Reviewed by the Nanny Lane team · Last updated

How much does a babysitter cost in Missoula, MT in 2026?

In Missoula, MT, the average babysitter earns about $18.12 per hour. For a typical 40-hour week, that works out to roughly $725/week or $3,141/month. Most Missoula families pay somewhere in the $11–$25/hour range, depending on experience, the number of kids, and what's expected on the job.

Average hourly rate$18.12/hr · Missoula average

These numbers come from 208 live babysitter listings in Missoula on Nanny Lane. We update this page whenever the data moves.

$725
$3,141
$37,690

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What drives the price

Most Missoula families pay somewhere in the $11–$25/hour range. Where a given family lands depends on a handful of factors. Three of them drive most of the spread.


01

Experience

More experienced babysitters command higher rates. Entry-level (0-2 yrs) average $17.93/hour, while the most experienced (6-10 yrs) charge around $19.83/hour.
Avg hourly rate by years of experience

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)$18.12
2 kids~$19.12
3+ kids~$20.12+

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.

Full-time, part-time, and live-in babysitter rates

ArrangementTypical hoursAverage rate
Full-time35–50 hrs/week$18.93/hr
Part-time10–25 hrs/week$18.31/hr
Occasional5–15 hrs/week$17.74/hr
Live-inSet by family$19.51/hr

Part-time runs slightly lower per hour than full-time here, which often means strong full-time demand supports higher rates for committed schedules.

Live-in rates here run higher than live-out — uncommon, but typically reflects specialty demand for around-the-clock or live-in newborn care. The trade-off is space — you'll need a private bedroom and ideally a separate bathroom for the babysitter.

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

Missoula sits close to the national average for babysitter rates.

Hiring babysitters in Missoula, MT typically costs about 3% less than the Montana average of $19/hour and 4% less than the United States average of $19/hour.

Average hourly babysitters rates compared across Missoula, MT and reference areas.
AreaAverage hourly ratevs. Missoula, MT
Missoula, MT$18/hr
Montana$19/hr+3%
United States$19/hr+4%

Where Missoula, MT fits among nearby cities

7 nearby cities have enough babysitter data to compare, with rates ranging from $17.00/hour in Helena to $21.82/hour in Whitefish.

Below: how each compares to the Missoula, MT average of $18.12/hour — Missoula, MT is highlighted at its true rank.

Nearby cities ranked by babysitter rate

7 cities near Missoula, MT ranked by average hourly babysitter rate, most to least expensive.
#City$/hrvs. Missoula, MT
1Whitefish$21.82+20%
2Bozeman$20.88+15%
3Kalispell$19.67+9%
Missoula$18.12
5Billings$17.83-2%
6Great Falls$17.08-6%
7Helena$17.00-6%
Most expensive nearby: Whitefish ($21.82) Least expensive nearby: Helena ($17.00)

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 Missoula, 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 Missoula, 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 Missoula, MT

208 active listings in Missoula

Caraline A. - Seeking Work in Missoula

Nanny Caraline

Missoula, MT
$20 - $25/hr
Full-time
Part-time
Occasional
10+ years experience

A little bit about me

Hi, I'm Caraline! I'm new to Missoula from Phx, AZ. I have a bachelor's degree in Child Development, 8+ years of experience working in licensed childcare centers, and 3+ years of infant nanny experience. I'm also a certified birth and postpartum doula. I absolutely love caring for young kiddos and am comfy with all things diapering, feeding, safe sleep, milestones, enriching activities, etc .

