Reviewed by the Nanny Lane team · Last updated

How much does a babysitter cost in Missoula, MT in 2026?

In Missoula, MT, the average babysitter earns about $16.85 per hour. For a typical 40-hour week, that works out to roughly $674/week or $2,921/month. Most Missoula families pay somewhere in the $11–$25/hour range, depending on experience, the number of kids, and what's expected on the job.

Average hourly rate$16.85/hr · Missoula average

These numbers come from 494 live babysitter listings in Missoula on Nanny Lane. We update this page whenever the data moves.

$674
$2,921
$35,048

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What drives the price

Most Missoula families pay somewhere in the $11–$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 $15.86/hour, while the most experienced (6-10 yrs) charge around $19.30/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)$16.85
2 kids~$17.85
3+ kids~$18.85+

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$17.49/hr
Part-time10–25 hrs/week$16.69/hr
Occasional5–15 hrs/week$17.36/hr
Live-inSet by family$17.24/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.

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

Missoula sits close to the national average for babysitter rates.

Hiring babysitters in Missoula, MT typically costs about the same as the Montana average of $17/hour and the same as the United States average of $17/hour.

Average hourly babysitters rates compared across Missoula, MT and reference areas.
AreaAverage hourly ratevs. Missoula, MT
Missoula, MT$17/hr
Montana$17/hr+0%
United States$17/hr0%

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 Missoula, MT

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 Missoula, MT

    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 Missoula, MT

494 active listings in Missoula

Naomi C. - Seeking Work in Missoula

Nanny Naomi

Missoula, MT
$17 - $35/hr
Occasional
< 1 year experience

A little bit about me

I am passionate about childcare and love hanging out with kids. I aspire to be a first grade teacher. I am dependable, punctual, responsible, and energetic.

Have experience working with

Infants

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Sierra G. - Seeking Work in Missoula

Nanny Sierra

Missoula, MT
$16/hr
Occasional
4 years experience

A little bit about me

I’m a responsible and caring Graduated High school student who plans to major in biology with the goal of becoming a physical therapist. I love spending time with others, meeting new people, and creating a positive, supportive environment. I’m dependable, patient, and genuinely enjoy working with kids, and I’d love the opportunity to help a family while gaining meaningful experience.

Have experience working with

Special Needs
Marissa B. - Seeking Work in Missoula

Nanny Marissa

Missoula, MT
$17/hr
Part-time
Occasional
2 years experience

A little bit about me

I am an Elementary Education student at the University of Montana seeking a part time nanny or babysitting position. I love working with children and have over two years of childcare experience throughout college. Feel free to reach out with any questions or for additional details.

Have experience working with

Special Needs

Certification

CPR
Mandy W. - Seeking Work in Missoula

Nanny Mandy

Missoula, MT
$16/hr
Full-time
Part-time
Occasional
10+ years experience

A little bit about me

I’m a warm, nurturing childcare provider with over 20 years of experience as a nanny, educator, and licensed in-home daycare owner. I’m also a mom of two young children and have a genuine love for caring for and supporting children as they grow, learn, and feel safe.

Have experience working with

Infants

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Willow A. - Seeking Work in Missoula

Nanny Willow

Missoula, MT
$16.60/hr
Part-time
Occasional
2 years experience

A little bit about me

I am someone who fell in love with teaching and being apart of the day a child can look forward to. I also have my own siblings (ages 9/10) which helps me in connecting with interests. My little brother is also on the spectrum for autism and I have worked with children that have special needs. I know the patience that comes with looking over children and the fun that it can be.
I personally enjoy hiking and getting outside as much as possible. I can also relate to enjoying art, video games, and reading. I am adaptable and work well in high stress situations.

Have experience working with

Special Needs
Astrid M. - Seeking Work in Missoula

Nanny Astrid

Missoula, MT
$17/hr
Occasional
2 years experience

A little bit about me

Hi! My name is Astrid Moore I am currently a student at Big Sky High school, I am a senior and I am 17 years of age. I am CPR certified and have enjoyed babysitting my younger sister and friends children for many years now. I am looking for a more permanent position.

Have experience working with

Infants
Special Needs

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Haley G. - Seeking Work in Missoula

Nanny Haley

Missoula, MT
$16/hr
Occasional
3 years experience

A little bit about me

Hi, my name is Haley! I have always grown up babysitting and serving in children’s ministry at my church. I currently go to school at the University of Montana and would love to babysit on the weekends and some week days as well! I have tons of experience with children and babysitting is one of my favorite things to do.

Have experience working with

Infants
Special Needs

Certification

CPR
Isabella S. - Seeking Work in Missoula

Nanny Isabella

Missoula, MT
$16/hr
Occasional
5 years experience

A little bit about me

Hi I am Isabella. I love taking care of children and interacting them in many contexts. I have babysat for around 6 years as well as taught in some elementary classrooms. I also used to coach kids track and field. I am able to balance a lot of things at once while not being overwhelmed. My goal is to provide the best care that your child or children need. Every kid is different and I will work to provide what is specifically required. I am perfectly fine doing housekeeping and have worked under cleaning contractors before. I am also willing to do laundry and meal prepping. I have a car and can provide some level of transportation if needed. I can't wait to work with you!

Have experience working with

Infants
Special Needs

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Monet B. - Seeking Work in Missoula

Nanny Monet

Missoula, MT
$16/hr
Part-time
Occasional
5 years experience

A little bit about me

I am a sophomore at the University here in Missoula, and I am studying Elementary Education. I grew up with a nanny and always loved the relationship that was formed! Growing up I have always been the one to babysit little cousins and neighbors, and I have always been around children.
I grew up in Iowa with two siblings. A twin sister and an older brother! Then moved to Bozeman, so I have taken a liking to the outdoors! Anytime I can spend in nature, I will! Some hobbies of mine include hiking, camping, biking, climbing, skiing and snowboarding, and just trying new things!
I have always felt I wanted to become a teacher, and I find myself having a lot of patience and joy around children.

Have experience working with

Infants
Special Needs

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
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