Reviewed by the Nanny Lane team · Last updated
How much does a babysitter cost in Fort Wayne, IN in 2026?
In Fort Wayne, IN, the average babysitter earns about $14.24 per hour. For a typical 40-hour week, that works out to roughly $570/week or $2,468/month. Most Fort Wayne families pay somewhere in the $7–$20/hour range, depending on experience, the number of kids, and what's expected on the job.
Average hourly rate$14.24/hr · Fort Wayne average
These numbers come from 1,261 live babysitter listings in Fort Wayne on Nanny Lane. We update this page whenever the data moves.
- Weekly
(40 hrs) - $570
- Monthly
- $2,468
- Annual
- $29,619
Find babysitters near you
What drives the price
Most Fort Wayne families pay somewhere in the $7–$20/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 $13.96/hour, while the most experienced (6-10 yrs) charge around $16.27/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) | $14.24 |
|---|---|
| 2 kids | ~$15.24 |
| 3+ kids | ~$16.24+ |
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 | $15.28/hr | |
| Part-time | 10–25 hrs/week | $14.19/hr | |
| Occasional | 5–15 hrs/week | $15.33/hr | |
| Live-in | Set by family | $14.72/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 Fort Wayne babysitter rates compare to state and national averages?
Fort Wayne runs below the U.S. average for babysitter rates — a meaningful budget advantage for families looking here.
Hiring babysitters in Fort Wayne, IN typically costs about the same as the Indiana average of $14/hour and 15% less than the United States average of $17/hour.
| Area | Average hourly rate | vs. Fort Wayne, IN |
|---|---|---|
| Fort Wayne, IN | $14/hr | — |
| Indiana | $14/hr | 0% |
| United States | $17/hr | +18% |
Where Fort Wayne, IN fits among nearby cities
10 nearby cities have enough babysitter data to compare, with rates ranging from $12.36/hour in Muncie to $17.32/hour in Carmel.
Below: how each compares to the Fort Wayne, IN average of $14.24/hour — Fort Wayne, IN is highlighted at its true rank.
Nearby cities ranked by babysitter rate
| # | City | $/hr | vs. Fort Wayne, IN | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Carmel | $17.32 | +22% | |
| 2 | Fishers | $16.07 | +13% | |
| 3 | Indianapolis | $15.45 | +8% | |
| 4 | South Bend | $15.07 | +6% | |
| 5 | Bloomington | $14.44 | +1% | |
| 6 | Fort Wayne | $14.24 | — | |
| 7 | Elkhart | $14.21 | — | |
| 8 | Evansville | $13.58 | -5% | |
| 9 | Terre Haute | $12.39 | -13% | |
| 10 | Muncie | $12.36 | -13% |
● Most expensive nearby: Carmel ($17.32)● Least expensive nearby: Muncie ($12.36)
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 Fort Wayne, IN
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 Fort Wayne, IN
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 Fort Wayne, IN
1,261 active listings in Fort Wayne
Nanny Pikiea
Nanny Pikiea
Fort Wayne, IN
$11 - $16/hr
Part-time
Occasional
< 1 year experience
A little bit about me
My name is Pikiea I’m 17 years old and looking for a babysitting job! I am a student athlete currently doing 2 sports right now! I have experience with kids, I’ve Ben raised around kids and have babysit for family members! I’m not CPR or first aid certified but I can do CPR. If you would like me to get certified please send me the information and I will be more then happy to do so! If you would like any recommendations or things like that from family members or school counselors I can get you that to! I hope you have an amazing day!
Have experience working with
Infants
Special Needs
Nanny Emre
Nanny Emre
Fort Wayne, IN
$12 - $19/hr
Full-time
Part-time
Occasional
< 1 year experience
A little bit about me
Hi! My name is Emre, and I worked for a nursing home for about two years, so I have my CNA license. I’m looking to care for more age groups!
Have experience working with
Special Needs
Nanny Gabriella
Nanny Gabriella
Fort Wayne, IN
$15/hr
Occasional
< 1 year experience
A little bit about me
Hi, my name is Gabriella and I love working with the kids all throughout my life. I have been watching my baby cousins my sister and I just love working with kids whenever my family has company over. I’m always the one taking care of the kids and they love me even when there might be a small problem. I’m always there to see what I can do to problem solve.
Nanny Chesney
Nanny Chesney
Fort Wayne, IN
$13 - $18/hr
Part-time
Occasional
6 years experience
A little bit about me
I absolutely love caring for others! Kids are such a joy—so silly, kind, and refreshingly honest. Animals always come in a close second for me! Growing up with 10 siblings, including 5 younger ones, I've had plenty of experience helping to raise them. Plus, I’ve been a nanny and babysitter for over six years, which has been an amazing journey.
