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Parents are experiencing a significant increase in babysitting rates, making it more challenging to find affordable care for their children. A report from UrbanSitter in March 2022 noted an 11% rise in babysitter wages in 2021, and the situation has likely worsened since then. After a dramatic 85% decline in demand for babysitters during the pandemic, the need has surged as parents seek relief from continuous childcare responsibilities post-vaccination.
Labor shortages have allowed even inexperienced teens to secure lucrative positions in fast food and retail, leaving fewer candidates willing to take on babysitting jobs unless compensated well. Additionally, many skilled early childhood educators and caregivers have transitioned to independent work, saturating the market with experienced but pricier options for parents seeking in-home assistance. “In the past two years, we’ve seen a significant increase in nurses, teachers, and early childhood education specialists leaving their roles,” explained Lynn Perkins, CEO of UrbanSitter. “They’re now offering their skills directly to families, allowing them to charge higher rates.”
While most parents want to provide a fair wage for sitters — recognizing the essential nature of the service — many are grappling with financial pressures from rising costs of living. “I’m glad to see caregivers receive wages they deserve,” Perkins added. “However, we’re encountering a disconnect where families can’t keep up with these expenses.”
Current statistics reveal that the average hourly babysitting rate for one child is now $20.57, $23.25 for two children, and $24.35 for three. Coastal cities fare even worse, with New York City at $23.45, the San Francisco Bay Area at $23.32, and Seattle at $21.23. Care.com reported that the average babysitting rate has risen from $14.72 pre-pandemic to $18.00 by April 2022. Babysitters are now viewed as valuable assets by parents. “I get thanked so much that I feel like, ‘Wow, I was only here for a few hours,’” said 18-year-old Mia Thompson in an interview with The Wall Street Journal. “The dynamics have clearly shifted.”
Mia now earns $25 to $30 an hour, compared to her previous rate of $15 before the pandemic. “Before, I would walk in feeling shy and grateful for some pocket money,” shared 19-year-old college student Sarah Martinez. “Now, parents thank me more than I can thank them.” Sarah has seen her earnings rise from $12 to $30 an hour, but parents are now requesting less from sitters. “They don’t ask for anything beyond the basics anymore,” she commented.
As word spreads among teens about pay rates, babysitter poaching has emerged, with wealthier families luring sitters away from those who can’t offer higher wages. Younger caregivers are in demand too; even middle school students are earning $15 or more per hour. The experience for babysitters has improved, with parents offering DoorDash meals and other perks to keep them coming back. This evolving landscape demands a balance between fair compensation for childcare providers and maintaining affordability for families.
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