OP here are some facts.

I had two kids in a share and nanny got 18/hr.
We interviewed one who had 5 and she was paid 25/hr for all hours even though the older kids came and went.

I currently have a nanny for 2 kids, not a share, and I pay 17/hr. 1 child is full time with nanny, other sees nanny for about 30 min in the am and pm. In ARL. walking to metro and 3 parks and 2 libraries if nanny is ok with a one-mile walk.

She doesn't drive.

I think you'd have to offer about 25 or more. YOu have to have some one energetic, creative, observant, and responsible.

Professional nannies avoid care.com and sittercity like the plague.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:18-20 is adequate as long as you don't want a lot of extras and don't need a ton of experience -more glorified babysitter, less career nanny (which I think is just fine for the summer.)

For a summer babysitter I'd be looking more in the $12-15 range, $15 being for a teacher or something, but more hoping for the college student that will just watch them swim and throw a ball with them or play some video games. I think $12 is more than enough.

For 4 children? $15/hour for a teacher?
What planet do you live on?

I've seen it over and over where rates on DCUM is really high. I suspect nannies replying as parents.

I created accounts on sittercity and care.com as a caregiver, not a job poster and saw some of the jobs posted and available. Lots of jobs in the 10-15 range. If a bit complicated (multiple kids of young ages,) I tend to see more 15-20. THERE ARE NO JOB POSTS ON CARE.COM OR SITTERCITY OFFERING ANYTHING NEAR 30. However, there is a Washington DC family on Craigslist looking for a nanny to be the nanny/personal assistant, traveling with family, coordinating with teachers/coaches, basically being mom with salary of 80-110k with a relocation package. This is far and few in between.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:18-20 is adequate as long as you don't want a lot of extras and don't need a ton of experience -more glorified babysitter, less career nanny (which I think is just fine for the summer.)

For a summer babysitter I'd be looking more in the $12-15 range, $15 being for a teacher or something, but more hoping for the college student that will just watch them swim and throw a ball with them or play some video games. I think $12 is more than enough.

Have you ever ANYONE who would care for four kids for 12 to 15 dollars in the DC area?

It doesn't matter what you think it enough - it matters if can find anyone good/responsible for that price.