Reviewed by the Nanny Lane team · Last updated

How much does a babysitter cost in Swansea, IL in 2026?

In Swansea, IL, the average babysitter earns about $17.33 per hour. For a typical 40-hour week, that works out to roughly $693/week or $3,004/month. Most Swansea families pay somewhere in the $15–$22/hour range, depending on experience, the number of kids, and what's expected on the job.

Average hourly rate$17.33/hr · Swansea average

These numbers come from 43 live babysitter listings in Swansea on Nanny Lane. We update this page whenever the data moves.

$693
$3,004
$36,046

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What drives the price

Most Swansea families pay somewhere in the $15–$22/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)$17.33
2 kids~$18.33
3+ kids~$19.33+

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 Swansea babysitter rates compare to state and national averages?

Swansea runs below the U.S. average for babysitter rates — a meaningful budget advantage for families looking here.

Hiring babysitters in Swansea, IL typically costs about 9% less than the Illinois average of $19/hour and 8% less than the United States average of $19/hour.

Average hourly babysitters rates compared across Swansea, IL and reference areas.
AreaAverage hourly ratevs. Swansea, IL
Swansea, IL$17/hr
Illinois$19/hr+10%
United States$19/hr+9%

Where Swansea, IL fits among nearby cities

10 nearby cities have enough babysitter data to compare, with rates ranging from $16.73/hour in Normal to $20.86/hour in Chicago.

Below: how each compares to the Swansea, IL average of $17.33/hour.

Nearby cities ranked by babysitter rate

10 cities near Swansea, IL ranked by average hourly babysitter rate, most to least expensive.
#City$/hrvs. Swansea, IL
1Chicago$20.86+20%
2Naperville$19.89+15%
3Aurora$19.28+11%
4Plainfield$18.68+8%
5Springfield$17.85+3%
6Rockford$17.51+1%
7Peoria$17.46+1%
8Champaign$17.40
9Bloomington$17.16-1%
10Normal$16.73-3%
Most expensive nearby: Chicago ($20.86) Least expensive nearby: Normal ($16.73)

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 Swansea, IL

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 Swansea, IL

    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 Swansea, IL

43 active listings in Swansea

Aynnie H. - Seeking Work in Swansea

Nanny Aynnie

Swansea, IL
$18 - $21/hr
Full-time
Part-time
Occasional
1 year experience

A little bit about me

Hi! My name is Aynnie, and I am looking to begin my journey as a nanny because I genuinely enjoy working with children and helping them learn and grow. I am responsible, patient, and dependable, and I understand the importance of creating a safe and positive environment for kids.

Although I am new to professional nannying, I have experience caring for children through family, friends, volunteering, and everyday interactions. I enjoy activities such as reading, arts and crafts, helping with homework, playing games, and encouraging creativity. I am eager to learn and committed to providing attentive and reliable care.

I take my responsibilities seriously and strive to be someone parents can trust and children feel comfortable around. I am excited to connect with families and gain experience while making a positive impact in the lives of the children I care for.

Have experience working with

Special Needs

Certification

CPR
Kelly D. - Seeking Work in Swansea

Nanny Kelly

Swansea, IL
$16.50/hr
Occasional
1 year experience

A little bit about me

Hello! My name is Kelly! I am in college for early childhood to become a kindergarten teacher! I work at a after school program providing care to children from kindergarten to middle school kids. I want to be the best I can and try to grow to help kids as much as possible. I want kids to have long-lasting memories and for them to be the best they can. I always try the best I can and want to provide happiness to the child to the parent!

Have experience working with

Special Needs

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Sade S. - Seeking Work in Swansea

Nanny Sade

Swansea, IL
$17/hr
Occasional
< 1 year experience

A little bit about me

Hi my name is Sade, I’m 20 years old and currently in school to get my Phlebotomy. I love kids with everything in me, I have experience babysitting family members aging between 1-12+
Alajah W. - Seeking Work in Swansea

Nanny Alajah

Swansea, IL
$17.50 - $20/hr
Part-time
Occasional
< 1 year experience

A little bit about me

Hi! My name is Alajah. I’m a caring, patient, and reliable person with hands-on childcare experience. I currently babysit my nephew three times a week, which has helped me develop skills in supervising children, keeping them engaged with activities, preparing meals and snacks, and maintaining a safe environment.
I enjoy working with children and would love the opportunity to help care for your family.

Have experience working with

Infants
Special Needs
Asya C. - Seeking Work in Swansea

Nanny Asya

Swansea, IL
$17/hr
Part-time
Occasional
4 years experience

A little bit about me

Hello! My name is Asya, I am 23 years old and currently work as a Teacher’s Assistant at a preschool and have been in child care for almost 5 years and love it! I am also currently in college obtaining my Bachelor’s degree in Education and am looking forward to gaining more experience😊

Have experience working with

Infants
Special Needs

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Alana T. - Seeking Work in Swansea

Nanny Alana

Swansea, IL
$18/hr
Part-time
Occasional
1 year experience

A little bit about me

Hello I’m Alana Todd! I’m 18 years old and I am a Behavioral Technician so I work with kids with autism. I love working with kids and also a great housekeeper!

Have experience working with

Infants
Special Needs
Johana M. - Seeking Work in Swansea

Nanny Johana

Swansea, IL
$17/hr
Full-time
Part-time
Occasional
10+ years experience

A little bit about me

My mom ran a day care for more than 5 years so being her child I worked for her and also having nieces and nephews in daycare it was like my duty to help around. I changed diapers, potty trained, make food, bathed, changed clothes and etc so I have great impression on kids. I love kids!!

Have experience working with

Infants
Special Needs
Janae B. - Seeking Work in Swansea

Nanny Janae

Swansea, IL
$17/hr
Occasional
2 years experience

A little bit about me

My name is Ja’Nae Bolden I am a 23-year-old Biology major at McKendree University working to receive my bachelors degree I have always loved working with children. I’m responsible, patient, and creative, with experience mentoring and tutoring younger students. I bring enthusiasm and curiosity to every task, whether it’s helping with homework, planning engaging activities, or providing a safe and supportive environment. I love building a special relationship with the children that I take care of. I have worked as a Mentor for elementary kids for a couple months, I have worked with preschoolers, I have worked at a daycare and of course I have been a family babysitter for years. I am skilled in diaper changing, housekeeping, homework, running errands, and I have my own car. Feel free to contact me anytime.

Have experience working with

Infants
Toby M. - Seeking Work in Swansea

Nanny Toby

Swansea, IL
$15/hr
Occasional
6 years experience

A little bit about me

Hello I am Toby McCullough I am 22 and I work as a paraprofessional at a elementary school called Franklin Elementary. I am simply looking for weekend/mid day job for over the summer. I am currently doing summer school till 12pm Monday - Thursday. I can not drive because I have cerebral palsy it affects my ankles. I have many means of transportation but no care of my own. If you are interested in me babysitting I can work with children of all ages :). Please contact me for questions [phone number hidden].

Have experience working with

Special Needs
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