Reviewed by the Nanny Lane team · Last updated

How much does a babysitter cost in Lewes, DE in 2026?

In Lewes, DE, the average babysitter earns about $20.15 per hour. For a typical 40-hour week, that works out to roughly $806/week or $3,493/month. Most Lewes families pay somewhere in the $15–$25/hour range, depending on experience, the number of kids, and what's expected on the job.

Average hourly rate$20.15/hr · Lewes average

These numbers come from 29 live babysitter listings in Lewes on Nanny Lane. We update this page whenever the data moves.

$806
$3,493
$41,912

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What drives the price

Most Lewes families pay somewhere in the $15–$25/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)$20.15
2 kids~$21.15
3+ kids~$22.15+

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 Lewes babysitter rates compare to state and national averages?

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

Hiring babysitters in Lewes, DE typically costs about 9% more than the Delaware average of $18/hour and 6% more than the United States average of $19/hour.

Average hourly babysitters rates compared across Lewes, DE and reference areas.
AreaAverage hourly ratevs. Lewes, DE
Lewes, DE$20/hr
Delaware$18/hr-8%
United States$19/hr-5%

Where Lewes, DE fits among nearby cities

10 nearby cities have enough babysitter data to compare, with rates ranging from $17.07/hour in Smyrna to $19.24/hour in Bear.

Below: how each compares to the Lewes, DE average of $20.15/hour.

Nearby cities ranked by babysitter rate

10 cities near Lewes, DE ranked by average hourly babysitter rate, most to least expensive.
#City$/hrvs. Lewes, DE
1Bear$19.24-5%
2Wilmington$19.18-5%
3Newark$19.04-6%
4Millsboro$18.81-7%
5Leipsic$18.69-7%
6Middletown$18.59-8%
7New Castle$18.38-9%
8Milford$17.71-12%
9Dover$17.08-15%
10Smyrna$17.07-15%
Most expensive nearby: Bear ($19.24) Least expensive nearby: Smyrna ($17.07)

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 Lewes, DE

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 Lewes, DE

    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 Lewes, DE

29 active listings in Lewes

Laura M. - Seeking Work in Lewes

Nanny Laura

Lewes, DE
$20/hr
Full-time
Part-time
Occasional
4 years experience

A little bit about me

Hi! My name is Laura Markofski, and I’m a caring, reliable nanny with a Master’s degree in Elementary Education. I have experience as a long-term substitute, student teacher, and summer program paraprofessional. I love creating a safe, fun, and engaging environment where children can learn, grow, and feel supported. I value open communication with families and would love to help support your little ones!

Have experience working with

Special Needs

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Jenn T. - Seeking Work in Lewes

Nanny Jenn

Lewes, DE
$20 - $40/hr
Part-time
Occasional
10+ years experience

A little bit about me

I am a mother of three grown sons and have extensive hands-on experience caring for infants, including feeding, diapering, soothing, maintaining sleep routines, and providing attentive, nurturing care. I am a Boston College graduate, a certified teacher with special education certification, and a longtime, active member of the local community. I am physically active and fit, as well as calm, dependable, patient, and comfortable responding to each baby’s individual needs.

Have experience working with

Infants
Special Needs
Lilli I. - Seeking Work in Lewes

Nanny Lilli

Lewes, DE
$15 - $20/hr
Part-time
Occasional
< 1 year experience

A little bit about me

Hello, my name is Lilli! I am looking for a summer job as I continue my education. I am 22 years old and I am going to school for elementary education. I have an Associates and currently working towards my Bachelor's. I am set to graduate in 2027 as I start my year long residency this coming fall. I babysat throughout high school for multiple families with 2-3 kids under the age of 8. I look forward to gaining more experience and have some fun!

Have experience working with

Special Needs
Miranda W. - Seeking Work in Lewes

Nanny Miranda

Lewes, DE
$22/hr
Part-time
Occasional
2 years experience

A little bit about me

i have experience with children my brother has 2 children that i have grown up with and have helped raise and watch my sister also has a child that i watch occasionally i overall love children and am a very fun person

Have experience working with

Infants

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Michelle M. - Seeking Work in Lewes

Nanny Michelle

Lewes, DE
$17/hr
Occasional
5 years experience

A little bit about me

I’m Michelle, former RN, daycare worker, live in Nanny and Mom to seven grown children. I have always lived babies and even helped my Mom after school at our home daycare.

Have experience working with

Infants
Special Needs

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Voula B. - Seeking Work in Lewes

Nanny Voula

Lewes, DE
$18/hr
Part-time
Occasional
5 years experience

Have experience working with

Infants
Special Needs

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Callie A. - Seeking Work in Lewes

Nanny Callie

Lewes, DE
$20 - $25/hr
Full-time
3 years experience

A little bit about me

Hi! I'm Callie, and I recently graduated from Johnson University. I'm excited to be moving to Lewes, Delaware mid August!

I've always loved working with children and I've had the opportunity to gain experience in several different settings. I first worked in childcare programs where I supervised children, organized activities, and helped create a safe, fun environment. One of the most meaningful experiences I've had was living and working at a children's home in Jamaica for three months, where I cared for children ranging from 1 to 18 years old. Most recently, I worked at an after-school program in Knoxville with elementary and middle school students. 

I really enjoy working with children one on one and I'm excited to also have the opportunity of building relationships with families!
Cassandra L. - Seeking Work in Lewes

Nanny Cassandra

Lewes, DE
$18 - $25/hr
Part-time
4 years experience

A little bit about me

I’m a 23 year old women who loves children. I want an active job that I can enjoy and I’m very understanding when it comes to kids of all ages. I have experience in child care and I also have experience in house keeping and I’m willing to use my experience in both for the right family.

Have experience working with

Infants
Special Needs
Briana M. - Seeking Work in Lewes

Nanny Briana

Lewes, DE
$21/hr
Full-time
1 year experience

A little bit about me

Hi! I am CPR and first aid certified and have experience in working with kids ages 8 months - 13 years old so you can trust that your kids are in good care. I’m a friendly and energetic person, so anything involving playing outdoors or crafts are some things I have so much fun doing with the kids, but I’m also not shy to enforce any house rules parents may have. I don’t mind doing light housekeeping as well as cooking/meal prepping and am willing to communicate updates however the parents choose. Looking forward to new opportunities!

Have experience working with

Infants

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
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