Reviewed by the Nanny Lane team · Last updated
How much does a babysitter cost in Brookline, MA in 2026?
In Brookline, MA, the average babysitter earns about $25.20 per hour. For a typical 40-hour week, that works out to roughly $1,008/week or $4,368/month. Most Brookline families pay somewhere in the $15–$35/hour range, depending on experience, the number of kids, and what's expected on the job.
Average hourly rate$25.20/hr · Brookline average
These numbers come from 48 live babysitter listings in Brookline on Nanny Lane. We update this page whenever the data moves.
- Weekly
(40 hrs) - $1,008
- Monthly
- $4,368
- Annual
- $52,416
Find babysitters near you
What drives the price
Most Brookline families pay somewhere in the $15–$35/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) | $25.20 |
|---|---|
| 2 kids | ~$26.20 |
| 3+ kids | ~$27.20+ |
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 Brookline babysitter rates compare to state and national averages?
Brookline is one of the more expensive babysitter markets in the country.
Hiring babysitters in Brookline, MA typically costs about 13% more than the Massachusetts average of $22/hour and 34% more than the United States average of $19/hour.
| Area | Average hourly rate | vs. Brookline, MA |
|---|---|---|
| Brookline, MA | $25/hr | — |
| Massachusetts | $22/hr | -11% |
| United States | $19/hr | -25% |
Where Brookline, MA fits among nearby cities
10 nearby cities have enough babysitter data to compare, with rates ranging from $18.41/hour in Springfield to $24.53/hour in Boston.
Below: how each compares to the Brookline, MA average of $25.20/hour.
Nearby cities ranked by babysitter rate
| # | City | $/hr | vs. Brookline, MA | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Boston | $24.53 | -3% | |
| 2 | Nantucket | $23.29 | -8% | |
| 3 | Revere | $23.03 | -9% | |
| 4 | Framingham | $22.98 | -9% | |
| 5 | Lynn | $21.51 | -15% | |
| 6 | Lowell | $21.26 | -16% | |
| 7 | Worcester | $21.21 | -16% | |
| 8 | Brockton | $20.46 | -19% | |
| 9 | Fall River | $19.62 | -22% | |
| 10 | Springfield | $18.41 | -27% |
● Most expensive nearby: Boston ($24.53)● Least expensive nearby: Springfield ($18.41)
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 Brookline, MA
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 Brookline, MA
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 Brookline, MA
48 active listings in Brookline
Nanny Johnny
Nanny Johnny
Brookline, MA
$35 - $55/hr
Part-time
Occasional
4 years experience
A little bit about me
Hi All! My name is Johnny & I’d love to be considered as your next nanny. I am an assistant director at a Brookline academy and recently married to my beautiful wife. I promote safety & care for all children and love what I do. With patience and compassion I aim to always put your child’s needs first. Outside of work and babysitting I love the outdoors, theatre and singing. Please reach out with any questions or concerns!
Have experience working with
Infants
Certifications
CPR
First Aid
Nanny Ella
Nanny Ella
Brookline, MA
$22 - $30/hr
Occasional
3 years experience
A little bit about me
Hi! My name is Ella, and I am a recent graduate from Vassar College where I majored in Psychology with a focus in Developmental Studies. I have had many jobs working with kids, including camp counselor, elementary through high school tutor, and group therapist. I would love to hang out with your kiddos so you can go to date night, go to work, or even just take some time for yourself (much deserved as parents!)
Have experience working with
Special Needs
Certifications
CPR
First Aid
Nanny Karen
Nanny Karen
Brookline, MA
$25/hr
Occasional
3 years experience
A little bit about me
Babysitter available
I’m a responsible, caring, and patient nanny with 3 years of full-time experience in the U.S., caring for children of (2-13 y/o)
I’m bilingual (English/Spanish), confident handling routines, meal prep, light cleaning related to kids, and creating fun, safe, and age-appropriate activities. I always aim to build a trusting relationship with both the children and the parents.
🔹 Available now
🔹 Non-driver, No US driver's license
Please reach out if you think we could be a good match!
I’m a responsible, caring, and patient nanny with 3 years of full-time experience in the U.S., caring for children of (2-13 y/o)
I’m bilingual (English/Spanish), confident handling routines, meal prep, light cleaning related to kids, and creating fun, safe, and age-appropriate activities. I always aim to build a trusting relationship with both the children and the parents.
🔹 Available now
🔹 Non-driver, No US driver's license
Please reach out if you think we could be a good match!
Certifications
CPR
First Aid
Nanny Kaylyn
Nanny Kaylyn
Brookline, MA
$22 - $30/hr
Occasional
2 years experience
Have experience working with
Special Needs
Nanny Janesica
Nanny Janesica
Brookline, MA
$22 - $32/hr
Occasional
6 years experience
Have experience working with
Infants
Special Needs
Certifications
CPR
First Aid
Nanny Diane
Nanny Diane
Brookline, MA
$25/hr
Part-time
Occasional
< 1 year experience
A little bit about me
Hi family! My name is Diane and I graduated from BC after studying Psychology, where I took courses about child development. I was CPR & First Aid Certified (and am planning to renew it). I love to take walks, cook and bake, and learn new things - all of which I would love to do with your kids as well~ I think it's incredibly important to help kids develop skills and spent quality time with them!
Certifications
CPR
First Aid
Nanny Madeleine
Nanny Madeleine
Brookline, MA
$25/hr
Occasional
9 years experience
A little bit about me
Hi! My name is Madeleine and I have been babysitting since I was 12. I am currently a registered nurse in Boston and have always loved working with children. I have experience with all ages and am looking to get in touch with some more families for as needed care.
Have experience working with
Infants
Special Needs
Certifications
CPR
First Aid
Nanny Catherine
Nanny Catherine
Brookline, MA
$23/hr
Occasional
1 year experience
A little bit about me
My name is Catherine and I am a Pre-med Junior at Boston University studying Biochemistry. I am EMT certified and have experience babysitting ages 2-12!
Have experience working with
Special Needs
Certifications
CPR
First Aid
Nanny Ashley
Nanny Ashley
Brookline, MA
$23/hr
Occasional
2 years experience
A little bit about me
Hello! My name is Ashley. I am currently an undergrad studying Applied Psychology & Human Development. I have a passion in working with children and with over two years of experience in childcare, I have had the privilege of helping kids grow, learn, and thrive. I believe in creating a positive, and loving environment weather it just be assisting in homework or simply providing companionship. I'm excited to bring my energy and experience to help support your family!
Have experience working with
Infants
Special Needs
Certifications
CPR
First Aid