Reviewed by the Nanny Lane team · Last updated
How much does a babysitter cost in Rochester, MN in 2026?
In Rochester, MN, the average babysitter earns about $18.99 per hour. For a typical 40-hour week, that works out to roughly $760/week or $3,292/month. Most Rochester families pay somewhere in the $11–$26/hour range, depending on experience, the number of kids, and what's expected on the job.
These numbers come from 187 live babysitter listings in Rochester on Nanny Lane. We update this page whenever the data moves.
- Weekly
(40 hrs) - $760
- Monthly
- $3,292
- Annual
- $39,499
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What drives the price
Most Rochester families pay somewhere in the $11–$26/hour range. Where a given family lands depends on a handful of factors. Three of them drive most of the spread.
Experience
Number of kids
| 1 kid (baseline) | $18.99 |
|---|---|
| 2 kids | ~$19.99 |
| 3+ kids | ~$20.99+ |
Hours & 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
| Arrangement | Typical hours | Average rate | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-time | 35–50 hrs/week | $19.81/hr | |
| Part-time | 10–25 hrs/week | $19.69/hr | |
| Occasional | 5–15 hrs/week | $19.58/hr | |
| Live-in | Set by family | $18.84/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 arrangements look cheaper per hour because room and board are part of the package. The trade-off is space — you'll need a private bedroom and ideally a separate bathroom for the babysitter.
How do Rochester babysitter rates compare to state and national averages?
Rochester sits close to the national average for babysitter rates.
Hiring babysitters in Rochester, MN typically costs about 4% more than the Minnesota average of $18/hour and 1% more than the United States average of $19/hour.
| Area | Average hourly rate | vs. Rochester, MN |
|---|---|---|
| Rochester, MN | $19/hr | — |
| Minnesota | $18/hr | -3% |
| United States | $19/hr | -1% |
Where Rochester, MN fits among nearby cities
10 nearby cities have enough babysitter data to compare, with rates ranging from $16.87/hour in Mankato to $20.17/hour in Minneapolis.
Below: how each compares to the Rochester, MN average of $18.99/hour — Rochester, MN is highlighted at its true rank.
Nearby cities ranked by babysitter rate
| # | City | $/hr | vs. Rochester, MN | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Minneapolis | $20.17 | +6% | |
| 2 | Maple Grove | $19.66 | +4% | |
| 3 | Saint Paul | $19.15 | +1% | |
| 4 | Lakeville | $19.12 | +1% | |
| 5 | Rochester | $18.99 | — | |
| 6 | Woodbury | $18.82 | -1% | |
| 7 | St. Cloud | $17.64 | -7% | |
| 8 | Blaine | $17.33 | -9% | |
| 9 | Duluth | $17.11 | -10% | |
| 10 | Mankato | $16.87 | -11% |
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?
and enjoy flexible child care.
How families use Nanny Lane to find a babysitter in Rochester, 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:
- 01
Browse babysitter profiles in Rochester, MN
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 Rochester, MN
187 active listings in Rochester
Nanny Briana
Nanny Briana
A little bit about me
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Nanny Samantha
Nanny Samantha
A little bit about me
I enjoy spending time outdoors, doing arts and crafts, and cooking or baking. I love coming up with creative activities that keep kids entertained and learning. I’m patient, dependable, and easy to get along with, and I’m excited to find a great family to work with!
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Certifications
Nanny Grace
Nanny Grace
A little bit about me
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Certifications
Nanny Rachael
Nanny Rachael
A little bit about me
Outside of work, I like to go hiking, read, learn about plants, and try new crafts (currently crocheting and diamond painting!)
I am happy to help once or on a recurring basis, just reach out and I'd love to chat more about what you're looking for!
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Certifications
Nanny Julie
Nanny Julie
A little bit about me
I’m French and usually work as a nurse anesthetist. I’m in Rochester for a little while.
I’m available and would be more than happy to babysit your children whenever you need me!
I’ve been taking care of children since I was very young!
Please don’t hesitate to contact me!
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Nanny Olive
Nanny Olive
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Certifications
Nanny Danna
Nanny Danna
A little bit about me
Communication is key, so I provide regular updates on your child's day and address any concerns promptly. I firmly believe in upholding household rules while maintaining a nurturing environment.
From outdoor adventures to educational games, I foster a diverse range of play activities that encourage physical, cognitive, and emotional development.
Hope to hear from you soon!
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Certifications
Nanny Karen
Nanny Karen
A little bit about me
Looking forward to the possibility of working together.
Best regards,
Karen Borup