Reviewed by the Nanny Lane team · Last updated

How much does a babysitter cost in Charlottesville, VA in 2026?

In Charlottesville, VA, the average babysitter earns about $20.18 per hour. For a typical 40-hour week, that works out to roughly $807/week or $3,498/month. Most Charlottesville families pay somewhere in the $12–$30/hour range, depending on experience, the number of kids, and what's expected on the job.

Average hourly rate$20.18/hr · Charlottesville average

These numbers come from 187 live babysitter listings in Charlottesville on Nanny Lane. We update this page whenever the data moves.

$807
$3,498
$41,974

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What drives the price

Most Charlottesville families pay somewhere in the $12–$30/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 $18.54/hour, while the most experienced (6-10 yrs) charge around $22.31/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)$20.18
2 kids~$21.18
3+ kids~$22.18+

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$21.52/hr
Part-time10–25 hrs/week$20.07/hr
Occasional5–15 hrs/week$19.63/hr
Live-inSet by family$19.30/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 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.

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

Charlottesville runs above the U.S. average for babysitter rates, in line with most major metros.

Hiring babysitters in Charlottesville, VA typically costs about 9% more than the Virginia average of $18/hour and 7% more than the United States average of $19/hour.

Average hourly babysitters rates compared across Charlottesville, VA and reference areas.
AreaAverage hourly ratevs. Charlottesville, VA
Charlottesville, VA$20/hr
Virginia$18/hr-9%
United States$19/hr-7%

Where Charlottesville, VA fits among nearby cities

10 nearby cities have enough babysitter data to compare, with rates ranging from $15.85/hour in Lynchburg to $22.61/hour in Arlington.

Below: how each compares to the Charlottesville, VA average of $20.18/hour — Charlottesville, VA is highlighted at its true rank.

Nearby cities ranked by babysitter rate

10 cities near Charlottesville, VA ranked by average hourly babysitter rate, most to least expensive.
#City$/hrvs. Charlottesville, VA
1Arlington$22.61+12%
2Alexandria$21.36+6%
Charlottesville$20.18
4Richmond$18.91-6%
5Fredericksburg$17.76-12%
6Virginia Beach$17.74-12%
7Norfolk$17.66-12%
8Chesapeake$17.10-15%
9Newport News$17.09-15%
10Lynchburg$15.85-21%
Most expensive nearby: Arlington ($22.61) Least expensive nearby: Lynchburg ($15.85)

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 Charlottesville, VA

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 Charlottesville, VA

    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 Charlottesville, VA

187 active listings in Charlottesville

Rya D. - Seeking Work in Charlottesville

Nanny Rya

Charlottesville, VA
$20/hr
Occasional
2 years experience

A little bit about me

Hi! I'm Rya. I love gardening, hiking, exploring nature, or spending time at the pool. I also love doing crafts and creative projects.
Outside of nannying, I'm a holistic esthetician, currently in massage therapy school, and I also teach yoga. Those experiences have helped me become a patient, calm, and caring person who enjoys helping others feel supported.
Swimming has also always been a big part of my life. I was a competitive travel swimmer for many years and previously owned my own swim lesson business. If your family is interested, I also offer swim lessons for an additional fee.
I love creating a fun, safe environment where kids can explore, be creative, spend time outside, and make great memories.

Have experience working with

Infants

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Alexandra B. - Seeking Work in Charlottesville

Nanny Alexandra

Charlottesville, VA
$20 - $30/hr
Part-time
Occasional
3 years experience

A little bit about me

Hi! I'm a rising 4th year at UVA studying Psychology and Youth & Social Innovation with the hopes of becoming a school psychologist! I have worked in childcare as a nanny, coach, camp counselor, and at a daycare center. I have a car and am CPR certified :)

Have experience working with

Infants
Special Needs

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Quinn P. - Seeking Work in Charlottesville

Nanny Quinn

Charlottesville, VA
$17 - $30/hr
Part-time
Occasional
2 years experience

A little bit about me

Hi! My name is Quinn, and I am a student at the University of Virginia with a passion for working with kids and creating a fun, supportive environment. I have several years of experience working with children in both in childcare and community-based settings. I have babysat kids ranging from ages 3-10 and worked with older children and teens ages 6-16 through summer camp program jobs/internships. I am very positive, upbeat, and love focusing on creating a fun, hands-on environment where kids can learn, explore, and feel comfortable being themselves. Families would describe me as patient, energetic, dependable, and organized, and I always aim to bring a positive attitude while keeping routines structured and safe. I enjoy planning activities, encouraging creativity, and making everyday moments engaging for children of all ages.

