Reviewed by the Nanny Lane team · Last updated
How much does a babysitter cost in San Francisco, CA in 2026?
In San Francisco, CA, the average babysitter earns about $27.70 per hour. For a typical 40-hour week, that works out to roughly $1,108/week or $4,801/month. Most San Francisco families pay somewhere in the $17–$40/hour range, depending on experience, the number of kids, and what's expected on the job.
Average hourly rate$27.70/hr · San Francisco average
These numbers come from 704 live babysitter listings in San Francisco on Nanny Lane. We update this page whenever the data moves.
- Weekly
(40 hrs) - $1,108
- Monthly
- $4,801
- Annual
- $57,616
Find babysitters near you
What drives the price
Most San Francisco families pay somewhere in the $17–$40/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 $26.42/hour, while the most experienced (6-10 yrs) charge around $31.08/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) | $27.70 |
|---|---|
| 2 kids | ~$28.70 |
| 3+ kids | ~$29.70+ |
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 | $29.39/hr | |
| Part-time | 10–25 hrs/week | $28.12/hr | |
| Occasional | 5–15 hrs/week | $27.72/hr | |
| Live-in | Set by family | $28/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 San Francisco babysitter rates compare to state and national averages?
San Francisco is one of the more expensive babysitter markets in the country.
Hiring babysitters in San Francisco, CA typically costs about 24% more than the California average of $22/hour and 47% more than the United States average of $19/hour.
| Area | Average hourly rate | vs. San Francisco, CA |
|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $28/hr | — |
| California | $22/hr | -19% |
| United States | $19/hr | -32% |
Where San Francisco, CA fits among nearby cities
10 nearby cities have enough babysitter data to compare, with rates ranging from $18.83/hour in Fresno to $27.70/hour in San Francisco.
Below: how each compares to the San Francisco, CA average of $27.70/hour — San Francisco, CA is highlighted at its true rank.
Nearby cities ranked by babysitter rate
| # | City | $/hr | vs. San Francisco, CA | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | San Francisco | $27.70 | — | |
| 2 | San Jose | $25.01 | -10% | |
| 3 | Los Angeles | $24.36 | -12% | |
| 4 | San Diego | $23.18 | -16% | |
| 5 | Long Beach | $22.05 | -20% | |
| 6 | Sacramento | $20.76 | -25% | |
| 7 | Riverside | $19.73 | -29% | |
| 8 | Stockton | $19.55 | -29% | |
| 9 | Bakersfield | $18.96 | -32% | |
| 10 | Fresno | $18.83 | -32% |
● Most expensive nearby: San Francisco ($27.70)● Least expensive nearby: Fresno ($18.83)
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 San Francisco, 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:
- 01
Browse babysitter profiles in San Francisco, CA
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 San Francisco, CA
704 active listings in San Francisco
Nanny Maria Cristina
Nanny Maria Cristina
San Francisco, CA
$20 - $30/hr
Part-time
Occasional
4 years experience
A little bit about me
Hi! My name is Cristina, and I am an incoming college freshman. I am offering child care and pet care services.
I love working with children and have a lot of experience caring for kids and youth. As a big sister, I have been helping care for and babysitting my younger siblings for many years. I have also worked and volunteered at elementary schools and public libraries, where I supported children through activities, learning, and community programs.
I enjoy helping children learn, grow, and feel supported, which is one of the reasons I aspire to become a nurse in the future. I would love the opportunity to continue growing my skills while working with children and families.
I also love animals and have experience caring for my aunt's dog. I am comfortable helping with pet care, including feeding, walking, and giving pets plenty of attention and care.
I am responsible, patient, and caring, and I look forward to helping families however I can!
I love working with children and have a lot of experience caring for kids and youth. As a big sister, I have been helping care for and babysitting my younger siblings for many years. I have also worked and volunteered at elementary schools and public libraries, where I supported children through activities, learning, and community programs.
I enjoy helping children learn, grow, and feel supported, which is one of the reasons I aspire to become a nurse in the future. I would love the opportunity to continue growing my skills while working with children and families.
I also love animals and have experience caring for my aunt's dog. I am comfortable helping with pet care, including feeding, walking, and giving pets plenty of attention and care.
I am responsible, patient, and caring, and I look forward to helping families however I can!
Have experience working with
Special Needs
Nanny Colleen
Nanny Colleen
San Francisco, CA
$25 - $35/hr
Full-time
Part-time
Occasional
5 years experience
A little bit about me
Hi! My name is Colleen and I am a UC Berkeley graduate. I majored in Media Studies but also minored in Child Development. I have had a lot of experience working with kids. From playing with my cousins, babysitting, being a teacher's aide, as well as being a preschool teacher myself.
I enjoy being creative whether it comes to painting, drawing, photography and I was also a former athlete. I played a lot of basketball and soccer growing up.
I enjoy working with kids because being able to create positive relationships and memories for them is crucial at a young age. I myself have many memories of people I had positive relationships with as a child and I find it amazing how much they really helped me and had an impact on me.
If I feel like I would be the right fit, let me know! I am excited to meet you and to get to know you and your families.
I enjoy being creative whether it comes to painting, drawing, photography and I was also a former athlete. I played a lot of basketball and soccer growing up.
I enjoy working with kids because being able to create positive relationships and memories for them is crucial at a young age. I myself have many memories of people I had positive relationships with as a child and I find it amazing how much they really helped me and had an impact on me.
