Reviewed by the Nanny Lane team · Last updated

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

In Roanoke, VA, the average babysitter earns about $15.35 per hour. For a typical 40-hour week, that works out to roughly $614/week or $2,661/month. Most Roanoke families pay somewhere in the $12–$21/hour range, depending on experience, the number of kids, and what's expected on the job.

Average hourly rate$15.35/hr · Roanoke average

These numbers come from 485 live babysitter listings in Roanoke on Nanny Lane. We update this page whenever the data moves.

$614
$2,661
$31,928

Find babysitters near you

What drives the price

Most Roanoke families pay somewhere in the $12–$21/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 $14.98/hour, while the most experienced (6-10 yrs) charge around $17.39/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)$15.35
2 kids~$16.35
3+ kids~$17.35+

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$16.23/hr
Part-time10–25 hrs/week$15.40/hr
Occasional5–15 hrs/week$16.89/hr
Live-inSet by family$16.02/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.

Browse babysitters

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

Roanoke runs below the U.S. average for babysitter rates — a meaningful budget advantage for families looking here.

Hiring babysitters in Roanoke, VA typically costs about 10% less than the Virginia average of $17/hour and 9% less than the United States average of $17/hour.

Average hourly babysitters rates compared across Roanoke, VA and reference areas.
AreaAverage hourly ratevs. Roanoke, VA
Roanoke, VA$15/hr
Virginia$17/hr+11%
United States$17/hr+10%

Where Roanoke, VA fits among nearby cities

10 nearby cities have enough babysitter data to compare, with rates ranging from $14.78/hour in Lynchburg to $21.22/hour in Arlington.

Below: how each compares to the Roanoke, VA average of $15.35/hour.

Nearby cities ranked by babysitter rate

10 cities near Roanoke, VA ranked by average hourly babysitter rate, most to least expensive.
#City$/hrvs. Roanoke, VA
1Arlington$21.22+38%
2Alexandria$19.43+27%
3Richmond$17.62+15%
4Woodbridge$16.99+11%
5Fredericksburg$16.55+8%
6Virginia Beach$16.46+7%
7Norfolk$15.85+3%
8Chesapeake$15.53+1%
9Newport News$15.41
10Lynchburg$14.78-4%
Most expensive nearby: Arlington ($21.22) Least expensive nearby: Lynchburg ($14.78)

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 Roanoke, 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 Roanoke, 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 Roanoke, VA

485 active listings in Roanoke

Helana B. - Seeking Work in Roanoke

Nanny Helana

Roanoke, VA
$15.83 - $35/hr
Occasional
< 1 year experience

A little bit about me

Hi!
Im Helana!
Im a child studies major in college, I want to be a child life specialist.
Im 20 years old.
I love singing,arts and crafts, and swimming!

Have experience working with

Special Needs
Lindsey G. - Seeking Work in Roanoke

Nanny Lindsey

Roanoke, VA
$15/hr
Full-time
Part-time
Occasional
3 years experience

A little bit about me

Hey! I'm Lindsey! I have around 2-3 years of childcare experience. From working in daily daycare classrooms, to taking care of my Nieces and Nephews! I adore children and would love some of my own one day! I hope you will consider me!

Have experience working with

Infants
Special Needs

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Kelsey T. - Seeking Work in Roanoke

Nanny Kelsey

Roanoke, VA
$15/hr
Part-time
Occasional
5 years experience

A little bit about me

My name is Kelsey Threewitts, I am currently an Online student, junior in high school. I have five years of experience with all ages. I currently work at a daycare, And babysit some, but am looking for more opportunities. I love all ages, i’m very outgoing, and good with kids, I really enjoy babies and toddlers.

Have experience working with

Infants

Certification

First Aid
Payton R. - Seeking Work in Roanoke

Nanny Payton

Roanoke, VA
$16/hr
Full-time
Part-time
Occasional
3 years experience

A little bit about me

Hello I’m the youngst of 4 girls and I have always wanted to be a teacher of some kind I been working with children since June 2024

Have experience working with

Infants
Special Needs

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Ashley B. - Seeking Work in Roanoke

Nanny Ashley

Roanoke, VA
$15/hr
Full-time
Part-time
Occasional
4 years experience

A little bit about me

My name is Ashley. I’m 32 years old. I am a mommy. I used to be a preschool teacher and I am CPR and first aid certified. I do not have my license but I have reliable transportation. I also have great references if you would like them

Have experience working with

Infants
Special Needs

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Nama P. - Seeking Work in Roanoke

Nanny Nama

Roanoke, VA
$16/hr
Occasional
3 years experience

A little bit about me

Hi! I’m Nama! I am an experienced caregiver whose most current job is a full time in-home caregiver to two children under 12. I have experience and skills in working with kids aged 2-13. I love engaging the kids I work with and I always try my best to ensure the kiddos are having fun whilst maintaining routine and structure. I am first aid certified as well as CPR certified. I like to provide a written review of what goes on in the duration of each sitting experience to give the parents or caregivers peace of mind. Feel free to reach out with any specific questions!

Have experience working with

Special Needs

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Candace W. - Seeking Work in Roanoke

Nanny Candace

Roanoke, VA
$15/hr
Occasional
1 year experience

A little bit about me

Hi, my name is Candace Walker!
I am so excited and eager to start babysitting. I have two step daughters in which are twins who are 2 years old. I’m looking to make extra money while I also have a full time job.
$15 a hour
Making it affordable for all people in need, I know child care is expensive. Must bring them to me‼️ ⭐️ also good with all ages ⭐️
Monday-Thursday after 2:30-6pm
Fridays after 2:30-8pm
Saturdays 4am-6
Sundays 4am-1pm
Looking forward to the opportunity 😊

Have experience working with

Infants

Certification

CPR
Myah M. - Seeking Work in Roanoke

Nanny Myah

Roanoke, VA
$14/hr
Occasional
< 1 year experience

A little bit about me

My name is Myah, I am 15 years old & in my sophomore year of highschool. I have previously worked with children in the church nursery and have babysat my younger family members. I am usually free on weekends and after school.

Have experience working with

Special Needs

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Tayler N. - Seeking Work in Roanoke

Nanny Tayler

Roanoke, VA
$14/hr
Occasional
< 1 year experience

A little bit about me

Hello, my name is Tayler! I’m an 19 year old who’s looking for a summer babysitting job. I was born and raised in Roanoke and attend Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond during the school season. I don’t have experience with babysitting but I love kids and making sure they have a good time. I’m typically more reserved with people my age or older but with kids I’m definitely way more outgoing to make them feel more comfortable to be themselves.
Find Nannies Near Me

Related costs in Roanoke VA

Popular services in Roanoke, VA

Start your journey towards finding your perfect babysitter

Get Started