Reviewed by the Nanny Lane team · Last updated
How much does a babysitter cost in St. Cloud, MN in 2026?
In St. Cloud, MN, the average babysitter earns about $18.05 per hour. For a typical 40-hour week, that works out to roughly $722/week or $3,129/month. Most St. Cloud families pay somewhere in the $12–$25/hour range, depending on experience, the number of kids, and what's expected on the job.
Average hourly rate$18.05/hr · St. Cloud average
These numbers come from 171 live babysitter listings in St. Cloud on Nanny Lane. We update this page whenever the data moves.
- Weekly
(40 hrs) - $722
- Monthly
- $3,129
- Annual
- $37,544
Find babysitters near you
What drives the price
Most St. Cloud families pay somewhere in the $12–$25/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 $17.37/hour, while the most experienced (6-10 yrs) charge around $19.22/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) | $18.05 |
|---|---|
| 2 kids | ~$19.05 |
| 3+ kids | ~$20.05+ |
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 | $18.65/hr | |
| Part-time | 10–25 hrs/week | $18.17/hr | |
| Occasional | 5–15 hrs/week | $17.16/hr | |
| Live-in | Set by family | $18.38/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 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 St. Cloud babysitter rates compare to state and national averages?
St. Cloud runs below the U.S. average for babysitter rates — a meaningful budget advantage for families looking here.
Hiring babysitters in St. Cloud, MN typically costs about 4% less than the Minnesota average of $19/hour and 6% less than the United States average of $19/hour.
| Area | Average hourly rate | vs. St. Cloud, MN |
|---|---|---|
| St. Cloud, MN | $18/hr | — |
| Minnesota | $19/hr | +4% |
| United States | $19/hr | +7% |
Where St. Cloud, MN fits among nearby cities
10 nearby cities have enough babysitter data to compare, with rates ranging from $17.13/hour in Mankato to $20.40/hour in Maple Grove.
Below: how each compares to the St. Cloud, MN average of $18.05/hour — St. Cloud, MN is highlighted at its true rank.
Nearby cities ranked by babysitter rate
| # | City | $/hr | vs. St. Cloud, MN | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Maple Grove | $20.40 | +13% | |
| 2 | Minneapolis | $20.40 | +13% | |
| 3 | Lakeville | $19.62 | +9% | |
| 4 | Saint Paul | $19.56 | +8% | |
| 5 | Rochester | $19.54 | +8% | |
| 6 | Woodbury | $19.30 | +7% | |
| 7 | St. Cloud | $18.05 | — | |
| 8 | Blaine | $17.98 | — | |
| 9 | Duluth | $17.72 | -2% | |
| 10 | Mankato | $17.13 | -5% |
● Most expensive nearby: Maple Grove ($20.40)● Least expensive nearby: Mankato ($17.13)
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 St. Cloud, 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 St. Cloud, 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 St. Cloud, MN
171 active listings in St. Cloud
Nanny Aaron
Nanny Aaron
St. Cloud, MN
$18/hr
Part-time
Occasional
1 year experience
A little bit about me
I’m a reliable, patient, and safety‑focused babysitter who creates a calm, engaging environment where kids feel understood, supported, and excited to learn. Families appreciate my strong sense of professionalism, clear communication, and ability to follow household routines with care. I stay attentive and grounded, bringing strong safety awareness to every situation while keeping the day fun with age‑appropriate activities like crafts, games, reading, and outdoor play. I’m skilled at emotional attunement, helping children navigate big feelings with patience and empathy, and I adapt easily to each family’s needs, routines, and parenting style. Parents feel confident leaving their children with me because I’m dependable, respectful of their home, and committed to making every moment safe, positive, and meaningful.
Have experience working with
Special Needs
Nanny Nasri
Nanny Nasri
St. Cloud, MN
$18/hr
Full-time
Occasional
< 1 year experience
A little bit about me
I am a high school student and a part time college student. I have a lot of little siblings as well as many small nephews and nieces. I have spent a lot of time caring for them. After high school I plan to go to nursing school, and wish to pursue a career as a CRNA.