Have experience working with

Infants
Special Needs

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Madison O. - Seeking Work in Missoula

Nanny Madison

Missoula, MT
$18/hr
Occasional
2 years experience

A little bit about me

Hi, my name is Maddie. I am CPR & First Aid, WSI certified through the American Red Cross. I am reliable and caring babysitter with experience supervising children of various ages. I enjoy creating a safe, fun, and engaging environment through games, and outdoor activities. Responsible, patient, and attentive to children's needs while ensuring parents have peace of mind. I have experience in taking care of animals like guinea pigs and dogs. Can also teach swimming lessons as a bonus:)

Have experience working with

Infants
Special Needs

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Naomi C. - Seeking Work in Missoula

Nanny Naomi

Missoula, MT
$17 - $35/hr
Occasional
< 1 year experience

A little bit about me

I am passionate about childcare and love hanging out with kids. I aspire to be a first grade teacher. I am dependable, punctual, responsible, and energetic.

Have experience working with

Infants

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Zena B. - Seeking Work in Missoula

Nanny Zena

Missoula, MT
$18/hr
Full-time
Part-time
Occasional
10+ years experience

A little bit about me

Hi! I'm from Whitefish, MT and I am currently in Missoula taking a small break from my bachelors degree. I've been taking care of littles since I was about ten and haven't stopped! I am really looking forward to going back to something I really enjoy while on my hiatus. I adore the way little minds work and am stoked to have an opportunity to work with your kids!

Have experience working with

Infants
Special Needs

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Sara S. - Seeking Work in Missoula

Nanny Sara

Missoula, MT
$18/hr
Part-time
Occasional
5 years experience

A little bit about me

Hi! My name is Sara Spring. I’m originally from Deer Lodge, Montana, and I’m currently a student at the University of Montana. I’m looking for a part-time nanny or babysitting opportunity and would love to find a family that needs an extra hand.

I have several years of experience caring for children ranging from newborns to 10 years old. I truly enjoy spending time with kids — whether it’s playing, helping with homework, or keeping their routines running smoothly. I also have several years of experience housesitting and dog-sitting so I am more than willing to help with tasks around the house and with any pets!

Because I’m a college student, I’m looking for a position with some flexibility in scheduling.

Have experience working with

Infants
Special Needs

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Kylee S. - Seeking Work in Missoula

Nanny Kylee

Missoula, MT
$18/hr
Occasional
5 years experience

A little bit about me

Hi! My name is Kylee Seifert and I have 5+ years of experience caring for children of all ages, from infants to school-aged kids. I’m reliable, patient, outgoing, and love creating fun and safe environments where children can learn and grow.

I enjoy outdoor play, reading, and engaging with kids through play and activities. I’m also happy to help with light meal prep, tidying up, or driving kids to activities. I am CPR/First Aid certified, and I take safety very seriously.

I’m currently available for part time mornings, and weekends. I’d love the opportunity to support your family. Please feel free to reach out, I’d be happy to chat!

Have experience working with

Special Needs

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Marissa B. - Seeking Work in Missoula

Nanny Marissa

Missoula, MT
$17/hr
Part-time
Occasional
2 years experience

A little bit about me

I am an Elementary Education student at the University of Montana seeking a part time nanny or babysitting position. I love working with children and have over two years of childcare experience throughout college. Feel free to reach out with any questions or for additional details.

Have experience working with

Special Needs

Certification

CPR
Astrid M. - Seeking Work in Missoula

Nanny Astrid

Missoula, MT
$17/hr
Occasional
2 years experience

A little bit about me

Hi! My name is Astrid Moore I am currently a student at Big Sky High school, I am a senior and I am 17 years of age. I am CPR certified and have enjoyed babysitting my younger sister and friends children for many years now. I am looking for a more permanent position.

Have experience working with

Infants
Special Needs

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Willow A. - Seeking Work in Missoula

Nanny Willow

Missoula, MT
$16.60/hr
Part-time
Occasional
2 years experience

A little bit about me

I am someone who fell in love with teaching and being apart of the day a child can look forward to. I also have my own siblings (ages 9/10) which helps me in connecting with interests. My little brother is also on the spectrum for autism and I have worked with children that have special needs. I know the patience that comes with looking over children and the fun that it can be.
I personally enjoy hiking and getting outside as much as possible. I can also relate to enjoying art, video games, and reading. I am adaptable and work well in high stress situations.

Have experience working with

Special Needs
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