesda, Rockville, etc.

Yet another reason not to live there.

Totally depends on your area of town. Out in the cheaper VA 'burbs... $10 an hour works fine. I doubt that would fly in Arlington, McLean, Bethesda, Rockville, etc.

We do $9 or $10 per hour for three kids. Never have a problem getting great sitters.

Yes, $10/hour for a teen. $15/hour for a college/grad student or older.

$10 an hour under the table is great pay. I wouldn't pay a penny more.

Anonymous wrote:I would do $15/HR.

Heck no. That is say over the going rate.

$10.00/hour tops. Babysitting elementary kids is about the easiest job out there.

I pay $15/hour and have 3 kids. After trial and error, that seems to be the rate that gets high schools to both commit to the job AND actually show-up for it.

Why would you pay them more for two kids? It's not extra work. In fact it's often easier. I babysat a ton as a teen and none ever paid me 50 percent more for extra kids.

I do $10 an hour for a high schooler, for one kid. And I round up generously. I'd definitely do $15 an hour for two kids.

Is the summer sitter the teen? Have you asked them what they charge? I'd pay at least minimum wage per hour. That's $9.55/hour in MoCo right now. Not sure about DC or VA.

I'd factor in meals (I'm assuming you are feeding them lunch, right? Or will they bring their own?). And pay for their portion of entrance fees, metro, transportation fees, etc. if they are taking the kids anywhere.

Anonymous wrote:I'd do $12/hour. They can't drive your children anywhere, you're children are old enough to not need lots of hands on care and supervision.

Same here.

I'd do $12/hour. They can't drive your children anywhere, you're children are old enough to not need lots of hands on care and supervision.

$15 an hour...that's what we pay our HS sitter. I feel like it's generous for a teen. It's an easy job, and way more than they could make working at the mall.

I would do $15/HR.

I'm not sure what a fair rate would be for a 15 year old to watch 2 elementary kids. Please weigh in.

Also, how do you pay for a summer sitter - by the hour, day, week, etc.? And again, what is a fair rate assuming two elementary aged kids?