I love activities that let kids be creative and active! Things like arts and crafts, playing outside, going on little nature adventures, or even cooking simple snacks together. Storytime is always a hit too, especially when we can make up silly voices or act out parts of the story.
Happy to learn about your family and be of service of any kind!
I love activities that let kids be creative and active! Things like arts and crafts, playing outside, going on little nature adventures, or even cooking simple snacks together. Storytime is always a hit too, especially when we can make up silly voices or act out parts of the story.
Happy to learn about your family and be of service of any kind!
Have experience working with
Infants
Certifications
CPR
First Aid
Nanny Hales
Nanny Hales
Fort Wayne, IN
$15 - $20/hr
Part-time
Occasional
2 years experience
A little bit about me
I am a responsible, caring, and patient individual with experience working with children of different ages. I enjoy creating a safe, positive, and fun environment where kids feel comfortable and supported. I am dependable, attentive, and able to handle responsibilities such as supervising activities, helping with routines, preparing simple meals, and keeping children engaged in creative and educational activities.
I am also a good communicator and understand the importance of listening to both children and parents to make sure everyone’s needs are met. My calm personality, strong sense of responsibility, and ability to adapt to different situations make me a trustworthy babysitter. I genuinely enjoy spending time with children and helping them feel happy, safe, and cared for.
I am also a good communicator and understand the importance of listening to both children and parents to make sure everyone’s needs are met. My calm personality, strong sense of responsibility, and ability to adapt to different situations make me a trustworthy babysitter. I genuinely enjoy spending time with children and helping them feel happy, safe, and cared for.
Have experience working with
Special Needs
Certifications
CPR
First Aid
Nanny Amanda
Nanny Amanda
Fort Wayne, IN
$14/hr
Part-time
Occasional
< 1 year experience
A little bit about me
Hi, my name is Mandy! I am a college student studying nursing here in Fort Wayne. While I am new to childcare, I have experience caring for the elderly, which has helped me develop strong skills in responsibility, attentiveness, and providing safe, supportive care. I am reliable, quick to learn, and committed to providing quality care for your family.
Have experience working with
Special Needs
Certification
CPR
Nanny Allison
Nanny Allison
Fort Wayne, IN
$14/hr
Part-time
Occasional
5 years experience
A little bit about me
I am a junior in high school and have been certified to babysit for the last 5 years. I also work in elementary schools with children K-5 in general education and special education. I play volleyball and enjoy getting out and about to discover new activities. I play to major in elementary education and special education in college. I enjoy baking, photography, and reading.
Have experience working with
Infants
Special Needs
Certifications
CPR
First Aid
Nanny Taylor
Nanny Taylor
Fort Wayne, IN
$14/hr
Part-time
Occasional
2 years experience
A little bit about me
With two years of experience caring for children of all ages, from toddlers to teenagers, I provide a safe and engaging environment where they can thrive. My previous babysitting roles solidified my desire to support families by offering reliable childcare.
I am patient, creative, and approachable, and I enjoy playing outdoor sports, board games, and educational games with children. I'm very comfortable enforcing household rules and always prioritize open communication with parents, following your preferred method for regular updates.
I am patient, creative, and approachable, and I enjoy playing outdoor sports, board games, and educational games with children. I'm very comfortable enforcing household rules and always prioritize open communication with parents, following your preferred method for regular updates.
Have experience working with
Special Needs
Nanny Becca
Nanny Becca
Fort Wayne, IN
$15/hr
Part-time
Occasional
1 year experience
A little bit about me
Hello!
My name is Becca Webb, and I am currently a full time student at the University of Saint Francis. I’m CPR certified and first aid certified. I have lots of experience watching children of all ages, from helping raise my three younger brothers to babysitting for many different families. I currently work as a waitress at Buffalo Wings and Ribs. I’m very responsible, patient, and great at handling busy situations. I’m kind, fun, and very responsive, and I love creating a safe, positive environment where kids feel comfortable and happy. I’d love the chance to help support your family and get to know your kids!
My name is Becca Webb, and I am currently a full time student at the University of Saint Francis. I’m CPR certified and first aid certified. I have lots of experience watching children of all ages, from helping raise my three younger brothers to babysitting for many different families. I currently work as a waitress at Buffalo Wings and Ribs. I’m very responsible, patient, and great at handling busy situations. I’m kind, fun, and very responsive, and I love creating a safe, positive environment where kids feel comfortable and happy. I’d love the chance to help support your family and get to know your kids!
Have experience working with
Infants
Certifications
CPR
First Aid