Reviewed by the Nanny Lane team · Last updated
How much does a babysitter cost in Los Angeles, CA in 2026?
In Los Angeles, CA, the average babysitter earns about $24.36 per hour. For a typical 40-hour week, that works out to roughly $974/week or $4,222/month. Most Los Angeles families pay somewhere in the $17–$35/hour range, depending on experience, the number of kids, and what's expected on the job.
Average hourly rate$24.36/hr · Los Angeles average
These numbers come from 2,724 live babysitter listings in Los Angeles on Nanny Lane. We update this page whenever the data moves.
- Weekly
(40 hrs) - $974
- Monthly
- $4,222
- Annual
- $50,669
Find babysitters near you
What drives the price
Most Los Angeles families pay somewhere in the $17–$35/hour range. Where a given family lands depends on a handful of factors. Three of them drive most of the spread.
01
Experience
More experienced babysitters command higher rates. Entry-level (0-2 yrs) average $22.94/hour, while the most experienced (6-10 yrs) charge around $27.75/hour.
Avg hourly rate by years of experience
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
| 1 kid (baseline) | $24.36 |
|---|---|
| 2 kids | ~$25.36 |
| 3+ kids | ~$26.36+ |
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
| 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.
Full-time, part-time, and live-in babysitter rates
| Arrangement | Typical hours | Average rate | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-time | 35–50 hrs/week | $26.15/hr | |
| Part-time | 10–25 hrs/week | $24.62/hr | |
| Occasional | 5–15 hrs/week | $24.38/hr | |
| Live-in | Set by family | $24.66/hr |
Part-time runs slightly lower per hour than full-time here, which often means strong full-time demand supports higher rates for committed schedules.
Live-in rates are close to live-out here — but the package usually still includes room and board, so the all-in cost can be lower than it appears. The trade-off is space — you'll need a private bedroom and ideally a separate bathroom for the babysitter.
How do Los Angeles babysitter rates compare to state and national averages?
Los Angeles is one of the more expensive babysitter markets in the country.
Hiring babysitters in Los Angeles, CA typically costs about 9% more than the California average of $22/hour and 30% more than the United States average of $19/hour.
| Area | Average hourly rate | vs. Los Angeles, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles, CA | $24/hr | — |
| California | $22/hr | -8% |
| United States | $19/hr | -23% |
Where Los Angeles, 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 Los Angeles, CA average of $24.36/hour — Los Angeles, CA is highlighted at its true rank.
Nearby cities ranked by babysitter rate
| # | City | $/hr | vs. Los Angeles, CA | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | San Francisco | $27.70 | +14% | |
| 2 | San Jose | $25.01 | +3% | |
| 3 | Los Angeles | $24.36 | — | |
| 4 | San Diego | $23.18 | -5% | |
| 5 | Long Beach | $22.05 | -9% | |
| 6 | Sacramento | $20.76 | -15% | |
| 7 | Riverside | $19.73 | -19% | |
| 8 | Stockton | $19.55 | -20% | |
| 9 | Bakersfield | $18.96 | -22% | |
| 10 | Fresno | $18.83 | -23% |
● 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.
and enjoy flexible child care.
How families use Nanny Lane to find a babysitter in Los Angeles, 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:
- 01
Browse babysitter profiles in Los Angeles, CA
Filter by hourly rate, experience, languages, and availability.
- 02
Message the ones who look like a fit
Reach out to the babysitters whose experience and rate match what you're looking for.
- 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.
- 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 Los Angeles, CA
2,724 active listings in Los Angeles
Nanny Shawn
Nanny Shawn
Los Angeles, CA
$25/hr
Part-time
Occasional
10+ years experience
A little bit about me
Hi my name is Shawn! I am 26 and I've been working with children for about 10 years. I've did babysitting, nannying, and I've worked in a public school. I have worked with all types of kids. My most recent job was working with children with autism at an elementary school. I also have my undergraduate degree in Psychology!
Have experience working with
Special Needs
Certifications
CPR
First Aid
Nanny Caroline
Nanny Caroline
Los Angeles, CA
$24/hr
Part-time
Occasional
< 1 year experience
A little bit about me
Hello. My name is Caroline and I am from Northridge, CA. Growing up, I have always loved helping those in need as well as taking care of children. My mom owns an elementary school in Chatsworth, California, where I volunteer throughout the year to supervise or play with young students. I love making people feel welcome and I am a very social individual looking to take my kindness and work ethics further in life. I am currently a full time college student, but I am looking for a small, flexible/part-time job that I can do alongside of it. School is one of the most important aspects in my life, so I would be able to help your child/children with subjects such as English, History, or even projects as I am a very creative person who puts lots of dedication into work.
