I can't speak to California rates at all.

I live just outside DC and using our nanny (or prior nanny) as a babysitter is our last ditch option, because of the rates. I totally understand why our former nanny commands $18/hr - even when the kids are just sleeping. And our current nanny would be almost $40/hr because it would be overtime rates.

So 99% of the time I use one of the many great teenage girls in my neighborhood and they get between $10-12/hr depending on age.

Babysitting is different than nannying - not least of those differences are the economics.

My cousin's daughter works as a babysitter for a large hotel chain in a major tourist beach destination. She gets $22 per hour (I think the hotel charges the client 35$ per hour). She says most guests are good tippers. (If they are not then word spreads and none of the babysitters will accept the family's subsequent request.) The OP may want to go that route if she is near an upscale hotel that attracts wealthy tourists. Most of the babysitters are college students majoring in elementary education. Normal requirements -- background check, CPR, etc.

I'm in d.c. I'd never babysit for $15 it's not worth it to me.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I’m in LA and tonight I’m babysitting for $22/hr. Kids will be asleep when I arrive in half and hour.

Care to give me any referrals? I’m in the San Fernando valley though. How long have you been babysitting these kids? I’m going to lower my rate to $16/h for one child and $18/h for two.

I live in studio city and the family is in West Hollywood. Seriously I don’t know where you’re finding these low ball jobs. Go with an agency!!

Anonymous wrote:Less than 20$ in a major metropolitan areas for an adult who can properly sit your kids is an insult. I have been charging that for date night sitting the past 10 years. I am also a private personal trainer and I don't work with cheapskate people. My rate is my rate-- don't try to negotiate it down.

Yea completely agree! Most families who inquire my services live in neighborhoods like Woodland Hills, Sherman oaks, Santa Monica, Beverly Hills, be air etc not that I assume they have all this money to spend. But, maybe I’ll speak with my references and chat with them to make sure we’re both on the same page.

Less than 20$ in a major metropolitan areas for an adult who can properly sit your kids is an insult. I have been charging that for date night sitting the past 10 years. I am also a private personal trainer and I don't work with cheapskate people. My rate is my rate-- don't try to negotiate it down.