Reviewed by the Nanny Lane team · Last updated

How much does a babysitter cost in Smyrna, DE in 2026?

In Smyrna, DE, the average babysitter earns about $16.99 per hour. For a typical 40-hour week, that works out to roughly $680/week or $2,945/month. Most Smyrna families pay somewhere in the $15–$20/hour range, depending on experience, the number of kids, and what's expected on the job.

Average hourly rate$16.99/hr · Smyrna average

These numbers come from 45 live babysitter listings in Smyrna on Nanny Lane. We update this page whenever the data moves.

$680
$2,945
$35,339

Find babysitters near you

What drives the price

Most Smyrna families pay somewhere in the $15–$20/hour range. Where a given family lands depends on a handful of factors. Three of them drive most of the spread.


01

Experience

Experience is one of the biggest levers on a babysitter's rate.
Nannies with 10+ years, or specialty skills like newborn care or multiple languages, typically command the highest hourly rates.

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)$16.99
2 kids~$17.99
3+ kids~$18.99+

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.

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

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

Hiring babysitters in Smyrna, DE typically costs about 7% less than the Delaware average of $18/hour and 10% less than the United States average of $19/hour.

Average hourly babysitters rates compared across Smyrna, DE and reference areas.
AreaAverage hourly ratevs. Smyrna, DE
Smyrna, DE$17/hr
Delaware$18/hr+7%
United States$19/hr+11%

Where Smyrna, DE fits among nearby cities

10 nearby cities have enough babysitter data to compare, with rates ranging from $16.88/hour in Dover to $19.24/hour in Bear.

Below: how each compares to the Smyrna, DE average of $16.99/hour — Smyrna, DE is highlighted at its true rank.

Nearby cities ranked by babysitter rate

10 cities near Smyrna, DE ranked by average hourly babysitter rate, most to least expensive.
#City$/hrvs. Smyrna, DE
1Bear$19.24+13%
2Newark$18.83+11%
3Wilmington$18.81+11%
4Middletown$18.74+10%
5Leipsic$18.58+9%
6Millsboro$18.35+8%
7Milford$18.20+7%
8New Castle$18.05+6%
Smyrna$16.99
10Dover$16.88-1%
Most expensive nearby: Bear ($19.24) Least expensive nearby: Dover ($16.88)

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 Smyrna, DE

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 Smyrna, DE

    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 Smyrna, DE

45 active listings in Smyrna

Hunii-Reign N. - Seeking Work in Smyrna

Nanny Hunii-Reign

Smyrna, DE
$17.85/hr
Occasional
2 years experience

A little bit about me

Hello my name is Hunii I love working with kids I love being able to make a positive impact on there lives. Kids have such pure energy and creativity. I also have 1 year Montessori experience which is a more child led curriculum

Have experience working with

Infants
Special Needs

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Jazmin T. - Seeking Work in Smyrna

Nanny Jazmin

Smyrna, DE
$18/hr
Occasional
4 years experience

A little bit about me

Hi! I’m Jazmin, and I have over 4 years of experience working in a daycare with children of different ages. I’m CPR and First Aid certified and have my TECE 1 and 2. I’m patient, reliable, and love creating a fun, safe, and structured environment for kids. I enjoy activities like arts and crafts, outdoor play, and helping with learning and routines. I’m also happy to help with light housekeeping to keep things running smoothly.

Have experience working with

Infants
Special Needs

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Sarajah B. - Seeking Work in Smyrna

Nanny Sarajah

Smyrna, DE
Active Now
$17/hr
Part-time
Occasional
3 years experience

A little bit about me

I am an attentive, detail oriented, patient person with 3+ years experience. I love caring for children and am passionate about helping. I am currently a college student and I am cpr certified.

Have experience working with

Infants
Special Needs

Certification

CPR
Chara F. - Seeking Work in Smyrna

Nanny Chara

Smyrna, DE
$16/hr
Full-time
Part-time
Occasional
2 years experience

A little bit about me

Hi! My name is Chara, and I’m 20 years old and currently a college student. I was born in Liberia and come from an African background where caring for others and showing respect is deeply important. Family means everything to me, and that naturally shapes the way I care for children.

I’m especially interested in working with babies and toddlers because I truly enjoy that nurturing stage; helping little ones grow, learn, and feel safe. I’m very patient, gentle, and attentive, and I understand how important consistency and warmth are for young children. Whether it’s feeding, playtime, reading, or simply being a calm and comforting presence, I take pride in creating a loving and secure environment.

I value communication with parents and want families to feel fully confident and at ease knowing their child is cared for with intention and heart. I would love the opportunity to support your family!

Have experience working with

Infants
Breynna T. - Seeking Work in Smyrna

Nanny Breynna

Smyrna, DE
$16/hr
Occasional
5 years experience

A little bit about me

I’m 16yrs old almost 17, I love working with kids and can’t wait to be a babysitter again, as I stopped to work in the food industry!! I worked with many kids and never had any complaints!! I’m funny, sweet, nice, talkative, playful and more!! I’m thoughtful and open-minded!! Please text me asap !!

Have experience working with

Infants
Special Needs
Makenzie H. - Seeking Work in Smyrna

Nanny Makenzie

Smyrna, DE
$16/hr
Part-time
Occasional
3 years experience

A little bit about me

Hi! My name is makenzie, and I am 18 I am a student at Del Tech, where I also play volleyball. I have my CNA certification and am CPR certified, and I’m looking for a flexible nanny or babysitting position during the day or evenings after school.

I have 3 year of experience working with children and babysitting, and I enjoy helping families who have busy schedules or need an extra hand. I also spend a lot of time with my nephew, who has autism, so I have personal experience supporting children with special needs and creating a patient, understanding environment.

Have experience working with

Infants
Special Needs

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Victoria M. - Seeking Work in Smyrna

Nanny Victoria

Smyrna, DE
$15/hr
Occasional
3 years experience

A little bit about me

Hello! I’m a 14 year old high schooler looking for a job where I can make good money and build a connection with your children. I may be young but i’m responsible and have done plenty of babysitting jobs before (even overnight). If you consider me as your babysitter you will come home to a happy well-fed child and a clean house! Thank you for consideration and I hope to see you and your little one soon!

Have experience working with

Infants
Special Needs
Amani D. - Seeking Work in Smyrna

Nanny Amani

Smyrna, DE
$17/hr
Part-time
Occasional
< 1 year experience

Certification

CPR
Siani M. - Seeking Work in Smyrna

Nanny Siani

Smyrna, DE
$16/hr
Full-time
Part-time
Occasional
5 years experience

Have experience working with

Infants
Special Needs

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Find Nannies Near Me

Popular services in Smyrna, DE

Start your journey towards finding your perfect babysitter

Get Started