Reviewed by the Nanny Lane team · Last updated

How much does a babysitter cost in New York, NY in 2026?

In New York, NY, the average babysitter earns about $24.15 per hour. For a typical 40-hour week, that works out to roughly $966/week or $4,186/month. Most New York families pay somewhere in the $16–$35/hour range, depending on experience, the number of kids, and what's expected on the job.

Average hourly rate$24.15/hr · New York average

These numbers come from 4,496 live babysitter listings in New York on Nanny Lane. We update this page whenever the data moves.

$966
$4,186
$50,232

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What drives the price

Most New York families pay somewhere in the $16–$35/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 $22.96/hour, while the most experienced (6-10 yrs) charge around $27.25/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)$24.15
2 kids~$25.15
3+ kids~$26.15+

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$25.70/hr
Part-time10–25 hrs/week$24.49/hr
Occasional5–15 hrs/week$24.31/hr
Live-inSet by family$24.83/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 are close to live-out here — but the package usually still includes room and board, so the all-in cost can be lower than it appears.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 New York babysitter rates compare to state and national averages?

New York is one of the more expensive babysitter markets in the country.

Hiring babysitters in New York, NY typically costs about 12% more than the New York average of $22/hour and 27% more than the United States average of $19/hour.

Average hourly babysitters rates compared across New York, NY and reference areas.
AreaAverage hourly ratevs. New York, NY
New York, NY$24/hr
New York$22/hr-10%
United States$19/hr-21%

Where New York, NY fits among nearby cities

10 nearby cities have enough babysitter data to compare, with rates ranging from $18.78/hour in Syracuse to $24.15/hour in New York.

Below: how each compares to the New York, NY average of $24.15/hour — New York, NY is highlighted at its true rank.

Nearby cities ranked by babysitter rate

10 cities near New York, NY ranked by average hourly babysitter rate, most to least expensive.
#City$/hrvs. New York, NY
New York$24.15
2Flushing$22.87-5%
3Brooklyn$22.78-6%
4Queens$21.18-12%
5The Bronx$20.84-14%
6Staten Island$20.41-15%
7Albany$19.63-19%
8Rochester$19.20-20%
9Buffalo$19.09-21%
10Syracuse$18.78-22%
Most expensive nearby: New York ($24.15) Least expensive nearby: Syracuse ($18.78)

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 New York, NY

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 New York, NY

    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 New York, NY

4,496 active listings in New York

Veolla B. - Seeking Work in New York

Nanny Veolla

New York, NY
$25/hr
Part-time
Occasional
8 years experience

A little bit about me

Hello,
my name is Veolla. I am 18, I just moved from Philadelphia to New York. I got to school at The New School and I study psychology. I have been babysitting pretty much my whole life. I am very big on interactive and personal activities to do with the kids, and I am not big on screens. I have a very big family, I’ve watch cousins, siblings, neighbors, teachers kids, and I would do homework with them, pick them up from school, keep them active, and I can cook.
I look forward to working with you and your kiddies!
Thank you

Have experience working with

Infants

Certifications

CPR
First Aid

Recent reference

"Veolla has become such an important part of my kids lives. I was a mentor to Veolla and knew her and her family well. My kids became shining stars because of her. They were so intrigued and curious about things. She pushed them to be their best selves. I appreciate Veolla’s support to my kids and my whole family. She really takes notice of things and tries her hardest to support the whole family. She attended most of my kids kindergarten graduations, dance recitals, and musical performances. I have 4 kids and she has been such a rock for us. Me and my husband work so much and she has provided more help than I could have imagined. I’m excited for her to be able to help others kids as well. I recommended Veolla to many friends and family members of mine, who have been very pleased with her skills. She is young, but she is emotionally mature, intuitive, and most of all, she is kind. She was such a bright light everytime she entered the doors of my house."
- Violetta Shehu
Clairef V. - Seeking Work in New York

Nanny Clairef

New York, NY
$25/hr
Occasional
1 year experience

A little bit about me

My name is Claire, and I work at Mount Sinai as a Patient Care Coordinator. I have a degree in Health Services Administration with a minor in Psychology. I speak English and Spanish fluently and am currently looking to earn some extra income so I can enroll in school to study nutrition.

I’m 26 years old and love practicing yoga, reading, and running.
Kudi O. - Seeking Work in New York

Nanny Kudi

New York, NY
$28 - $32/hr
Part-time
Occasional
9 years experience

A little bit about me

Hi!

