Reviewed by the Nanny Lane team · Last updated

How much does a babysitter cost in Lancaster, CA in 2026?

In Lancaster, CA, the average babysitter earns about $17.98 per hour. For a typical 40-hour week, that works out to roughly $719/week or $3,117/month. Most Lancaster families pay somewhere in the $17–$25/hour range, depending on experience, the number of kids, and what's expected on the job.

Average hourly rate$17.98/hr · Lancaster average

These numbers come from 596 live babysitter listings in Lancaster on Nanny Lane. We update this page whenever the data moves.

$719
$3,117
$37,398

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What drives the price

Most Lancaster families pay somewhere in the $17–$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 $17.89/hour, while the most experienced (6-10 yrs) charge around $19.60/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)$17.98
2 kids~$18.98
3+ kids~$19.98+

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$18.52/hr
Part-time10–25 hrs/week$18.22/hr
Occasional5–15 hrs/week$18.42/hr
Live-inSet by family$18.23/hr

Part-time and full-time hourly rates are similar here — short schedules don't always command a premium when full-time openings are easy to fill.

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 Lancaster babysitter rates compare to state and national averages?

Lancaster runs above the U.S. average for babysitter rates, in line with most major metros.

Hiring babysitters in Lancaster, CA typically costs about 12% less than the California average of $20/hour and 7% more than the United States average of $17/hour.

Average hourly babysitters rates compared across Lancaster, CA and reference areas.
AreaAverage hourly ratevs. Lancaster, CA
Lancaster, CA$18/hr
California$20/hr+13%
United States$17/hr-6%

Where Lancaster, CA fits among nearby cities

The most expensive city for babysitters near Lancaster, CA is Beverly Hills at $26.76/hour; the least expensive is San Bernardino at $17.11/hour.

Below are the 10 most and 10 least expensive cities near Lancaster, CA and how each compares to Lancaster, CA's average of $17.98/hour.

Most expensive cities near Lancaster, CA

Top 10 most expensive cities near Lancaster, CA for hiring a babysitter, ranked by average hourly rate.
#City$/hrvs. Lancaster, CA
1Beverly Hills$26.76+49%
2Mill Valley$26.49+47%
3Palo Alto$24.10+34%
4San Mateo$24.09+34%
5West Menlo Park$24.05+34%
6Mountain View$23.80+32%
7San Francisco$23.57+31%
8Redwood City$23.55+31%
9Piedmont$23.47+31%
10Sunnyvale$23.31+30%

Least expensive cities near Lancaster, CA

Top 10 least expensive cities near Lancaster, CA for hiring a babysitter, ranked by average hourly rate.
#City$/hrvs. Lancaster, CA
1San Bernardino$17.11-5%
2Visalia$17.59-2%
3Modesto$17.68-2%
4Fontana$17.71-2%
5Redding$17.85-1%
LancasterThis city$18.03
7Chico$18.03
8Corona$18.09+1%
9Bakersfield$18.10+1%
10Ontario$18.19+1%

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 Lancaster, CA

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 Lancaster, CA

    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 Lancaster, CA

596 active listings in Lancaster

Erica E. - Seeking Work in Lancaster

Nanny Erica

Lancaster, CA
$18.22/hr
Part-time
Occasional
1 year experience

A little bit about me

Hii my name is Erica Ellison and I love love to work with your baby☺️ i grew up taking care of my siblings so I know everything about taking care of babies😄 i don’t mind helping clean around the house, making meals or going for walk and etc

Have experience working with

Infants
Special Needs

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Alyana C. - Seeking Work in Lancaster

Nanny Alyana

Lancaster, CA
$18.50/hr
Occasional
< 1 year experience

A little bit about me

Hello, my name is Alyana Calle I am a 19-year-old I work for the city of Palmdale. I’m great with kids, I was always babysitting my foster brother sisters so I have somewhat experience

