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 $24.21 per hour. For a typical 40-hour week, that works out to roughly $968/week or $4,196/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$24.21/hr · New York average
These numbers come from 4,529 live babysitter listings in New York on Nanny Lane. We update this page whenever the data moves.
- Weekly
(40 hrs) - $968
- Monthly
- $4,196
- Annual
- $50,357
Find babysitters near you
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 $23.11/hour, while the most experienced (6-10 yrs) charge around $27.43/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
| 1 kid (baseline) | $24.21 |
|---|---|
| 2 kids | ~$25.21 |
| 3+ kids | ~$26.21+ |
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.
Full-time, part-time, and live-in babysitter rates
| Arrangement | Typical hours | Average rate | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-time | 35–50 hrs/week | $25.84/hr | |
| Part-time | 10–25 hrs/week | $24.60/hr | |
| Occasional | 5–15 hrs/week | $24.41/hr | |
| Live-in | Set by family | $25/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.
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 11% more than the New York average of $22/hour and 26% more than the United States average of $19/hour.
| Area | Average hourly rate | vs. 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 $18.89/hour in Syracuse to $24.21/hour in New York.
Below: how each compares to the New York, NY average of $24.21/hour — New York, NY is highlighted at its true rank.
Nearby cities ranked by babysitter rate
| # | City | $/hr | vs. New York, NY | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | New York | $24.21 | — | |
| 2 | Flushing | $23.20 | -4% | |
| 3 | Brooklyn | $22.82 | -6% | |
| 4 | Queens | $21.16 | -13% | |
| 5 | The Bronx | $20.91 | -14% | |
| 6 | Staten Island | $20.51 | -15% | |
| 7 | Albany | $19.80 | -18% | |
| 8 | Rochester | $19.24 | -21% | |
| 9 | Buffalo | $19.13 | -21% | |
| 10 | Syracuse | $18.89 | -22% |
● Most expensive nearby: New York ($24.21)● Least expensive nearby: Syracuse ($18.89)
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 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:
- 01
Browse babysitter profiles in New York, NY
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 New York, NY
4,529 active listings in New York
Nanny Makiya
Nanny Makiya
New York, NY
$20 - $31/hr
Full-time
Part-time
Occasional
4 years experience
A little bit about me
Hi! My name is Makiya, and I'm a college student in New York City with experience caring for children of different ages. I'm responsible, patient, dependable, and genuinely enjoy creating a fun and comfortable environment for kids.
I have previous childcare experience working at a daycare. I'm comfortable helping with meals, homework, bedtime routines, activities, pets, and keeping children entertained while making sure they're safe and cared for.
I understand how important it is for parents to feel comfortable and confident in the person caring for their children. I'm attentive to each child's individual personality, needs, and routine, and I'm always happy to communicate with parents throughout the day.
I'd love the opportunity to meet your family and become someone you can trust to care for your little ones!
I have previous childcare experience working at a daycare. I'm comfortable helping with meals, homework, bedtime routines, activities, pets, and keeping children entertained while making sure they're safe and cared for.
I understand how important it is for parents to feel comfortable and confident in the person caring for their children. I'm attentive to each child's individual personality, needs, and routine, and I'm always happy to communicate with parents throughout the day.
I'd love the opportunity to meet your family and become someone you can trust to care for your little ones!
Have experience working with
Infants
Special Needs
Certification
First Aid
Nanny Emily
Nanny Emily
New York, NY
$35 - $55/hr
Part-time
Occasional
10+ years experience
A little bit about me
Hi! I’m Emily 😊 I’m a warm, dependable, and experienced nanny with several years of experience caring for newborns, infants, toddlers, and young children. I’m currently finishing my bachelor’s degree in Psychology, and childcare is something I genuinely love. I’m the kind of nanny who becomes a trusted part of the family. I'm attentive to the little things, dependable when you need me, and always focused on making your child feel safe, happy, and cared for. I’d love to meet your family and see if we’re the perfect fit!
Have experience working with
Infants
Special Needs
Certifications
CPR
First Aid
Recent reference
"Emily is an incredibly warm, gentle, and loving person. She has a kindness that makes people feel comfortable, cared for, and valued. Her patience and soft nature are some of her most beautiful qualities, and I believe she would bring so much love and warmth to any family she works with."
