Reviewed by the Nanny Lane team · Last updated

How much does a babysitter cost in Gardena, CA in 2026?

In Gardena, CA, the average babysitter earns about $21.68 per hour. For a typical 40-hour week, that works out to roughly $867/week or $3,758/month. Most Gardena families pay somewhere in the $17–$29/hour range, depending on experience, the number of kids, and what's expected on the job.

Average hourly rate$21.68/hr · Gardena average

These numbers come from 49 live babysitter listings in Gardena on Nanny Lane. We update this page whenever the data moves.

$867
$3,758
$45,094

Find babysitters near you

What drives the price

Most Gardena families pay somewhere in the $17–$29/hour range. Where a given family lands depends on a handful of factors. Three of them drive most of the spread.


01

Experience

Experience is one of the biggest levers on a babysitter's rate.
Nannies with 10+ years, or specialty skills like newborn care or multiple languages, typically command the highest hourly rates.

02

Number of kids

One child is the baseline. Each additional child usually adds $1–$2/hour. Twins and infants tend toward the high end.
+$1 to $2/hour per additional child
Hourly rate by number of kids
1 kid (baseline)$21.68
2 kids~$22.68
3+ kids~$23.68+

03

Hours & schedule

Standard weekday daytime hours are easiest to staff. Early mornings, evenings, weekends, and last-minute coverage all push rates up.
10–20%premium for off-hours coverage
Hourly rate adjustment by schedule
Weekday 9–5 (standard)
Evening/weekend+$2–4/hr
Last-minute+$3–5/hr

Also factor in: live-in vs. live-out · household duties beyond childcare · driving · cooking · travel.

How do Gardena babysitter rates compare to state and national averages?

Gardena runs above the U.S. average for babysitter rates, in line with most major metros.

Hiring babysitters in Gardena, CA typically costs about 3% less than the California average of $22/hour and 15% more than the United States average of $19/hour.

Average hourly babysitters rates compared across Gardena, CA and reference areas.
AreaAverage hourly ratevs. Gardena, CA
Gardena, CA$22/hr
California$22/hr+3%
United States$19/hr-13%

Where Gardena, CA fits among nearby cities

10 nearby cities have enough babysitter data to compare, with rates ranging from $18.83/hour in Fresno to $27.70/hour in San Francisco.

Below: how each compares to the Gardena, CA average of $21.68/hour.

Nearby cities ranked by babysitter rate

10 cities near Gardena, CA ranked by average hourly babysitter rate, most to least expensive.
#City$/hrvs. Gardena, CA
1San Francisco$27.70+28%
2San Jose$25.01+15%
3Los Angeles$24.36+12%
4San Diego$23.18+7%
5Long Beach$22.05+2%
6Sacramento$20.76-4%
7Riverside$19.73-9%
8Stockton$19.55-10%
9Bakersfield$18.96-13%
10Fresno$18.83-13%
Most expensive nearby: San Francisco ($27.70) Least expensive nearby: Fresno ($18.83)

Tips to find a great babysitter without overpaying

  • Be flexible on experience. Some of the best babysitters on the platform have 3–5 years on the job and charge meaningfully less than experienced babysitters with 10+ years. References matter more than years.
  • Consider a share. If your kids are similar ages and you live near another family, a share is the single biggest cost reduction available without compromising on care.
  • Be specific about hours upfront. Most babysitters will take a slightly lower rate for a guaranteed steady schedule than for a higher-rate, unpredictable one.
  • Bundle benefits thoughtfully. Two weeks PTO, a health stipend, transit passes, education assistance, or an annual raise commitment can help close the gap with families offering a higher hourly rate.
  • Match rate to responsibilities. A higher rate often makes sense once you add cooking, errands, or driving. Don't compare apples to oranges across listings.

How to reduce nanny costs?

Split the cost of a nanny with another family
and enjoy flexible child care.
Learn more about nanny sharing

How families use Nanny Lane to find a babysitter in Gardena, CA

Nanny Lane is a marketplace built specifically for connecting families with babysitters — no recruiters in the middle. Most families work through it like this:

  1. 01

    Browse babysitter profiles in Gardena, CA

    Filter by hourly rate, experience, languages, and availability.

  2. 02

    Message the ones who look like a fit

    Reach out to the babysitters whose experience and rate match what you're looking for.

  3. 03

    Schedule a phone call, then a paid trial day

    Trial days feel awkward at first — that's normal. They're the best way to see how a babysitter fits with your family in real time.

  4. 04

    Hire your babysitter

    If you'd rather not handle taxes and payroll yourself, our payroll team can take care of it.

Available babysitters in Gardena, CA

49 active listings in Gardena

Shaleyah H. - Seeking Work in Gardena

Nanny Shaleyah

Gardena, CA
$21.96/hr
Part-time
Occasional
2 years experience

A little bit about me

Hi! My name is Shaleyah Haywood and I have been working with children for two years. Working with children is a passion of mines and also a way to serve and give back to the community. I strive to protect and ensure that children are in a fun, safe and enrichment environment for them to grow.

