Reviewed by the Nanny Lane team · Last updated
How much does a babysitter cost in Des Plaines, IL in 2026?
In Des Plaines, IL, the average babysitter earns about $19.50 per hour. For a typical 40-hour week, that works out to roughly $780/week or $3,380/month. Most Des Plaines families pay somewhere in the $15–$26/hour range, depending on experience, the number of kids, and what's expected on the job.
Average hourly rate$19.50/hr · Des Plaines average
These numbers come from 49 live babysitter listings in Des Plaines on Nanny Lane. We update this page whenever the data moves.
- Weekly
(40 hrs) - $780
- Monthly
- $3,380
- Annual
- $40,560
Find babysitters near you
What drives the price
Most Des Plaines families pay somewhere in the $15–$26/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
| 1 kid (baseline) | $19.50 |
|---|---|
| 2 kids | ~$20.50 |
| 3+ kids | ~$21.50+ |
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
| 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 Des Plaines babysitter rates compare to state and national averages?
Des Plaines sits close to the national average for babysitter rates.
Hiring babysitters in Des Plaines, IL typically costs about 2% more than the Illinois average of $19/hour and 4% more than the United States average of $19/hour.
| Area | Average hourly rate | vs. Des Plaines, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Des Plaines, IL | $20/hr | — |
| Illinois | $19/hr | -2% |
| United States | $19/hr | -4% |
Where Des Plaines, IL fits among nearby cities
10 nearby cities have enough babysitter data to compare, with rates ranging from $16.73/hour in Normal to $20.86/hour in Chicago.
Below: how each compares to the Des Plaines, IL average of $19.50/hour.
Nearby cities ranked by babysitter rate
| # | City | $/hr | vs. Des Plaines, IL | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Chicago | $20.86 | +7% | |
| 2 | Naperville | $19.89 | +2% | |
| 3 | Aurora | $19.28 | -1% | |
| 4 | Plainfield | $18.68 | -4% | |
| 5 | Springfield | $17.85 | -8% | |
| 6 | Rockford | $17.51 | -10% | |
| 7 | Peoria | $17.46 | -10% | |
| 8 | Champaign | $17.40 | -11% | |
| 9 | Bloomington | $17.16 | -12% | |
| 10 | Normal | $16.73 | -14% |
● Most expensive nearby: Chicago ($20.86)● Least expensive nearby: Normal ($16.73)
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.
and enjoy flexible child care.
How families use Nanny Lane to find a babysitter in Des Plaines, IL
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 Des Plaines, IL
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 Des Plaines, IL
49 active listings in Des Plaines
Nanny Dahlia
Nanny Dahlia
Des Plaines, IL
$22 - $30/hr
Part-time
Occasional
10+ years experience
A little bit about me
I am in school too become a teacher I already hold one degree in Science. I have been babbysitting/nannying for 10+ years. I love to do crafts and read, I am open to doing errands and light cleaning.
Have experience working with
Infants
Certifications
CPR
First Aid
Nanny Arianna
Nanny Arianna
Des Plaines, IL
$18.72/hr
Part-time
Occasional
1 year experience
A little bit about me
I love kids
I’m currently in college at Oakton college playing basketball
I have a bunch of free time on The Weekends and later in the day during the week
I used to babysit my younger siblings or cousins all the time
I’m currently in college at Oakton college playing basketball
I have a bunch of free time on The Weekends and later in the day during the week
I used to babysit my younger siblings or cousins all the time
Have experience working with
Infants
Special Needs
Nanny Taylor
Nanny Taylor
Des Plaines, IL
$18/hr
Occasional
< 1 year experience
A little bit about me
I am 19 I have spina bifida and I love taking care of children I promise your child will be safe in my care
Have experience working with
Special Needs
Nanny Dhvani
Nanny Dhvani
Des Plaines, IL
$20/hr
Part-time
Occasional
< 1 year experience
A little bit about me
I love being a sitter because I genuinely enjoy spending time with children and being someone they feel safe, comfortable, and happy around. I have hands-on childcare experience from helping care for my younger cousin from toddler age until she turned 6, which included playtime, meals, routines, and keeping her engaged and cared for. I also have experience working with middle school students and enjoy helping with homework, activities, and creating a positive, supportive environment. I’m patient, responsible, dependable, and attentive, and I always try to make sure children feel safe, understood, and well cared for.
Have experience working with
Special Needs
Nanny Jenna
Nanny Jenna
Des Plaines, IL
$20/hr
Part-time
Occasional
10+ years experience
A little bit about me
Hi families! I’m a warm, reliable nanny with 10 years of experience caring for children from infancy to age 8. I spent 6 years with one wonderful family and am also a mom to a 5-month-old. I love creating a safe, fun, and nurturing environment where kids can learn, play, and grow.
Have experience working with
Infants
Special Needs
Certifications
CPR
First Aid
Nanny Lena
Nanny Lena
Des Plaines, IL
$20/hr
Occasional
< 1 year experience
A little bit about me
My name is Lena I am 13 years old,I will be turning 14 in October! I am fluent in English and Polish. I go to school and I go to polish school! I have taken care of lots of kids , and have many kids in my family.
Nanny Kaylee
Nanny Kaylee
Des Plaines, IL
$18/hr
Part-time
Occasional
< 1 year experience
A little bit about me
Hi my name is Kaylee! I used to babysit my younger siblings 5 & 7 for two years so I do have a little bit of experience from that. I would love to take them off your hands for a few hours after school or even on the weekends!
Have experience working with
Special Needs
Nanny Mayra
Nanny Mayra
Des Plaines, IL
$18/hr
Full-time
Occasional
< 1 year experience
A little bit about me
Hi, my name is Mayra! I'm a caring, patient, reliable person who enjoys being around kids. I like making a safe environment where they can feel comfortable being themselves. I'm good at keeping kids entertained and busy. I have a few years of experience from babysitting kids in the family. I also know how to cook.
Have experience working with
Special Needs
Nanny Edith
Nanny Edith
Des Plaines, IL
$17/hr
Part-time
Occasional
< 1 year experience
A little bit about me
My name is Edith Chavez. I have a degree in Psychology and a postgraduate degree in education and special needs. I love psychology and studied at a Mexican university, so I cannot practice my profession in the United States at this time, although I hope to have my studies validated someday. However, that doesn't diminish my knowledge. I speak fluent Spanish and intermediate English. I'm a first-time mom to an active and beautiful little girl named Ruth. I'm looking for a remote or part-time job so I don't have to leave my daughter completely. I am honest, helpful, humble, and very hardworking. I learn quickly and can change diapers, pick up toys, take out the trash, and prepare food if needed. I am meticulous, I like animals and crafts, and I am very creative and respectful. I hope to be a part of your daily routine or whenever needed, caring for and protecting your children as I do my own, who is my reason for being.
Have experience working with
Infants
Special Needs