Reviewed by the Nanny Lane team · Last updated

How much does a babysitter cost in Moorhead, MN in 2026?

In Moorhead, MN, the average babysitter earns about $16.32 per hour. For a typical 40-hour week, that works out to roughly $653/week or $2,829/month. Most Moorhead families pay somewhere in the $11–$22/hour range, depending on experience, the number of kids, and what's expected on the job.

Average hourly rate$16.32/hr · Moorhead average

These numbers come from 225 live babysitter listings in Moorhead on Nanny Lane. We update this page whenever the data moves.

$653
$2,829
$33,946

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What drives the price

Most Moorhead families pay somewhere in the $11–$22/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 $16.62/hour, while the most experienced (6-10 yrs) charge around $18.50/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
Hourly rate by number of kids
1 kid (baseline)$16.32
2 kids~$17.32
3+ kids~$18.32+

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.

Full-time, part-time, and live-in babysitter rates

ArrangementTypical hoursAverage rate
Full-time35–50 hrs/week$17/hr
Part-time10–25 hrs/week$17.28/hr
Occasional5–15 hrs/week$16.21/hr
Live-inSet by family$19.28/hr

Part-time and full-time hourly rates are similar here — short schedules don't always command a premium when full-time openings are easy to fill.

Live-in rates here run higher than live-out — uncommon, but typically reflects specialty demand for around-the-clock or live-in newborn care. The trade-off is space — you'll need a private bedroom and ideally a separate bathroom for the babysitter.

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How do Moorhead babysitter rates compare to state and national averages?

Moorhead sits close to the national average for babysitter rates.

Hiring babysitters in Moorhead, MN typically costs about 3% less than the Minnesota average of $17/hour and 3% less than the United States average of $17/hour.

Average hourly babysitters rates compared across Moorhead, MN and reference areas.
AreaAverage hourly ratevs. Moorhead, MN
Moorhead, MN$16/hr
Minnesota$17/hr+3%
United States$17/hr+3%

Where Moorhead, MN fits among nearby cities

10 nearby cities have enough babysitter data to compare, with rates ranging from $14.94/hour in Mankato to $18.15/hour in Minneapolis.

Below: how each compares to the Moorhead, MN average of $16.32/hour — Moorhead, MN is highlighted at its true rank.

Nearby cities ranked by babysitter rate

10 cities near Moorhead, MN ranked by average hourly babysitter rate, most to least expensive.
#City$/hrvs. Moorhead, MN
1Minneapolis$18.15+11%
2Rochester$17.76+9%
3Woodbury$17.52+7%
4Saint Paul$17.26+6%
5Shakopee$16.75+3%
6Blaine$16.57+2%
Moorhead$16.32
8St. Cloud$15.85-3%
9Duluth$15.68-4%
10Mankato$14.94-8%
Most expensive nearby: Minneapolis ($18.15) Least expensive nearby: Mankato ($14.94)

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 Moorhead, MN

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 Moorhead, MN

    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 Moorhead, MN

225 active listings in Moorhead

Skylar D. - Seeking Work in Moorhead

Nanny Skylar

Moorhead, MN
$17/hr
Part-time
Occasional
2 years experience

A little bit about me

Hi! I’m Skylar, and I’m passionate about caring for children and creating a safe, positive environment for them to grow and have fun. I have experience working with kids from infants all the way up to age 17, so I’m comfortable adapting to different ages, needs, and personalities.
I would describe myself as patient, reliable, and nurturing. I enjoy activities like arts and crafts, reading, outdoor play, and helping kids stay engaged in fun, meaningful ways. I’m also happy to assist with homework, prepare simple meals, and keep up with routines like naps and bedtime.
As a Christian, my values are rooted in kindness, respect, and integrity, and I bring that into the way I care for children and support families.
I’m available on weekdays and Saturdays, and I’d love the opportunity to be a helpful and trustworthy addition to your family!

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Molly D. - Seeking Work in Moorhead

Nanny Molly

Moorhead, MN
$17/hr
Occasional
7 years experience

A little bit about me

Hi! My name is Molly and I have done a ton of babysitting and nannying for my small town over the years. I have babysat ages ranging from newborns to 11 years old! I currently am working at the daycare at my college a couple hours a week while working on my nursing degree!

Have experience working with

Infants
Special Needs

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Ella J. - Seeking Work in Moorhead

Nanny Ella

Moorhead, MN
$17/hr
Part-time
Occasional
3 years experience

A little bit about me

Hi families! I’m a Psychology major at MSUM interested in studying child development and behavior. I’m patient, kind, and dependable, and I love creating a safe, positive environment where children feel supported, heard, and comfortable being themselves. I value structure, clear communication, and helping kids learn, grow, and have fun each day.

Have experience working with

Infants
Special Needs

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Grace K. - Seeking Work in Moorhead

Nanny Grace

Moorhead, MN
$16/hr
Occasional
2 years experience

A little bit about me

Hey, I'm Grace! I'm a senior at Morehead High and a future MSUM Dragon. I've been working at the YMCA for almost a year now, gaining hands-on experience with kids of all ages. Before that, I spent plenty of time taking care of my younger siblings, so I know how to keep up with different personalities and energy levels. I like to make sure kids feel comfortable, safe, and free to be themselves while still keeping things structured. If you're looking for a reliable babysitter who knows how to keep kids engaged, I'd love to help!

I'd describe my personality as thoughtful, adaptable, and empathetic.

I like working with kids because because they're unpredictable in the best way. It's rewarding to build trust with them and create a space where they feel comfortable just being themselves.

Have experience working with

Infants

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Bonnie L. - Seeking Work in Moorhead

Nanny Bonnie

Moorhead, MN
$16/hr
Occasional
10+ years experience

A little bit about me

I'm a mother of three my oldest is 29 my youngest is 9 I've helped raise on me and nephews I'm very good with children I do not do drugs I do not drink alcohol I have my driver's license and I got a car with full coverage insurance I'm very reliable

Have experience working with

Infants
Special Needs
Madalynn Z. - Seeking Work in Moorhead

Nanny Madalynn

Moorhead, MN
$16/hr
Occasional
< 1 year experience

A little bit about me

Hello, My name is Madalynn Zaske, I am 19 years old. I am a sophomore at North Dakota State University! My major is criminal justice and minoring in psychology. I have always enjoyed being around kids and this summer at my club care job, my love for being with kids has grown tremendously.

Have experience working with

Special Needs

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Madeline D. - Seeking Work in Moorhead

Nanny Madeline

Moorhead, MN
$16.50/hr
Occasional
4 years experience

A little bit about me

Hi! My name is Madeline and I am a college student at MSUM. I am 20 years old and planning on becoming a school psychologist. I love working with kids and have years of experience!

Have experience working with

Infants
Special Needs

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Katelyn H. - Seeking Work in Moorhead

Nanny Katelyn

Moorhead, MN
$18/hr
Occasional
7 years experience

A little bit about me

Hi my name is Katelyn! I am 25 years old and married to my amazing husband Joey! I have worked in childcare since 2018 and before that I babysat throughout high school. I am currently an Assistant Director at a childcare center in Dilworth! I love working with children and pets are fun bonus too!

Have experience working with

Infants
Special Needs

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Lily L. - Seeking Work in Moorhead

Nanny Lily

Moorhead, MN
$16/hr
Occasional
< 1 year experience

A little bit about me

I volunteer at eventide in Moorhead, I love hanging out with friends and trying new things. I enjoy animals and kids

Have experience working with

Special Needs

Certification

CPR
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