Nanny Ashley
Nanny Ashley
Los Angeles, CA
$16.50 - $18/hr
Full-time
Occasional
10+ years experience
A little bit about me
My names Ashley I’m a teen I’m still doing school I work so well with kids and babies I’ll love to take care of your little ones since I am under age you will have to speak to my guardians just to confirm that you’re child will be in great hands with me ik a lot of mommy’s out there may be struggling financially so if that’s the case don’t worry I baby sit with good low prices I can do 4 hours for just 25$ like I’m really flexible with understanding your situation plz dm me [phone number hidden]🎀 panorama city📍I can also go to you’re house /apartment just it will be 5$ more ☺️
Nanny Silvia
Nanny Silvia
Los Angeles, CA
$25/hr
Part-time
Occasional
5 years experience
A little bit about me
My name is Silvia Oregel. I have three children—Mercedes, Matthew, and Shane—and I used to dedicate myself to them full-time. Currently, I work part-time at Ross while my youngest child is at school. For the past five years, I have also looked after a boy (starting when he was six); I still care for him on weekends when his mother asks me to. I used to look after him and his older brother—who is now 18—alongside my own children, taking them to museums, hiking, and outdoor activities like tennis and basketball, as well as to the beach. Now, I only look after the younger one on weekends when his mother requests it, as my own children have grown up (my youngest, Matthew, is 16). I am available to babysit this summer or whenever needed. Thank you. I enjoy babysitting because I love children and like taking them to activities their parents want for them—keeping them busy with things like sports. I am very friendly and energetic. I have a valid driver's license, and a car!
Nanny Rene
Nanny Rene
Los Angeles, CA
$22 - $42/hr
Full-time
Part-time
Occasional
6 years experience
A little bit about me
Hellos my name is Rene Baker and I am someone who has been working with children as a martial arts instructor and camp counselor since I was 12 years old. In addition to this, I have experience caring for people of all ages and levels of care, including individuals with special needs. I am able to cook and clean if asked.
Have experience working with
Infants
Special Needs
Certifications
CPR
First Aid
Nanny Santis
Nanny Santis
Los Angeles, CA
$25/hr
Part-time
Occasional
< 1 year experience
A little bit about me
Hello, I’m 18 years old currently a up coming senior in high school right now I’m on break so looking forward to work with kids and pets as well, I’m bilingual I speak Spanish and English, I could help with cleaning, laundry and anything else that you would like. I do not know how to drive but I’m available 4 days a week and Tuesday-Thursday after 4pm
Nanny Lisan
Nanny Lisan
Los Angeles, CA
$25 - $40/hr
Full-time
Part-time
Occasional
7 years experience
A little bit about me
I am originally from Germany, I have 6 years of professional Nanny experience and 1 year of Aupair experience.
I love being active and do all kinds of sports hiking, rock climbing, the gym and golf and On other days I enjoy staying inside with a good book and a delicious home cooked meal. Fun fact I wrote a vegan cookbook called everything Tofu.
I love being active and do all kinds of sports hiking, rock climbing, the gym and golf and On other days I enjoy staying inside with a good book and a delicious home cooked meal. Fun fact I wrote a vegan cookbook called everything Tofu.
Have experience working with
Infants
Special Needs
Certifications
CPR
First Aid
Nanny Miunique
Nanny Miunique
Los Angeles, CA
$17 - $23/hr
Full-time
Part-time
Occasional
3 years experience
A little bit about me
Hi! I’m Mimi I’m 23 born and raised in La. I have 10, yes 10 younger siblings who I helped raised. I’m currently taking a year off, but I’m an ethics and politics major! When I finish college I plan to get my teaching credentials and become a teacher. Working with children and helping them grow is one of the most important things to me as a person.
Have experience working with
Infants
Special Needs
Nanny Arely
Nanny Arely
Los Angeles, CA
$18 - $30/hr
Part-time
Occasional
3 years experience
A little bit about me
Hi! I’m Arely, I have experience with kids ages 4 to 18. I’m cpr and first aid certified. I love working with kids, especially in an academic setting. I’m not opposed to cooking and cleaning either.
Certifications
CPR
First Aid