I’m a caring, easygoing, and dependable babysitter with years of experience caring for kids of all ages, from babies to school-aged children. I genuinely enjoy spending time with kids, whether we’re playing, doing homework, or just winding down for the evening. I’m CPR certified, attentive, comfortable with pets, and always happy to help wherever needed. Most importantly, I want both the kids and parents to feel comfortable and at ease with me!

Have experience working with

Special Needs

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Ilaria A. - Seeking Work in New York

Nanny Ilaria

New York, NY
$22 - $30/hr
Part-time
Occasional
4 years experience

A little bit about me

Hello! My name is Ilaria A. I am currently pursing my MSW at NYU and I have years of childcare experience. I can provide references! I am loving, caring, and fun! If you are interested reach out to my phone number [phone number hidden]!

Have experience working with

Special Needs

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Stevie C. - Seeking Work in New York

Nanny Stevie

New York, NY
$25/hr
Part-time
Occasional
2 years experience

A little bit about me

Hi hii!

My name is Stevie, and I’m a warm, caring, and responsible babysitter who genuinely enjoys spending time with kids. I’ve babysat for my neighbors’ children as well as families while I was in college, primarily caring for children between the ages of 4 and 9.

I’m comfortable keeping kids entertained, helping with homework, preparing simple meals, playing games, doing arts and crafts, and making sure they have a fun and safe time while their parents are away. I’m patient, attentive, and always try to create a comfortable environment where kids feel happy and cared for.

I’d love the opportunity to get to know your family and be someone you feel completely comfortable trusting with your little ones!

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Makenzie O. - Seeking Work in New York

Nanny Makenzie

New York, NY
$17 - $32/hr
Part-time
Occasional
2 years experience

A little bit about me

Hello! I am Makenzie, a university student offering childcare, pet care, and household services. I am a warm, responsible, and dependable babysitter who genuinely enjoys spending time with children and creating a safe, happy, and welcoming environment for them. I am Pediatric First Aid/CPR/AED certified and take the safety and well-being of every child in my care seriously. I love coming up with fun activities, playing games, dance parties, getting creative (crafts are my specialty), helping with meals and routines, and making sure kids feel comfortable and cared for. Beyond a typical childcare setting, I have experience interning with a children's theatre and working in a children's museum. I pride myself on being able to communicate confidently with kids of different ages and personalities. My goal is for the child to see me as a trusted, caring adult; someone who makes them feel safe, engaged, and smiling while you're away.

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Jahliah W. - Seeking Work in New York

Nanny Jahliah

New York, NY
$25/hr
Part-time
Occasional
4 years experience

A little bit about me

I am on the younger side of nannies, but I can guarantee you are in great hands! With 4 years of experience, including 2 years in a D75 school working with kids on the autism spectrum, I offer patience and reliable, compassionate care for children ages 1-14. My background in Early Childhood Development, combined with my status as a Certified Teacher, allows me to create engaging, educational spaces where your child can thrive and express themselves.
I hold First Aid and CPR certifications to ensure a safe space for your little one. I am also a part-time nursing student, nannying alongside my studies. My passion is children, and my future career will always center around them.
I am a bubbly, creative caregiver who loves board games, music, and spelling games that keep my brain working. I enjoy staying active! I prioritize your family's preferences, rules, and communication style whether via text or chat at pickup. My work speaks for itself, and I look forward to joining your daily life!

Have experience working with

Special Needs

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Paige K. - Seeking Work in New York

Nanny Paige

New York, NY
$25/hr
Part-time
Occasional
8 years experience

A little bit about me

I am an actress and Northwestern University graduate who loves working with children. Growing up as one of five kids, I have always been comfortable in a busy household and learned the importance of patience, responsibility, and being attentive to others. I have several years of babysitting experience with families in my neighborhood and in Chicago throughout college, including experience caring for multiple children and neurodivergent children. I am creative, energetic, dependable, and love creating a safe, fun, and engaging environment where kids feel supported and can be themselves.

Have experience working with

Infants
Special Needs

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Mariama M. - Seeking Work in New York

Nanny Mariama

New York, NY
$40 - $50/hr
Occasional
2 years experience

A little bit about me

Hi! I'm Mariama, a nanny turned registered nurse that is looking to dip my toe back into the nanny waters. I'm looking for one-time or overnight jobs to take on

Have experience working with

Infants
Special Needs

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
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