Full-time nanny rates vs occasional babysitter for one child
I wanted to ask whether there is a difference between what people pay for hiring a full time nanny for one kid vs an occasional babysitter. For 2 kids, I have seen that in nanny shares people tend to pay ~40-42 these days but when I have hired a babysitter for two kids they usually quote between 35-40. I assume that nannyshare is more expensive because the nanny is dealing with 2 families (which adds to their work, but also means that each family is paying less).
So I wanted to ask if there is a similar difference when it is one kid. I have seen babysitters for 1 kid ranging from 20-35 for 1 hour, averaging around 28/30 per hour. Do people use this same rate for full time nannies? Or is it more expensive? Or less? (and curious about why). Of course, the full time nanny would also get 2-weeks vacation, sick days, etc.
Thanks!
Parent Replies
This varies hugely based on the babysitter. A high schooler is going to cost you far less than a college student or a professional nanny who babysits on the side, both because they have different levels of experience and training and because they may value their free time differently. The two aren't really comparable, because you can't use a babysitter in place of a full-time nanny. (Babysitters can only earn $2,800 a year before they're subject to taxes, and the state sick leave requirements kick in if they work at least 30 days in a calendar year for a family.) So the short answer is that yes, you can find occasional babysitters for $20/hour (especially high school students), and yes, there are plenty of nannies and preschool teachers who will charge $40/hour for babysitting on the side. If you only need an hour or two of care a week, you just have to decide what the best fit is for your family. (You might also consider looking for other families with similar needs and trading child care.)
A babysitter typically offers temporary, occasional care, often at a lower compensation rate due to the sitter's limited experience, commonly being a teenager. When annual payments surpass $2,800, the babysitter is deemed an employee by the IRS requiring the provision of a W-2 form.
A nanny provides permanent care and ensuring a set weekly schedule (guaranteed hours) , medical stipend, and, occasionally, a 401(k) plan.
Numerous nannies hold advanced degrees, surpassing the average babysitter's educational background.
In shared care scenarios involving two families, hourly rates typically amount to two-thirds of the standard rate. Many nannies in the big areacharge $25 per hour for shared family arrangements.
I hope this is helpful.