Reviewed by the Nanny Lane team · Last updated

How much does a babysitter cost in Chattanooga, TN in 2026?

In Chattanooga, TN, the average babysitter earns about $16.97 per hour. For a typical 40-hour week, that works out to roughly $679/week or $2,941/month. Most Chattanooga families pay somewhere in the $7–$25/hour range, depending on experience, the number of kids, and what's expected on the job.

Average hourly rate$16.97/hr · Chattanooga average

These numbers come from 376 live babysitter listings in Chattanooga on Nanny Lane. We update this page whenever the data moves.

$679
$2,941
$35,298

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What drives the price

Most Chattanooga families pay somewhere in the $7–$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 $16.24/hour, while the most experienced (6-10 yrs) charge around $19.30/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)$16.97
2 kids~$17.97
3+ kids~$18.97+

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$18.14/hr
Part-time10–25 hrs/week$17.02/hr
Occasional5–15 hrs/week$17.86/hr
Live-inSet by family$17.47/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 Chattanooga babysitter rates compare to state and national averages?

Chattanooga runs below the U.S. average for babysitter rates — a meaningful budget advantage for families looking here.

Hiring babysitters in Chattanooga, TN typically costs about the same as the Tennessee average of $17/hour and 10% less than the United States average of $19/hour.

Average hourly babysitters rates compared across Chattanooga, TN and reference areas.
AreaAverage hourly ratevs. Chattanooga, TN
Chattanooga, TN$17/hr
Tennessee$17/hr+0%
United States$19/hr+11%

Where Chattanooga, TN fits among nearby cities

10 nearby cities have enough babysitter data to compare, with rates ranging from $14.66/hour in Jackson to $23.41/hour in Franklin.

Below: how each compares to the Chattanooga, TN average of $16.97/hour — Chattanooga, TN is highlighted at its true rank.

Nearby cities ranked by babysitter rate

10 cities near Chattanooga, TN ranked by average hourly babysitter rate, most to least expensive.
#City$/hrvs. Chattanooga, TN
1Franklin$23.41+38%
2Nashville$21.06+24%
3Knoxville$17.17+1%
4Murfreesboro$17.16+1%
Chattanooga$16.97
6Memphis$16.46-3%
7Cleveland$16.28-4%
8Clarksville$15.28-10%
9Johnson City$14.95-12%
10Jackson$14.66-14%
Most expensive nearby: Franklin ($23.41) Least expensive nearby: Jackson ($14.66)

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 Chattanooga, TN

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 Chattanooga, TN

    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 Chattanooga, TN

376 active listings in Chattanooga

Grace L. - Seeking Work in Chattanooga

Nanny Grace

Chattanooga, TN
$20 - $30/hr
Part-time
Occasional
4 years experience

A little bit about me

Hi! My name is Grace Lewis, and I am currently studying Business Administration at Lee University. I am originally from Soddy-Daisy, Tennessee, and I have always loved working with children.
I have experience caring for children and love keeping them engaged through games and playtime. I understand the importance of patience, communication, and trust with children and parents. Whether you need occasional babysitting, regular nannying, or help during school breaks, I am committed to helping in any way needed!!!

Have experience working with

Infants
Special Needs
Macy S. - Seeking Work in Chattanooga

Nanny Macy

Chattanooga, TN
$17/hr
Part-time
Occasional
2 years experience

A little bit about me

Hi! My name is Macy Scott. I am a student at UTC looking to help out your family over the summer! I have babysat for as long as I can remember. I am also open to cleaning up the house and helping with meal prep.

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Corban S. - Seeking Work in Chattanooga

Nanny Corban

Chattanooga, TN
$15 - $30/hr
Full-time
Part-time
Occasional
10+ years experience

A little bit about me

Hello!
My name is Corban Simon and I am 25 years old. I was born and raised in the Jackson, MS area. My husband, Dean, and I moved to the Chattanooga area 2 years ago!
I love pets, nature, arts and crafts, and taking care of others!

Have experience working with

Infants
Special Needs

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Sabrina P. - Seeking Work in Chattanooga

Nanny Sabrina

Chattanooga, TN
$17/hr
Full-time
Part-time
Occasional
1 year experience

A little bit about me

Hi ! Just a little bit about me, I have experience with early childhood education, CPR and First Aid certified, and have experience with special needs children.

Have experience working with

Infants
Special Needs

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Comfort N. - Seeking Work in Chattanooga

Nanny Comfort

Chattanooga, TN
$16 - $20/hr
Part-time
Occasional
4 years experience

A little bit about me

Hello! I'm Comfort, a college student with the goal to become a pediatric nurse in the very near future. I'm the oldest of four children, and have worked two years in a camp setting as both an instructor and counselor, giving me abundant experience working with and nurturing kids ages 0-17. Like my name, I want to be a comfort to you as parents, in the knowledge that your kids are in safe, loving hands. I can't wait to work with you!

Have experience working with

Special Needs

Certification

CPR
Karlee S. - Seeking Work in Chattanooga

Nanny Karlee

Chattanooga, TN
$17/hr
Part-time
Occasional
3 years experience

A little bit about me

Hi my name is Karlee! I am a freshman at UTC and a Chattanooga Christian School alumni! I have 2 younger siblings so I have a lot of experience in taking care with kids!

Have experience working with

Infants
Special Needs
Alexa B. - Seeking Work in Chattanooga

Nanny Alexa

Chattanooga, TN
$17/hr
Part-time
Occasional
8 years experience

A little bit about me

I recently graduated from college and am taking some time off. I majored in International Business and have a passion for traveling. During my time off I’d love to continue doing what I’ve always enjoyed, caring for children. I’ve been babysitting since I was 12 years old and have extensive experience working with kids of all ages. I’m a creative, hands-on caregiver: a professional fort builder, an enthusiastic crafter, and someone who loves turning everyday moments into fun learning opportunities. I’m passionate about creating a safe, engaging, and nurturing environment where children can have fun, explore their creativity, and learn new things along the way.

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Savana T. - Seeking Work in Chattanooga

Nanny Savana

Chattanooga, TN
$17 - $25/hr
Part-time
Occasional
6 years experience

A little bit about me

I love being a babysitter because I enjoy creating a safe, positive environment where children feel comfortable and parents feel confident. I have several years of childcare experience with children of various ages, including managing meals, homework, playtime, and bedtime routines.
I am a graduate student with a strong understanding of child development and am CPR and First Aid certified. I am dependable, patient, and attentive, and I always prioritize children’s safety while providing caring and reliable support for families.

Have experience working with

Infants

Certifications

CPR
First Aid

Recent reference

"Savana is such a patient and kind nanny. She also has amazing communication. Anytime I left her with my two children I felt like they were safe and well cared for. We all miss her! I would hire her again!"
- Lauren
Bailey N. - Seeking Work in Chattanooga

Nanny Bailey

Chattanooga, TN
$17/hr
Occasional
5 years experience

A little bit about me

My name is Bailey Needham, and I am currently a senior at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, majoring in Child and family studies. Through my coursework and field experiences, I have developed strong skills in communication, organization, and working effectively with children and diverse groups of people. I am passionate about helping others and eager to apply my knowledge and work ethic in a professional setting. I’m looking for an opportunity that allows me to continue learning, contribute positively to a team, and gain valuable experience as I prepare for a career in education.

Have experience working with

Infants

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
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