Have experience working with
Special Needs
Certifications
CPR
First Aid
Nanny Kaylee
Nanny Kaylee
St. Cloud, MN
$20 - $25/hr
Part-time
Occasional
2 years experience
A little bit about me
Hi, I'm Kaylee! I'm 19 and studying nursing at SCSU (will be starting the nursing program next fall semester), and I currently work at the hospital in the birth unit. As the oldest of five kids, I grew up helping care for my younger siblings, and I babysat for family friends before starting work as a CNA in a nursing home at 16.
I'm CPR and first aid certified for infants and children, and my certification is kept current through work. I love all kids, but I have a special place in my heart for babies and toddlers.
I love being active and spending time outside, especially in the summer, which is my favorite season! You can usually find me at the lake, baking something, going on walks, or hanging out with dogs or my friends. Feel free to reach out!
I'm CPR and first aid certified for infants and children, and my certification is kept current through work. I love all kids, but I have a special place in my heart for babies and toddlers.
I love being active and spending time outside, especially in the summer, which is my favorite season! You can usually find me at the lake, baking something, going on walks, or hanging out with dogs or my friends. Feel free to reach out!
Have experience working with
Infants
Special Needs
Certifications
CPR
First Aid
Nanny Mariam
Nanny Mariam
St. Cloud, MN
$17/hr
Part-time
Occasional
1 year experience
A little bit about me
Hi! My name is Mariam, and I’m a responsible, patient, and caring person who truly enjoys working with children. I’m currently a college student studying finance with a minor in political science, and I’ve always valued creating positive and supportive environments for kids. I’m dependable, organized, and enjoy helping with things like homework, creative activities, and keeping routines running smoothly. I believe in being attentive, kind, and communicative so both children and parents feel comfortable and supported.
Have experience working with
Special Needs
Certifications
CPR
First Aid
Nanny Lyndsay
Nanny Lyndsay
St. Cloud, MN
$17/hr
Full-time
Part-time
Occasional
3 years experience
A little bit about me
Hello! My name is Lyndsay, and I’m excited about the opportunity to work as a nanny. I’m a caring, patient, and responsible person who truly enjoys spending time with children. I love creating a safe, fun, and supportive environment where kids can learn, play, and feel comfortable being themselves. I’m happy to help with things like playtime, reading, meals, and bedtime routines. I believe in being attentive, engaging, and making sure children feel heard and cared for. I’m also reliable and understand how important trust is when it comes to caring for your child. Throughout my whole life I’ve always been around children, and taking care of them it’s always been a passion of mine! I would love the chance to support your family and help care for your little one!
Have experience working with
Infants
Special Needs
Nanny Kialee Jayde
Nanny Kialee Jayde
St. Cloud, MN
$17/hr
Occasional
1 year experience
A little bit about me
My name is Kialee. I am excited for the opportunity to work with your family and help care for your kiddos and any extra furry friends. I am willing to do whatever i can do to make your life easier…including: cooking, cleaning, laundry, etc. I also do have quite a bit of experience with children who have special needs. I am currently a highschool student, from 8:30-3:30 pm. full disclosure, I currently do not have my license however I'm working on acquiring it.
Have experience working with
Special Needs
Nanny Hannah
Nanny Hannah
St. Cloud, MN
$18/hr
Part-time
Occasional
< 1 year experience
A little bit about me
Hi! I’m a caring, patient, and dependable person who genuinely loves spending time with children. While I don’t have a ton of formal paid childcare experience yet, I’ve been babysitting and helping care for my younger siblings for most of my life, which has taught me a lot about patience, responsibility, and keeping kids safe, happy, and entertained.
Have experience working with
Special Needs
Certification
First Aid
Nanny Nejat
Nanny Nejat
St. Cloud, MN
$17 - $30/hr
Part-time
Occasional
2 years experience
A little bit about me
Hi, I am Nejat Ebrahim! I am 19 years old and go to St. Cloud State University to study optometry. I like art, films, and health.
Have experience working with
Special Needs
Certifications
CPR
First Aid
Nanny Brooklyn
Nanny Brooklyn
St. Cloud, MN
$15 - $18/hr
Part-time
Occasional
1 year experience
A little bit about me
Hello I am Brooklyn Massmann i’m looking for a part time babysitting/nanny gig, I am 17 years old, and a senior in high school. I have worked with children in the past, but I’m looking to do it again. In my past experience I worked at an aftercare program at a school near me, supplying the kids with a happy and safe environment, along with someone to play with and snacks!
Have experience working with
Special Needs
Certifications
CPR
First Aid