Have experience working with

Special Needs
Ashley W. - Seeking Work in Lancaster

Nanny Ashley

Lancaster, CA
$18.09/hr
Full-time
Part-time
Occasional
10+ years experience

A little bit about me

I started working as a babysitter for my own siblings who needed it when I was 14 until I was 20, I looked after my nieces and nephews until they were old enough to start school and no longer needed daytime care, after that I worked for a family for many many years, they had two children ages 8 months and 2 years old at the start of that position I was with them until the youngest started preschool and once they had started school I still worked with them for a year or so, I would still go in at 4 am as the parents where leaving for work and I would be responsible for waking the kids up, getting them breakfast, ready for school then taking them to school, picking them up after and staying with them until their parents returned home from work around 7 pm. I eventually received an opportunity to join a paid internship and pursue a field I'd been interested in so as much as it pained me to say goodbye to these children I'd basically watched grow up, I knew it was time.

Have experience working with

Infants

Certification

CPR
Emily A. - Seeking Work in Lancaster

Nanny Emily

Lancaster, CA
$18/hr
Full-time
Part-time
Occasional
1 year experience

A little bit about me

Hi! I am 19 years old. I just moved back to california from texas too study real estate with my older sister and brother in law, while my boyfriend is serving in the air force. I have a lot of free time in my schedule and love working with kids. I have experience baby sitting for family members as well as paid nanny experience!

Have experience working with

Infants
Special Needs
Jordan M. - Seeking Work in Lancaster

Nanny Jordan

Lancaster, CA
$18/hr
Occasional
< 1 year experience

A little bit about me

Hi Guys!! My name is Jordan Mullinax. I am a recent graduate of Sultana High School in Hesperia CA and I am attending/playing softball for antelope Valley college and am looking for a part-time/as needed job to make some extra money and help pay for housing expenses. I am CPR and Basic Life Support certified. I can cook for the kids and clean as well as provide fun activities to keep them busy if needed. I can also help with homework or other things as well as taking them to sports practices. I am available evenings (after 4pm) and Friday through Monday all day.

Have experience working with

Infants

Certification

CPR
Typheny M. - Seeking Work in Lancaster

Nanny Typheny

Lancaster, CA
$17/hr
Occasional
10+ years experience

A little bit about me

Hi! My name is Typheny! I've lived in the Antelope Valley almost my entire life and I've been working with kids for over 15 years. I've been babysitting on and off for over 15 years, worked with special needs children for 8 years at the same company and have been an independent piano teacher for 14 years primarily teaching children ages 4-16.
I love pets and have no problem helping out with them! I have a clean driving record and no issues with passing a background check.

If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out any time!

Have experience working with

Infants
Special Needs

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Iseah M. - Seeking Work in Lancaster

Nanny Iseah

Lancaster, CA
$17/hr
Occasional
8 years experience

A little bit about me

My name is iseah i’m 16 years old and I’m a responsible, mature babysitter you can count on. Even though I’m young, I’ve had years of experience taking care of my younger siblings, so I know how to handle kids of all ages with patience and care.
I’m also a strong student i’m at the top of my classes and currently taking advanced courses so I’m more than happy to help with homework, studying, or reading time. Whether your child needs help with schoolwork, a fun activity, or just someone dependable to watch over them, I’m confident I can help and make sure they feel safe, supported, and happy!

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Kathleen R. - Seeking Work in Lancaster

Nanny Kathleen

Lancaster, CA
$17/hr
Occasional
10+ years experience

A little bit about me

I am 34, with no kids. I have worked in a school setting since 2009 in various positions. I do have a niece who is 10 years old! I have a lot of experience working with kids from daycare age to middle school age. I was an instructional assistant, school librarian, playground aid, as well as a project leader for an after school program. I currently work full time from home for a charter school. I am looking for evening and weekend jobs. 😊

Have experience working with

Special Needs
Destiny Z. - Seeking Work in Lancaster

Nanny Destiny

Lancaster, CA
$18/hr
Occasional
2 years experience

A little bit about me

Hi I’m Destiny, a responsible and caring babysitter with a passion for helping children learn and grow. I have 2 years of experience with kids of all ages and love creating fun and educational activities. Your child's safety and happiness are my top priorities. Looking forward to meeting your family!

Have experience working with

Infants
Special Needs
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