Reviewed by the Nanny Lane team · Last updated
How much does a babysitter cost in Santa Monica, CA in 2026?
In Santa Monica, CA, the average babysitter earns about $26.05 per hour. For a typical 40-hour week, that works out to roughly $1,042/week or $4,515/month. Most Santa Monica 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$26.05/hr · Santa Monica average
These numbers come from 127 live babysitter listings in Santa Monica on Nanny Lane. We update this page whenever the data moves.
- Weekly
(40 hrs) - $1,042
- Monthly
- $4,515
- Annual
- $54,184
Find babysitters near you
What drives the price
Most Santa Monica 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 $24.23/hour, while the most experienced (6-10 yrs) charge around $28.85/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) | $26.05 |
|---|---|
| 2 kids | ~$27.05 |
| 3+ kids | ~$28.05+ |
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 | $27.63/hr | |
| Part-time | 10–25 hrs/week | $25.67/hr | |
| Occasional | 5–15 hrs/week | $26.58/hr | |
| Live-in | Set by family | $26.83/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 Santa Monica babysitter rates compare to state and national averages?
Santa Monica is one of the more expensive babysitter markets in the country.
Hiring babysitters in Santa Monica, CA typically costs about 17% more than the California average of $22/hour and 38% more than the United States average of $19/hour.
| Area | Average hourly rate | vs. Santa Monica, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Santa Monica, CA | $26/hr | — |
| California | $22/hr | -14% |
| United States | $19/hr | -28% |
Where Santa Monica, 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 Santa Monica, CA average of $26.05/hour.
Nearby cities ranked by babysitter rate
| # | City | $/hr | vs. Santa Monica, CA | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | San Francisco | $27.70 | +6% | |
| 2 | San Jose | $25.01 | -4% | |
| 3 | Los Angeles | $24.36 | -6% | |
| 4 | San Diego | $23.18 | -11% | |
| 5 | Long Beach | $22.05 | -15% | |
| 6 | Sacramento | $20.76 | -20% | |
| 7 | Riverside | $19.73 | -24% | |
| 8 | Stockton | $19.55 | -25% | |
| 9 | Bakersfield | $18.96 | -27% | |
| 10 | Fresno | $18.83 | -28% |
● 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 Santa Monica, 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 Santa Monica, 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 Santa Monica, CA
127 active listings in Santa Monica
Nanny Mia Rose
Nanny Mia Rose
Santa Monica, CA
$30 - $50/hr
Part-time
Occasional
10+ years experience
A little bit about me
Hi, I’m Mia Rose! I’m 29 years old, based in Santa Monica LA, and love working with kids. As one of six siblings, caring for and entertaining children has been a part of my life from the very beginning. I’ve worked as a camp counselor and have experience supporting children of various ages both at home and during outings and activities.
By day, I’m a fitness instructor with more than 10 years of experience helping people build confidence, stay active, and have fun. Families often describe me as warm, energetic, responsible, and easy to be around. Whether your child enjoys outdoor adventures, creative projects, games, or simply having a positive role model around, I strive to create a safe and engaging experience for every child.
I’d love the opportunity to support your family and help make life a little easier while ensuring your children have a great time.
By day, I’m a fitness instructor with more than 10 years of experience helping people build confidence, stay active, and have fun. Families often describe me as warm, energetic, responsible, and easy to be around. Whether your child enjoys outdoor adventures, creative projects, games, or simply having a positive role model around, I strive to create a safe and engaging experience for every child.
I’d love the opportunity to support your family and help make life a little easier while ensuring your children have a great time.
Have experience working with
Infants
Certifications
CPR
First Aid
Nanny Gabriela
Nanny Gabriela
Santa Monica, CA
$25 - $28/hr
Full-time
Part-time
Occasional
2 years experience
A little bit about me
Hi! I’m Gabriela, a third-year Psychology student at University of California, Santa Cruz with many years of childcare experience. Growing up in a large household with six siblings, I often cared for my three younger siblings and later babysat for multiple families in my community. Through these experiences, I’ve learned how to responsibly care for up to three children at a time while creating a safe, supportive, and engaging environment.
I am experienced in planning fun and educational activities, helping with homework and tutoring, maintaining household routines, completing light chores, and resolving conflicts calmly and patiently. I always strive to be attentive to each child’s individual needs and ensure they feel comfortable, cared for, and supported.
I’m also comfortable working with most pets and am happy to assist with pet care if needed!
I am experienced in planning fun and educational activities, helping with homework and tutoring, maintaining household routines, completing light chores, and resolving conflicts calmly and patiently. I always strive to be attentive to each child’s individual needs and ensure they feel comfortable, cared for, and supported.
I’m also comfortable working with most pets and am happy to assist with pet care if needed!
Nanny Noa
Nanny Noa
Santa Monica, CA
$22 - $30/hr
Part-time
Occasional
< 1 year experience
A little bit about me
I am 15 years old and speak fluent english and spanish. I am a hardworking student and have experience in working with kids from a summer camp I went for 2 summers. I am willing to cook and clean, and am an upbeat and patient person who also loves pets.