Have experience working with

Special Needs

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Katherine M. - Seeking Work in Charlottesville

Nanny Katherine

Charlottesville, VA
$18 - $30/hr
Part-time
Occasional
3 years experience

A little bit about me

I am a rising junior at the University of Virginia studying statistics and global public health, on the pre-med track. I have work experience as both a summer nanny and part-time babysitter, since Summer 2023. I have worked with kids of nearly all ages, ranging from infant to 9 years old, and have loved them all! I am a positive, empathetic, and caring individual who will prioritize you and your family’s needs.

Have experience working with

Infants
Special Needs

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Shaniya S. - Seeking Work in Charlottesville

Nanny Shaniya

Charlottesville, VA
$19 - $22/hr
Occasional
< 1 year experience

A little bit about me

I’m a responsible, compassionate, and dependable nursing student with experience caring for children in a safe, supportive, and engaging environment. I enjoy building positive relationships with both children and families, and I pride myself on being patient, attentive, and trustworthy. Through balancing a rigorous academic schedule and hands-on healthcare training, I have developed strong communication, time management, and problem-solving skills that help me remain calm and organized in any situation. I am passionate about creating a fun and nurturing atmosphere where children feel comfortable, cared for, and encouraged to grow.

Have experience working with

Infants

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Renata M. - Seeking Work in Charlottesville

Nanny Renata

Charlottesville, VA
$18 - $30/hr
Full-time
Part-time
Occasional
2 years experience

A little bit about me

Hi! My name is Renata, and I’m 27 years old. I have experience caring for children ranging from 2 months old to 10 years old, and I truly enjoy creating a safe, fun, and supportive environment for kids of all ages.

I’m comfortable helping with light housekeeping, meal prep/cooking, driving, homework help, tutoring, and other day-to-day needs that make life easier for families. As a designer, I love bringing creativity into activities and finding fun, engaging ways to keep kids entertained and learning.

I’m also fluently bilingual in English and Spanish, which can be a great opportunity for children to learn or practice a second language. I’m reliable, patient, and adaptable, and I’d love the opportunity to support your family!

Have experience working with

Infants
Ruth S. - Seeking Work in Charlottesville

Nanny Ruth

Charlottesville, VA
$20 - $30/hr
Full-time
Part-time
Occasional
3 years experience

A little bit about me

Hi! My name is Ruthie Soccorso, and I grew up in Chapel Hill but am currently a freshman nursing student at UVA. I have over 5 years of experience working with kids and am one of three sisters! I love to be around kids, and my friends would describe me as super fun and easygoing. I love to be outside, just about any sport, and I love to cook and do all types of crafts!

Have experience working with

Infants
Special Needs

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Kierstin M. - Seeking Work in Charlottesville

Nanny Kierstin

Charlottesville, VA
$20/hr
Part-time
Occasional
6 years experience

A little bit about me

Hello! I’m 24 years old and have been working with children for a while now. Looking for a part time job that I can do after getting off from my full time job! I love working with children & am happy to help your family out!

Have experience working with

Special Needs

Certification

CPR
Isabella G. - Seeking Work in Charlottesville

Nanny Isabella

Charlottesville, VA
$20/hr
Full-time
Part-time
Occasional
4 years experience

A little bit about me

I am 22 years old and have a babysitter certificate through Red Cross, and I participated in a CPR course. I am able to provide some recommendations for you if that is what you would like! I have always loved working with kids and could not be more excited to be your new babysitter!

Have experience working with

Infants
Special Needs

Certifications

CPR
First Aid

Recent reference

"Isabella is bilingual in English and Spanish and has a child development background. She has helped with my now 16 month old at different times."
- Jennifer
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