Reviewed by the Nanny Lane team · Last updated
How much does a babysitter cost in Lacey, WA in 2026?
In Lacey, WA, the average babysitter earns about $18.56 per hour. For a typical 40-hour week, that works out to roughly $742/week or $3,217/month. Most Lacey families pay somewhere in the $17–$25/hour range, depending on experience, the number of kids, and what's expected on the job.
These numbers come from 287 live babysitter listings in Lacey on Nanny Lane. We update this page whenever the data moves.
- Weekly
(40 hrs) - $742
- Monthly
- $3,217
- Annual
- $38,605
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What drives the price
Most Lacey families pay somewhere in the $17–$25/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) | $18.56 |
|---|---|
| 2 kids | ~$19.56 |
| 3+ kids | ~$20.56+ |
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 | $19.09/hr | |
| Part-time | 10–25 hrs/week | $18.62/hr | |
| Live-in | Set by family | $18.79/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 Lacey babysitter rates compare to state and national averages?
Lacey runs above the U.S. average for babysitter rates, in line with most major metros.
Hiring babysitters in Lacey, WA typically costs about 7% less than the Washington average of $20/hour and 10% more than the United States average of $17/hour.
| Area | Average hourly rate | vs. Lacey, WA |
|---|---|---|
| Lacey, WA | $19/hr | — |
| Washington | $20/hr | +7% |
| United States | $17/hr | -9% |
Where Lacey, WA fits among nearby cities
10 nearby cities have enough babysitter data to compare, with rates ranging from $17.61/hour in Yakima to $23.46/hour in Seattle.
Below: how each compares to the Lacey, WA average of $18.56/hour.
Nearby cities ranked by babysitter rate
| # | City | $/hr | vs. Lacey, WA | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Seattle | $23.46 | +26% | |
| 2 | Everett | $21.23 | +14% | |
| 3 | Puyallup | $19.54 | +5% | |
| 4 | Tacoma | $19.31 | +4% | |
| 5 | Bellingham | $19.26 | +4% | |
| 6 | Vancouver | $19.18 | +3% | |
| 7 | Olympia | $19.12 | +3% | |
| 8 | Spokane | $18.45 | -1% | |
| 9 | Kennewick | $17.89 | -4% | |
| 10 | Yakima | $17.61 | -5% |
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 Lacey, WA
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 Lacey, WA
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 Lacey, WA
287 active listings in Lacey
Nanny Miley
Nanny Miley
A little bit about me
I’m a junior at Washington State University looking to help family’s over the summer with a busy work schedule! I have family babysitting experience(6 years) and also work at a daycare back at school where I work with all ages 6months -10 years old.
Have experience working with
Certifications
Nanny Ivary
Nanny Ivary
A little bit about me
Have experience working with
Certification
Nanny Autumn
Nanny Autumn
A little bit about me
Have experience working with
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Nanny Malikah
Nanny Malikah
A little bit about me
Certifications
Nanny Lavender
Nanny Lavender
A little bit about me
Have experience working with
Certification
Nanny Destiny
Nanny Destiny
A little bit about me
Have experience working with
Certifications
Nanny Caitriona
Nanny Caitriona
A little bit about me
I have worked with children for several years and truly love what I do. I am patient, kind, responsible, and energetic. I enjoy creating a fun, safe, and nurturing environment where children feel comfortable, supported, and happy. Whether it’s helping with homework, organizing creative activities, planning outdoor adventures, or sticking to routines, I always make sure the children in my care are engaged and well cared for.