Reviewed by the Nanny Lane team · Last updated

How much does a babysitter cost in Big Sky, MT in 2026?

In Big Sky, MT, the average babysitter earns about $22.17 per hour. For a typical 40-hour week, that works out to roughly $887/week or $3,843/month. Most Big Sky families pay somewhere in the $12–$30/hour range, depending on experience, the number of kids, and what's expected on the job.

Average hourly rate$22.17/hr · Big Sky average

These numbers come from 29 live babysitter listings in Big Sky on Nanny Lane. We update this page whenever the data moves.

$887
$3,843
$46,114

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What drives the price

Most Big Sky families pay somewhere in the $12–$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
Hourly rate by number of kids
1 kid (baseline)$22.17
2 kids~$23.17
3+ kids~$24.17+

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 Big Sky babysitter rates compare to state and national averages?

Big Sky is one of the more expensive babysitter markets in the country.

Hiring babysitters in Big Sky, MT typically costs about 31% more than the Montana average of $17/hour and 32% more than the United States average of $17/hour.

Average hourly babysitters rates compared across Big Sky, MT and reference areas.
AreaAverage hourly ratevs. Big Sky, MT
Big Sky, MT$22/hr
Montana$17/hr-24%
United States$17/hr-24%

Where Big Sky, MT fits among nearby cities

10 nearby cities have enough babysitter data to compare, with rates ranging from $14.40/hour in Butte to $21.21/hour in Whitefish.

Below: how each compares to the Big Sky, MT average of $22.17/hour.

Nearby cities ranked by babysitter rate

10 cities near Big Sky, MT ranked by average hourly babysitter rate, most to least expensive.
#City$/hrvs. Big Sky, MT
1Whitefish$21.21-4%
2Bozeman$18.67-16%
3Belgrade$18.35-17%
4Kalispell$17.76-20%
5Columbia Falls$17.65-20%
6Missoula$16.86-24%
7Helena$16.03-28%
8Billings$16.03-28%
9Great Falls$15.04-32%
10Butte$14.40-35%
Most expensive nearby: Whitefish ($21.21) Least expensive nearby: Butte ($14.40)

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 Big Sky, MT

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 Big Sky, MT

    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 Big Sky, MT

29 active listings in Big Sky

Cassie N. - Seeking Work in Big Sky

Nanny Cassie

Big Sky, MT
$20/hr
Occasional
3 years experience

A little bit about me

Hi! I’m originally from Montana, born and raised, and I spent most of my summers growing up babysitting for families in my community. It’s something I’ve always enjoyed, and I’m looking to get back into it now.

I love staying active and engaging with kids—whether it’s playing outside, doing crafts, reading books, or helping with homework. I’m dependable, patient, and truly enjoy creating a fun and safe environment for children.

Whether you’re looking for an occasional night out or more regular help, I’d love the opportunity to give you a break and make sure your kids are well taken care of. Let me know if you’d like to chat or have any questions!

Have experience working with

Infants
Special Needs
Mary G. - Seeking Work in Big Sky

Nanny Mary

Big Sky, MT
$20/hr
Occasional
< 1 year experience

Have experience working with

Special Needs
Ruby E. - Seeking Work in Big Sky

Nanny Ruby

Big Sky, MT
$18/hr
Occasional
3 years experience

A little bit about me

Hi, my name is Ruby I've lived in Big Sky for five years. I love baby-sitting, sports, and watching movies. I am currently a sophomore in high school and look forward to meeting you.
Marina H. - Seeking Work in Big Sky

Nanny Marina

Big Sky, MT
$30/hr
Occasional
< 1 year experience

A little bit about me

Hi! I’m Marina! I’m from North Idaho but have been doing seasonal work in great places for the past year or so. I love kids and am skilled at building relationships with them, entertaining them, and helping them learn in an engaging way. In my free time I love swing and line dance, hiking, aerial silks, climbing, and roller skating. I love community and spending time with my loved ones. The best job for me is one where I can be creative and build relationships.

Have experience working with

Infants
Special Needs

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Kylee P. - Seeking Work in Big Sky

Nanny Kylee

Big Sky, MT
$30/hr
Full-time
Part-time
Occasional
7 years experience

A little bit about me

Hi! My name is Kylee Pitt, I am 23 years old and from Georgia. I graduated from the University of Georgia in December of 2024 and I’m currently a Realtor in Georgia and South Carolina. I have nannied all throughout college and babysat in high school. I’m looking to help a family who will be very welcoming! I love kids and doing whatever they love to do, whether that is spending all day outside or spending the day getting our nails done and reading books.

Have experience working with

Infants
Special Needs

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Ashlyn P. - Seeking Work in Big Sky

Nanny Ashlyn

Big Sky, MT
$23/hr
Full-time
6 years experience

A little bit about me

I have a year and half of experience working at a Montessori/ Pre-school. I assisted in every classroom, which ranges form 4 months -6 years. I am currently employed by a family of two kiddos who I watch during the week.
Contact by text or email [email hidden]

Have experience working with

Infants

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Lucy C. - Seeking Work in Big Sky

Nanny Lucy

Big Sky, MT
$24/hr
Full-time
7 years experience

A little bit about me

Hi! My name is Lucy Cicotte. I am a freshman at Montana Sate University studying Math Education and Applied Math. I love to read, sew, play piano, and spend time outdoors. I would love to care for your children by planning fun and enriching activies, cooking for them, and helping them with any schoolwork or other extracurricular activities they do. I'm an Eagle Scout who is First Aid/CRP/AED certified, so your children are in safe hands! I have lots of experience in child care from babysitting, nannying, and being an aunt to 11 neices and nephews aged 1-9. Please reach out if you think I would be a good fit for your family!

Have experience working with

Infants
Special Needs

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Brysynn D. - Seeking Work in Big Sky

Nanny Brysynn

Big Sky, MT
$20/hr
Full-time
3 years experience

A little bit about me

Hello, my name is Brysynn Dunn. I'm almost 19 years old and currently going to school at Montana State University. I am living at Big Sky, MT for the summer and would love to work as a nanny! I have many years of experience working with kids. I have worked with all ages, but I prefer the littles!

Have experience working with

Infants
Special Needs

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Mariana V. - Seeking Work in Big Sky

Nanny Mariana

Big Sky, MT
$25/hr
Part-time
3 years experience

A little bit about me

Hi, my name is Heidy Mariana, I'm 23 years old. I'm from Costa Rica and I have several brothers and a younger sister. I'm a civil engineering student and I'm currently participating in a work and travel program. I'm a very responsible person, but also very charismatic and patient with children.

Have experience working with

Infants
Special Needs
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