- Sarah
Nanny Isabella
Nanny Isabella
New York, NY
Active Now
$24/hr
Occasional
6 years experience
A little bit about me
Hi! I'm Bella and I've worked with kids in many capacities for the past 5 years. From teaching dance classes, to summer camps for children with disabilities, to after school daycare and babysitting, I've worked with children ages 1-15. I'm a musical theater and applied mathematics double major at Northeastern and I have experience with tutoring and pet sitting as well. I'm originally from Baltimore, MD and I love reading, dancing, playing guitar, and card games.
Have experience working with
Special Needs
Certifications
CPR
First Aid
Nanny Kate
Nanny Kate
New York, NY
$25 - $40/hr
Part-time
Occasional
4 years experience
A little bit about me
I am a Masters student at Columbia University pursuing a degree in Architecture and Urban Design. I am from Charlottesville, Virginia, where I first started working with children through Reclaimed Hope Initiative, a nonprofit that provides respite care for families with children with disabilities, foster kids, and children who’ve undergone trauma. Besides my work with RHI, I have a range of experience working with children ages 0-13+ through daycare groups and full time nannying.
Have experience working with
Infants
Special Needs
Certifications
CPR
First Aid
Nanny Abigayle
Nanny Abigayle
New York, NY
$20 - $40/hr
Full-time
Part-time
Occasional
< 1 year experience
A little bit about me
I am currently a General Business major at the University of Alabama with a minor in hospitality management. I have a background in dance and worked with children in dance class for many years as their instructor. I love the idea that I could have a positve effect on young minds.
Have experience working with
Special Needs
Certification
CPR
Nanny Laura
Nanny Laura
New York, NY
$28 - $35/hr
Full-time
Part-time
Occasional
6 years experience
A little bit about me
Hi! My name is Laura. I have several years of experience working with children of all ages, including experience as a nanny and tutor. I’m responsible, caring, and dependable, and I love creating fun and engaging activities for kids. I’d love to connect and learn more about your family!
Have experience working with
Infants
Special Needs
Nanny Diovane
Nanny Diovane
New York, NY
Active Now
$30 - $35/hr
Full-time
Part-time
Occasional
2 years experience
A little bit about me
Hey, I'm Dio — 31, live on the Upper East Side. I'm studying nursing at LaGuardia and spent the last year volunteering with seniors at a local center, so caregiving is something I know and genuinely like. I'm calm, patient, and reliable. Bilingual (Portuguese/English). I get around by subway, so Manhattan families work best for me. No driving, no cooking — but I'm good company and I take the job seriously. Available weekday afternoons/evenings and Sundays.
Have experience working with
Special Needs
Nanny Kori
Nanny Kori
New York, NY
$20 - $24/hr
Part-time
Occasional
1 year experience
A little bit about me
Hi families! My name is Kori. I am current student of a Museum Studies program in NYC and I hope to make a career as a librarian one day! I love working with kids and most of my experience comes from working as a page and clerk for 4+ years at my local children's library. As well, I am an older sister to a younger brother and I have many years of experience babysitting my younger family members. My main availability would be the afternoon/evenings on weekdays and anytime on weekends. I look forward to meeting your families and helping out however I can!
Nanny Victoria
Nanny Victoria
New York, NY
$25/hr
Part-time
Occasional
< 1 year experience
A little bit about me
I love being a sitter because caring for others has always come naturally to me. I grew up helping care for my older sister, who has special needs and required 24/7 support — helping with her dressing, feeding, and bathing taught me patience and how to anticipate someone's needs before they ask.
Over the past three years, I've dog sat and potty trained a puppy, and I nannied for a two-year-old for a summer, so I'm comfortable with toddler energy and the responsibility of training a young pup. That, plus growing up helping raise my sister, taught me to stay calm, patient, and reliable no matter what a day brings.
I'm CPR and First Aid certified, regularly cook with my nieces so I'm safe and comfortable in the kitchen with kids, and speak some Spanish. Whether it's a child, a puppy, or a family member who needs care, I show up dependable, warm, and ready to help.
Over the past three years, I've dog sat and potty trained a puppy, and I nannied for a two-year-old for a summer, so I'm comfortable with toddler energy and the responsibility of training a young pup. That, plus growing up helping raise my sister, taught me to stay calm, patient, and reliable no matter what a day brings.
I'm CPR and First Aid certified, regularly cook with my nieces so I'm safe and comfortable in the kitchen with kids, and speak some Spanish. Whether it's a child, a puppy, or a family member who needs care, I show up dependable, warm, and ready to help.
Have experience working with
Infants
Special Needs
Certifications
CPR
First Aid