Reviewed by the Nanny Lane team · Last updated
How much does a babysitter cost in Highland Park, IL in 2026?
In Highland Park, IL, the average babysitter earns about $22.98 per hour. For a typical 40-hour week, that works out to roughly $919/week or $3,983/month. Most Highland Park families pay somewhere in the $15–$30/hour range, depending on experience, the number of kids, and what's expected on the job.
Average hourly rate$22.98/hr · Highland Park average
These numbers come from 29 live babysitter listings in Highland Park on Nanny Lane. We update this page whenever the data moves.
- Weekly
(40 hrs) - $919
- Monthly
- $3,983
- Annual
- $47,798
Find babysitters near you
What drives the price
Most Highland Park families pay somewhere in the $15–$30/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) | $22.98 |
|---|---|
| 2 kids | ~$23.98 |
| 3+ kids | ~$24.98+ |
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 Highland Park babysitter rates compare to state and national averages?
Highland Park is one of the more expensive babysitter markets in the country.
Hiring babysitters in Highland Park, IL typically costs about 20% more than the Illinois average of $19/hour and 22% more than the United States average of $19/hour.
| Area | Average hourly rate | vs. Highland Park, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Highland Park, IL | $23/hr | — |
| Illinois | $19/hr | -17% |
| United States | $19/hr | -18% |
Where Highland Park, 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 Highland Park, IL average of $22.98/hour.
Nearby cities ranked by babysitter rate
| # | City | $/hr | vs. Highland Park, IL | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Chicago | $20.86 | -9% | |
| 2 | Naperville | $19.89 | -13% | |
| 3 | Aurora | $19.28 | -16% | |
| 4 | Plainfield | $18.68 | -19% | |
| 5 | Springfield | $17.85 | -22% | |
| 6 | Rockford | $17.51 | -24% | |
| 7 | Peoria | $17.46 | -24% | |
| 8 | Champaign | $17.40 | -24% | |
| 9 | Bloomington | $17.16 | -25% | |
| 10 | Normal | $16.73 | -27% |
● 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 Highland Park, 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 Highland Park, 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 Highland Park, IL
29 active listings in Highland Park
Nanny Taylor
Nanny Taylor
Highland Park, IL
$22/hr
Part-time
Occasional
4 years experience
A little bit about me
I am a passionate and responsible caregiver with experience working with children of all ages and abilities.
I have cared for three siblings, ran my own summer camp for five children, and worked as an inclusion aide at NWSRA providing one-on-one support for children with special needs. I have also coached youth soccer, which has strengthened my leadership and teamwork skills. I absolutely love working with children and am currently majoring in Education to become an English teacher, bringing both enthusiasm and a strong understanding of child development to every family I work with.
I have cared for three siblings, ran my own summer camp for five children, and worked as an inclusion aide at NWSRA providing one-on-one support for children with special needs. I have also coached youth soccer, which has strengthened my leadership and teamwork skills. I absolutely love working with children and am currently majoring in Education to become an English teacher, bringing both enthusiasm and a strong understanding of child development to every family I work with.
Have experience working with
Special Needs
Nanny Zipporah
Nanny Zipporah
Highland Park, IL
$25/hr
Part-time
Occasional
4 years experience
A little bit about me
Hi! My name is Zipporah. I recently graduated from high school in May and will be attending college in August to study Diagnostic Medical Sonography with the goal of becoming an ultrasound technician. I am responsible, caring, and dependable, and I enjoy helping others. I currently work in the Floral Department at Mariano’s, where I assist customers, create flower arrangements, organize shipments, and manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment. I also have experience caring for younger siblings, relatives, and family friends. I enjoy spending time with children, helping with activities, and creating a safe, fun, and positive environment. I am patient, trustworthy, and take my responsibilities seriously.
Nanny Lakshmi
Nanny Lakshmi
Highland Park, IL
$25/hr
Part-time
Occasional
2 years experience
A little bit about me
Hi! I'm looking for a summer part time job! I'm 18, about to graduate high school, and can't wait to help!
Certifications
CPR
First Aid
Nanny Felicia
Nanny Felicia
Highland Park, IL
$25/hr
Occasional
10+ years experience
A little bit about me
Hi, I am married and a proud mother of three wonderful children, ages 26, 20, and 17. I am a U.S. citizen, originally born and raised in Ghana, and I have lived and worked in Chicago for over 20 years.
I am an experienced childcare provider with more than 30 years of experience in both classroom and home settings. I have worked with children from infancy through age 12, including several years in school environments with children ages 5 to 12.
Caring for children has been my lifelong passion. I find great joy in nurturing and supporting children as they grow into confident and capable individuals. I also hold a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education, which has strengthened my knowledge and skills in child development and care.
At this time, I am available for occasional childcare opportunities while I await my family’s return from an extended trip abroad. I would be truly grateful for any opportunities you may have.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
I am an experienced childcare provider with more than 30 years of experience in both classroom and home settings. I have worked with children from infancy through age 12, including several years in school environments with children ages 5 to 12.
Caring for children has been my lifelong passion. I find great joy in nurturing and supporting children as they grow into confident and capable individuals. I also hold a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education, which has strengthened my knowledge and skills in child development and care.
At this time, I am available for occasional childcare opportunities while I await my family’s return from an extended trip abroad. I would be truly grateful for any opportunities you may have.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Have experience working with
Infants
Certifications
CPR
First Aid
Nanny Nancy
Nanny Nancy
Highland Park, IL
$20/hr
Part-time
Occasional
9 years experience
A little bit about me
Hello, my name is Nancy. I have over seven years of experience working in the childcare and education field, along with being a parent myself. My background includes working in daycare centers, schools, ABA therapy, and providing private babysitting services. I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education and am passionate about supporting children’s growth and development. I truly enjoy the work I do and look forward to building meaningful relationships with new families! :)
Have experience working with
Infants
Special Needs
Certifications
CPR
First Aid
Nanny Braishna
Nanny Braishna
Highland Park, IL
$20/hr
Part-time
Occasional
< 1 year experience
A little bit about me
Hello, i am a loving and caring caregiver for adults and children. I currently work part time as a caregiver a few hours a week. I also help take care of my clients 8 yr old daughter for almost 2 years next month. I am willing and able to care for/babysit pretty much full time, afternoon-until. I can also care for the child(ren) in my very safe and clean home. I have my own reliable transportation and i live alone, no pets. I also cook and clean if needed. Thank you.
Nanny Leslie
Nanny Leslie
Highland Park, IL
$20/hr
Occasional
< 1 year experience
Nanny Rowan
Nanny Rowan
Highland Park, IL
$19/hr
Part-time
Occasional
7 years experience
A little bit about me
As the oldest of four younger brothers and two little sisters, I’ve spent a lot of time babysitting and looking out for my siblings. I am comfortable with all ages, and when it comes to it pet care as well. I’m reliable and quick to pick up new things, especially after working with kids who have special needs like ADHD, ADD, ODD, Autism, and Williams Syndrome. I love finding ways to make things fun, but I always make sure everyone’s safe and things go smoothly.
Have experience working with
Infants
Special Needs
Nanny Evelyn
Nanny Evelyn
Highland Park, IL
$15/hr
Part-time
Occasional
4 years experience
A little bit about me
I'm a 14-year-old and I've been babysitting for about four years. I have cousins ranging from 6 months to 7 years old whom I love taking care of. I really enjoy cleaning and caring for children.
Have experience working with
Infants