Reviewed by the Nanny Lane team · Last updated
How much does a babysitter cost in Los Angeles, CA in 2026?
In Los Angeles, CA, the average babysitter earns about $24.56 per hour. For a typical 40-hour week, that works out to roughly $982/week or $4,257/month. Most Los Angeles families pay somewhere in the $17–$35/hour range, depending on experience, the number of kids, and what's expected on the job.
These numbers come from 2,852 live babysitter listings in Los Angeles on Nanny Lane. We update this page whenever the data moves.
- Weekly
(40 hrs) - $982
- Monthly
- $4,257
- Annual
- $51,085
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What drives the price
Most Los Angeles families pay somewhere in the $17–$35/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) | $24.56 |
|---|---|
| 2 kids | ~$25.56 |
| 3+ kids | ~$26.56+ |
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 | $26.29/hr | |
| Part-time | 10–25 hrs/week | $24.79/hr | |
| Occasional | 5–15 hrs/week | $24.71/hr | |
| Live-in | Set by family | $24.92/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.
How do Los Angeles babysitter rates compare to state and national averages?
Los Angeles is one of the more expensive babysitter markets in the country.
Hiring babysitters in Los Angeles, CA typically costs about 9% more than the California average of $23/hour and 29% more than the United States average of $19/hour.
| Area | Average hourly rate | vs. Los Angeles, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles, CA | $25/hr | — |
| California | $23/hr | -8% |
| United States | $19/hr | -22% |
Where Los Angeles, CA fits among nearby cities
10 nearby cities have enough babysitter data to compare, with rates ranging from $18.97/hour in Fresno to $28.09/hour in San Francisco.
Below: how each compares to the Los Angeles, CA average of $24.56/hour — Los Angeles, CA is highlighted at its true rank.
Nearby cities ranked by babysitter rate
| # | City | $/hr | vs. Los Angeles, CA | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | San Francisco | $28.09 | +14% | |
| 2 | San Jose | $25.23 | +3% | |
| 3 | Los Angeles | $24.56 | — | |
| 4 | San Diego | $23.54 | -4% | |
| 5 | Long Beach | $22.25 | -9% | |
| 6 | Sacramento | $20.87 | -15% | |
| 7 | Riverside | $19.88 | -19% | |
| 8 | Stockton | $19.64 | -20% | |
| 9 | Bakersfield | $19.11 | -22% | |
| 10 | Fresno | $18.97 | -23% |
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 Los Angeles, CA
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 Los Angeles, CA
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 Los Angeles, CA
2,852 active listings in Los Angeles
Nanny Rebeka
Nanny Rebeka
A little bit about me
I'm dependable, organized, and attentive, and I always make safety a priority. I'm happy to help with playtime, homework, meals and snacks, bedtime routines, light cleaning, and keeping children entertained with fun activities. I also understand that every child has a different personality and routine, so I'm patient and flexible when it comes to their individual needs.
I'm currently a pre-nursing student and hope to continue working with children throughout my healthcare career. I would love the opportunity to become a trusted helping hand for your family and create a safe, positive, and fun environment for your children!
Have experience working with
Certifications
Nanny Debora
Nanny Debora
A little bit about me
Some of the things that I offer as a caregiver is that I am dependable, caring support for your family and home.
With years of experience as a nanny, babysitter, and teacher—including work with the Boys & Girls Club—I’ve cared for kids of all ages, from infants to teens. I’m passionate about creating a safe, fun, and structured environment where kids can thrive.
How I Can Help Your Family
Childcare & Activities: Homework help, creative projects, engaging play, and transportation.
Household Support: Meal prep and light housekeeping to keep your day running smoothly.
Flexible Care: Adaptable to your daily routine and schedule.
If you'd think I'd be a great fit for your family please feel free to reach out with any questions that you may have. I look forward to getting acquainted!
Have experience working with
Certifications
Nanny Alex
Nanny Alex
A little bit about me
Have experience working with
Certifications
Nanny Janessa
Nanny Janessa
A little bit about me
Beyond childcare, I have a strong professional background that has helped me become organized, communicative, adaptable, and dependable. I take pride in being someone families can trust and count on. My goal is to create a safe, positive, and fun environment where children feel comfortable being themselves while parents feel completely at ease. I’m excited to bring my personality, creativity, and caring nature into a professional nanny role and become someone a family can truly rely on!
Have experience working with
Nanny Madison
Nanny Madison
A little bit about me
Have experience working with
Certifications
Nanny Maya
Nanny Maya
A little bit about me
Have experience working with
Certifications
Nanny Alisson
Nanny Alisson
A little bit about me
Certification
Nanny Kimarie
Nanny Kimarie
A little bit about me
Have experience working with
Certifications
Nanny Michelle
Nanny Michelle
A little bit about me
PSA: I have completed first aid and cpr training in the past, but I need to renew the certification.