Have experience working with

Special Needs

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Natalie R. - Seeking Work in Gardena

Nanny Natalie

Gardena, CA
$19 - $20/hr
Occasional
1 year experience

A little bit about me

Hello, my name is Natalie. I currently work in an after-school program with a class of kindergarteners, where I have gained valuable experience working with young children in a fun, safe, and supportive environment. As the oldest of two siblings, I have always been responsible, patient, and caring.
1 am CPR and First Aid certified and am known for being dependable, attentive, and great with children. I am available on weekends and on weekdays after 6:15 PM. I look forward to providing a positive and caring experience for your family.

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Ashley D. - Seeking Work in Gardena

Nanny Ashley

Gardena, CA
$22 - $35/hr
Part-time
Occasional
4 years experience

A little bit about me

Hi - my name is Ashley and I’m currently a student at El Camino taking Child Development courses. I’m hoping to one day become a teacher or open an in home care service.

I have previously worked as a private nanny/babysitter for a family with infants and toddlers, and have over 3 years of experience.

I’m skilled in active supervision, engaging in play, bedtime and making meals.

I’m patient, nurturing, empathetic, thoughtful, and passionate about caring for children’s wellbeing and creating a safe and fun environment.

Have experience working with

Infants
Janiya W. - Seeking Work in Gardena

Nanny Janiya

Gardena, CA
$20/hr
Part-time
Occasional
3 years experience

A little bit about me

Hi! My name is Janiya, and I’m a caring, dependable nanny with a genuine love for working with children. Childcare is part of my long-term career path, so I’m very intentional about creating a safe, supportive, and engaging environment for kids.
I’m patient, attentive to routines, and respectful of each child’s individual needs. I enjoy helping with daily care, homework, and age-appropriate activities, and I take pride in being someone families can trust and rely on.

Have experience working with

Special Needs

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Nardos T. - Seeking Work in Gardena

Nanny Nardos

Gardena, CA
$20/hr
Full-time
Part-time
Occasional
7 years experience

A little bit about me

Hello my name is Nardos, I have been baby sitting for now 7 year within my family and others.I love working with kids and helping them grow. I currently attend University of California, davis but is in LA for breaks like winter, spring and summer, studying psychology with the pre-med route. Working with kids have always been a joy to me, I feel as I connect more with them then
anyone else. I create fun activities for kids thats engaging. I can help with meal prep, homework, taking them to school, anything. I have skills like communication, patience, problem solving, and a solid understanding of a Childs safety. I would love to take care of kid and ensure they are in good hands!

Have experience working with

Special Needs
Artemio A. - Seeking Work in Gardena

Nanny Artemio

Gardena, CA
$20/hr
Occasional
3 years experience

A little bit about me

I just graduated from UC Santa Cruz and am back home in LA. I enjoy Art, learning AND teaching, museums, and building legos. I grew up helping take care of my relatives and family friends children. I got my bachelors in education, democracy, and justice and plan on going back for my masters with an emphasis on child development in a couple years.

Have experience working with

Infants
Special Needs

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Nathalie S. - Seeking Work in Gardena

Nanny Nathalie

Gardena, CA
$22/hr
Occasional
3 years experience

A little bit about me

Hi, I’m Nathalie 😊 I’m 22 and I’ve been working with kids for about 3 years now. I really love it — it’s super fun and I enjoy making them feel special. I’m also in school right now studying sociology while working.

Have experience working with

Infants
Special Needs

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Claudette F. - Seeking Work in Gardena

Nanny Claudette

Gardena, CA
$22/hr
Full-time
Part-time
Occasional
10+ years experience

A little bit about me

I’m a CPR & First Aid certified caregiver with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a minor in Family Services. I’m also contracted with Westside Regional Center, where I support individuals with developmental disabilities. My professional background has given me strong skills in behavior support, emotional regulation, and developmentally appropriate care.

I have experience with infants, toddlers, and school-aged children, including children with special needs. I’m patient, attentive, and confident managing routines, homework help, meal prep, and bedtime. I strive to create a calm, safe, and engaging environment where children feel supported and parents feel at ease.

In addition to babysitting, I provide dependable pet sitting services, including feeding, walking, administering basic medications, and lots of companionship to keep pets comfortable while you’re away.

I’m reliable, communicative, and genuinely passionate about providing quality care you can trust.

Have experience working with

Infants
Special Needs

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Bella F. - Seeking Work in Gardena

Nanny Bella

Gardena, CA
$21.15/hr
Occasional
< 1 year experience

A little bit about me

Hi my name is Bella and I’m 14 years old and I’m looking for a babysitting job jst for some extra money! I’ve been told I’m very good with kids and I’m very responsible! I listen to instructions very well and anything you ask me to do I will do it immediately!

Have experience working with

Special Needs
Find Nannies Near Me

Popular services in Gardena, CA

Start your journey towards finding your perfect babysitter

Get Started