If I feel like I would be the right fit, let me know! I am excited to meet you and to get to know you and your families.
Have experience working with
Special Needs
Certifications
CPR
First Aid
Nanny Prabha
Nanny Prabha
San Francisco, CA
$25 - $35/hr
Full-time
Part-time
Occasional
8 years experience
A little bit about me
Hello! I’m Prabha and I spent much of my teen years and early adulthood as a babysitter for family, friends and faculty at my boarding school. I also held a resident assistant position at my boarding school.
I have worked in preschools with young children through older adolescents. I spent much of my college experience after COVID volunteering in schools through the community service fraternity I co-founded.
I speak Spanish, Tamil and Bahasa Indonesian. I knit, crochet and sew, so very much love getting kids into crafting as a hobby!
I am a quick study, able to pick up on house rules and willing to help around the house to any capacity needed.
I have worked in preschools with young children through older adolescents. I spent much of my college experience after COVID volunteering in schools through the community service fraternity I co-founded.
I speak Spanish, Tamil and Bahasa Indonesian. I knit, crochet and sew, so very much love getting kids into crafting as a hobby!
I am a quick study, able to pick up on house rules and willing to help around the house to any capacity needed.
Have experience working with
Infants
Special Needs
Certifications
CPR
First Aid
Nanny Sarah
Nanny Sarah
San Francisco, CA
$25 - $35/hr
Part-time
Occasional
2 years experience
A little bit about me
Hello there! I'm Sarah, I was born and raised here in San Francisco, and I am looking for a part-time childcare job. I am an energetic, kind, friendly, and reliable. I am currently working towards become a children's librarian and work at the San Francisco Public Library part time. I started baby-sitting in high school, and was a summer camp counselor, so I have experience working one on one with children, and with groups. I absolutely love spending time with kids and have missed it, so am looking forward to getting back into childcare.
Have experience working with
Special Needs
Nanny Jessi
Nanny Jessi
San Francisco, CA
$25 - $30/hr
Occasional
6 years experience
A little bit about me
I was a professional nanny for six years, caring for children from infancy through grade school. I still keep in touch with several of the families I’ve worked with, which speaks to the strong, trusting relationships I build. I believe in a balance of enrichment and fun, creating engaging activities that support learning, creativity, and confidence. I’m attentive, reliable, and focused on maintaining a safe, structured, and positive environment for every child in my care. I’m currently looking for families who need a dependable and caring babysitter.
Have experience working with
Infants
Special Needs
Certifications
CPR
First Aid
Nanny Kheira
Nanny Kheira
San Francisco, CA
$28/hr
Occasional
1 year experience
A little bit about me
Hi, my name is Kira!
I’m a dedicated childcare teacher and Early Childhood Education student, as well as a proud mom to a wonderful boy. I’m fluent in French, English, and Arabic, and I truly enjoy being surrounded by children of all ages.
I’m certified in Pediatric First Aid & CPR, Child Abuse Mandated Reporter Training, and have up-to-date immunizations with fingerprint clearance. My goal is to provide a safe, nurturing, and engaging environment where children can grow, learn, and feel loved 🥰
I’m a dedicated childcare teacher and Early Childhood Education student, as well as a proud mom to a wonderful boy. I’m fluent in French, English, and Arabic, and I truly enjoy being surrounded by children of all ages.
I’m certified in Pediatric First Aid & CPR, Child Abuse Mandated Reporter Training, and have up-to-date immunizations with fingerprint clearance. My goal is to provide a safe, nurturing, and engaging environment where children can grow, learn, and feel loved 🥰
Have experience working with
Infants
Certifications
CPR
First Aid
Nanny Paige
Nanny Paige
San Francisco, CA
$27/hr
Part-time
Occasional
4 years experience
A little bit about me
My name is Paige, and I am 20 years old. I am a college student at CCSF! I am local to Sunnyside. I am a reliable babysitter looking for a steady gig. I am also available for "on-call" babysitting, if you ever want a night out or a kid-free time! My past experience includes working as a teacher's assistant at a preschool and a synagogue. In addition to babysitting, I am also available for dog walking in the area. I can't wait to hear from you!
Have experience working with
Special Needs
Nanny Savannah
Nanny Savannah
San Francisco, CA
$28/hr
Occasional
2 years experience
A little bit about me
I am a 30 y/o (f) AMFT trying to make extra money as I start my career. I'm seeking weekday gigs Wednesdays and Thursdays and occasional weekend gigs for those that want to go on a date night or even a weekend trip. I was a pre k teacher for 3 years and I work with children as a therapist now as well. For about a year I was behavior technician working with children on the autism spectrum ages 2 to 9. CPR and First Aid certified as my current job requires that already. Willing to help with cooking and cleaning as well. I do not own a vehicle.
Have experience working with
Special Needs
Certifications
CPR
First Aid
Nanny Enkhgerelt
Nanny Enkhgerelt
San Francisco, CA
$26/hr
Part-time
Occasional
6 years experience
A little bit about me
Hi! My name is Inkuni and I’m currently an undergraduate at UC Davis. I’ve been helping out at my family’s childcare for almost six years, where I’ve gained hands-on experience caring for children of different ages (0-5yrs). I’m looking for part-time babysitting opportunities during my summer break. I’m responsible, patient, and attentive, and I always aim to create a positive and safe environment. If you’re looking for a reliable and experienced babysitter, I’d love to connect!
Have experience working with
Infants