Reviewed by the Nanny Lane team · Last updated

How much does a babysitter cost in Hays, KS in 2026?

In Hays, KS, the average babysitter earns about $14.28 per hour. For a typical 40-hour week, that works out to roughly $571/week or $2,475/month. Most Hays families pay somewhere in the $10–$20/hour range, depending on experience, the number of kids, and what's expected on the job.

Average hourly rate$14.28/hr · Hays average

These numbers come from 45 live babysitter listings in Hays on Nanny Lane. We update this page whenever the data moves.

$571
$2,475
$29,702

Find babysitters near you

What drives the price

Most Hays families pay somewhere in the $10–$20/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)$14.28
2 kids~$15.28
3+ kids~$16.28+

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 Hays babysitter rates compare to state and national averages?

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

Hiring babysitters in Hays, KS typically costs about 12% less than the Kansas average of $16/hour and 24% less than the United States average of $19/hour.

Average hourly babysitters rates compared across Hays, KS and reference areas.
AreaAverage hourly ratevs. Hays, KS
Hays, KS$14/hr
Kansas$16/hr+14%
United States$19/hr+32%

Where Hays, KS fits among nearby cities

10 nearby cities have enough babysitter data to compare, with rates ranging from $14.42/hour in Manhattan to $19.10/hour in Shawnee Mission.

Below: how each compares to the Hays, KS average of $14.28/hour.

Nearby cities ranked by babysitter rate

10 cities near Hays, KS ranked by average hourly babysitter rate, most to least expensive.
#City$/hrvs. Hays, KS
1Shawnee Mission$19.10+34%
2Overland Park$18.76+31%
3Lenexa$18.19+27%
4Olathe$17.61+23%
5Kansas City$17.32+21%
6Shawnee$16.70+17%
7Lawrence$16.02+12%
8Topeka$15.10+6%
9Wichita$15.03+5%
10Manhattan$14.42+1%
Most expensive nearby: Shawnee Mission ($19.10) Least expensive nearby: Manhattan ($14.42)

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 Hays, KS

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 Hays, KS

    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 Hays, KS

45 active listings in Hays

Paisley Z. - Seeking Work in Hays

Nanny Paisley

Hays, KS
$15 - $25/hr
Part-time
Occasional
< 1 year experience

A little bit about me

I have been a cna for 8 months at a long term care facility . I love taking care of the residents there and I am just looking for more hours outside of the nursing home. I love doing things outside of the house , I’m willing to do whatever it takes to make the people around me happy. I am a senior in High School taking 6 online college classes, peer tutor class, and a teacher assistant. I have a lot of availability because of that schedule . I am a very hard worker and very motivated.

Have experience working with

Special Needs

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Samantha H. - Seeking Work in Hays

Nanny Samantha

Hays, KS
$12 - $20/hr
Full-time
Part-time
Occasional
2 years experience

A little bit about me

Hello, I am Sammy Holmes, and I am looking for a job that will keep me busy while also including my joy for helping children. I am the oldest of four kids, and my mother owned a daycare growing up that I had to help with. Growing up, I always wanted to hold the baby or play along with the younger kids because I wanted to help in any way I could. I have taken care of newborns, toddlers, and middle school-age kids before; all require different skill sets and different levels of patience and care, but I have those skills. Please help me by helping you with your nannying/babysitting needs. Thank you, and have a wonderful day.

Have experience working with

Infants
Special Needs
Kelly P. - Seeking Work in Hays

Nanny Kelly

Hays, KS
$13 - $18/hr
Part-time
Occasional
1 year experience

A little bit about me

I am pretty flexible with my hours, I am able to days or nights for parents who work evenings.

Have experience working with

Infants
Makenna G. - Seeking Work in Hays

Nanny Makenna

Hays, KS
$13.50/hr
Part-time
Occasional
4 years experience

A little bit about me

I’m a listened cosmetologist looking for a little extra money. I’m a CNA, and I love to work with people of all ages! I like to be outside and do fun things like playing games, going on walks or finding fun things to do around the community! I love to make meals and even desserts and treats! I’m energetic and love animals as well!

Have experience working with

Infants
Special Needs

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Kaylan H. - Seeking Work in Hays

Nanny Kaylan

Hays, KS
$15/hr
Part-time
Occasional
1 year experience

A little bit about me

Hello, I am a student Athlete at FHSU, I love working with kids, Have done volunteering in the youth ministry since I was about 13 years old and have done babysitting one and off for about 2 years. I love being outside and doing fun crafts and activities.

Have experience working with

Infants

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Allie R. - Seeking Work in Hays

Nanny Allie

Hays, KS
$15/hr
Part-time
Occasional
2 years experience

A little bit about me

Hi my name is Allie Reed. I am a freshman at FHSU. I love hanging out with kids. For several years I have babysat different families in my home town. I have also volunteered in my church for several years to help with the nursery and childrens church.

Have experience working with

Special Needs
Lydia S. - Seeking Work in Hays

Nanny Lydia

Hays, KS
$13/hr
Occasional
< 1 year experience

A little bit about me

I've worked with kids paid/unpaid for the last four years. I am a full time student at Fort Hays State University. I am originally from Wichita. I am a diagnostic imaging major, but I love working with kids.

Have experience working with

Infants
Special Needs

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Ryann M. - Seeking Work in Hays

Nanny Ryann

Hays, KS
$12/hr
Part-time
Occasional
4 years experience

A little bit about me

Hi! My name is Ryann Moffatt, and I’m a freshman at FHSU. I have been babysitting since I was 14, and it’s something I’ve always loved. Spending time with children, helping them learn, and being a positive influence in their lives is so rewarding to me. This past summer, I babysat for a family full-time, which gave me valuable experience in creating fun, safe, and structured fun filled days for the kids. Outside of babysitting, I enjoy spending time with my friends and family and going to the gym. I believe in staying active and maintaining a positive mindset, both of which help me in everything I do. I’m CPR certified and have completed a babysitting certification course, so safety and responsibility are always my top priority. Since my college classes end at 1:30 each day, I’m hoping to find a part-time job that allows me to keep doing what I love working with kids and helping families. I’m dependable, patient, and caring, and hope to make a positive impact on every child I care for.

Have experience working with

Infants
Special Needs

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Aspen P. - Seeking Work in Hays

Nanny Aspen

Hays, KS
$12/hr
Occasional
2 years experience

A little bit about me

I am a current 1st year graduate student studying speech language pathology.
I have experience with all ages and have a lot of experience with children with special needs and complex communication skills.
I am available in the evenings and weekends!

Have experience working with

Infants
Special Needs

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Find Nannies Near Me

Popular services in Hays, KS

Start your journey towards finding your perfect babysitter

Get Started