Have experience working with
Special Needs
Nanny Mary
Nanny Mary
Santa Monica, CA
$23 - $43/hr
Full-time
Part-time
Occasional
2 years experience
A little bit about me
Hi! I’m Mary, a recent graduate from Mount Saint Mary’s University with a degree in Business and Film. I have 10+ years of experience caring for children through my nieces and nephews, along with 2+ years of paid childcare experience. I’m reliable, nurturing, and genuinely passionate about creating a safe, engaging environment for kids. I bring positive energy, strong responsibility, and a warm, attentive presence to every family I work with. I’m currently seeking full-time or part-time opportunities and am fully committed to showing up as a consistent, trustworthy caregiver.
Have experience working with
Infants
Certifications
CPR
First Aid
Recent reference
"Mary is a dependable, caring, and patient employee who consistently creates a safe and supportive environment for children. She communicates well with both kids and parents, stays calm under pressure, and is very attentive to children’s emotional and physical needs. She is also responsible, trustworthy, and able to balance fun with structure, which helps children feel comfortable while still maintaining routines and boundaries. Her positive attitude, reliability, and genuine care for others make her an excellent nanny candidate."
- Memunatu
Nanny Piya
Nanny Piya
Santa Monica, CA
$25 - $30/hr
Part-time
Occasional
4 years experience
A little bit about me
Hi! My name is Piya and I am a 23 year old student at the University of Southern California! I love working with kids and I have lots of experience — I was a babysitter for three years in high school and I work as a ski instructor for ages 3-14 every winter when I'm at home in New Hampshire. I am CPR certified and have extensive first aid training — I'm a certified Wilderness First Responder and an American Red Cross lifeguard as well. I love the outdoors, arts and crafts, and playing piano (though I have never taught lessons, I would certainly be open to it)! I love all animals and am happy to look after any pets as well.
Have experience working with
Special Needs
Certifications
CPR
First Aid
Nanny Avery
Nanny Avery
Santa Monica, CA
$25/hr
Part-time
Occasional
2 years experience
A little bit about me
Hi! My name is Avery Lenocker. I’m 22 and currently work full-time in technology sales in Santa Monica. I grew up in Colorado as the oldest of four in a big, close-knit family, so being around kids has always been a huge part of my life. I’ve been babysitting since I was 10 years old and also worked as a lifeguard, which led me to become CPR certified.
I love staying active and being outdoors, surfing, hiking, skiing, and going to the gym are some of my favorites. I’m also a big dog lover, enjoy reading, and value creating a fun, safe, and supportive environment for kids. I have my own car and am reliable, responsible, and family-oriented. I’m especially close with my family and my twin sister, and I bring that same care and energy into everything I do.
I love staying active and being outdoors, surfing, hiking, skiing, and going to the gym are some of my favorites. I’m also a big dog lover, enjoy reading, and value creating a fun, safe, and supportive environment for kids. I have my own car and am reliable, responsible, and family-oriented. I’m especially close with my family and my twin sister, and I bring that same care and energy into everything I do.
Have experience working with
Infants
Special Needs
Certifications
CPR
First Aid
Nanny Janet
Nanny Janet
Santa Monica, CA
$25/hr
Occasional
10+ years experience
A little bit about me
Hi, my name is Janet!
I’m excited to meet your family and provide the support you need. I have experience babysitting children of all ages and truly enjoy spending time with kids. I love playing games, cooking fun meals, and spending time outdoors.
I currently work full-time as a nurse at a dermatology office during the week, but I’m very flexible and available on weekends. I’m reliable, caring, and always happy to help out where I can.
If you have any questions, feel free to send me a message.
I look forward to connecting with you! ❤️
I’m excited to meet your family and provide the support you need. I have experience babysitting children of all ages and truly enjoy spending time with kids. I love playing games, cooking fun meals, and spending time outdoors.
I currently work full-time as a nurse at a dermatology office during the week, but I’m very flexible and available on weekends. I’m reliable, caring, and always happy to help out where I can.
If you have any questions, feel free to send me a message.
I look forward to connecting with you! ❤️
Have experience working with
Infants
Special Needs
Certifications
CPR
First Aid
Nanny Lisseth
Nanny Lisseth
Santa Monica, CA
$25/hr
Part-time
Occasional
10+ years experience
A little bit about me
Hello!
I am Liseseth, I love to be with kids. I have been working as a babysitter for more than 20 years also I have my own daughter .
I like to help families with their little ones and help them raise happy and healthy kids.
I am kind, caring and patient, I work following parents guidelines in order to help them raise their children under their principles and values
I am Liseseth, I love to be with kids. I have been working as a babysitter for more than 20 years also I have my own daughter .
I like to help families with their little ones and help them raise happy and healthy kids.
I am kind, caring and patient, I work following parents guidelines in order to help them raise their children under their principles and values
Have experience working with
Infants
Certifications
CPR
First Aid
Recent reference
"Lisseth has worked for us over the past year helping with our 2 1/2 year-old son. She is extremely reliable, punctual, and responsible. We trust her absolutely. She is an extremely careful driver, having to navigate rush hour traffic across the city with our son in the car everyday. With our son she is loving yet she enforces all the rules and boundaries we have set for him.
Being a parent herself, Lisseth’s experience has been an asset to us and our son because she is experienced in dealing with a lot of the ups and downs of raising a toddler.
She is easy to communicate with, flexible and a pleasure to have around the house. We recommend her highly and are happy to talk to you specifically if there are more questions."
- Michele
Nanny Ribbon
Nanny Ribbon
Santa Monica, CA
$25 - $35/hr
Part-time
Occasional
10+ years experience
Have experience working with
Infants