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 $28.09 per hour. For a typical 40-hour week, that works out to roughly $1,124/week or $4,869/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$28.09/hr · San Francisco average
These numbers come from 725 live babysitter listings in San Francisco on Nanny Lane. We update this page whenever the data moves.
- Weekly
(40 hrs) - $1,124
- Monthly
- $4,869
- Annual
- $58,427
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 $26.86/hour, while the most experienced (6-10 yrs) charge around $31.49/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) | $28.09 |
|---|---|
| 2 kids | ~$29.09 |
| 3+ kids | ~$30.09+ |
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 | $29.90/hr | |
| Part-time | 10–25 hrs/week | $28.69/hr | |
| Occasional | 5–15 hrs/week | $28.45/hr | |
| Live-in | Set by family | $28.45/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 25% more than the California average of $23/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 | $23/hr | -20% |
| 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 $18.97/hour in Fresno to $28.09/hour in San Francisco.
Below: how each compares to the San Francisco, CA average of $28.09/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 | $28.09 | — | |
| 2 | San Jose | $25.23 | -10% | |
| 3 | Los Angeles | $24.56 | -13% | |
| 4 | San Diego | $23.54 | -16% | |
| 5 | Long Beach | $22.25 | -21% | |
| 6 | Sacramento | $20.87 | -26% | |
| 7 | Riverside | $19.88 | -29% | |
| 8 | Stockton | $19.64 | -30% | |
| 9 | Bakersfield | $19.11 | -32% | |
| 10 | Fresno | $18.97 | -32% |
● Most expensive nearby: San Francisco ($28.09)● Least expensive nearby: Fresno ($18.97)
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
725 active listings in San Francisco
Nanny Adela
Nanny Adela
San Francisco, CA
$45 - $50/hr
Full-time
Part-time
Occasional
10+ years experience
A little bit about me
Hello Families!!!!
My name is Adela Sandino
I consider myself a warm, loving, patient, responsible, organized, reliable, creative, and flexible person, I truly enjoy helping children learn, grow, and explore the world around them.
I enjoy creating a nurturing environment where children feel safe, loved, and encouraged to develop confidence, kindness, curiosity, and independence.
I understand that choosing someone to care for your child is one of the most important decisions a family can make, and I take that responsibility with great care, love and dedication.
My goal is to provide every child with the love, patience, and support they need to grow into happy, confident, and curious little learners.
Your child’s happiness, safety, and well-being are always my top priorities.
My name is Adela Sandino
I consider myself a warm, loving, patient, responsible, organized, reliable, creative, and flexible person, I truly enjoy helping children learn, grow, and explore the world around them.
I enjoy creating a nurturing environment where children feel safe, loved, and encouraged to develop confidence, kindness, curiosity, and independence.
I understand that choosing someone to care for your child is one of the most important decisions a family can make, and I take that responsibility with great care, love and dedication.
My goal is to provide every child with the love, patience, and support they need to grow into happy, confident, and curious little learners.
Your child’s happiness, safety, and well-being are always my top priorities.
Certifications
CPR
First Aid
Nanny Danielle
Nanny Danielle
San Francisco, CA
$25 - $35/hr
Occasional
2 years experience
A little bit about me
My name is Dani! I am originally from the LA area (Thousand Oaks). I just moved out to SF with my husband and am finishing my Family Studies and Math degree online. I love music, the outdoors, and reading.
I have worked as a nanny/babysitter for several years and also worked as a private math tutor for many years for kids ages 4th grade to 12th.
I am very organized and a hard worker. I have much experience babysitting kids of all ages, from young babies to teenagers. I am also qualified to assist with tutoring of all subjects. I enjoy cleaning and helping out wherever I can.
I am not CPR or first aid certified, but am in the process of starting this training.
I have worked as a nanny/babysitter for several years and also worked as a private math tutor for many years for kids ages 4th grade to 12th.
I am very organized and a hard worker. I have much experience babysitting kids of all ages, from young babies to teenagers. I am also qualified to assist with tutoring of all subjects. I enjoy cleaning and helping out wherever I can.
I am not CPR or first aid certified, but am in the process of starting this training.
Have experience working with
Infants
Special Needs
Nanny Mariah
Nanny Mariah
San Francisco, CA
$30 - $50/hr
Part-time
Occasional
4 years experience
A little bit about me
I’m outgoing, fun, caring, and absolutely love kids! I recently relocated to San Francisco after living near Fresno, where I worked with a family for 4 years caring for their 4 children. I’ve also worked as a teacher’s aide and with children with special needs. I’m patient, dependable, energetic, and love creating a safe and fun environment for kids. My faith is a big part of who I am, and I love God and bringing joy and positivity wherever I go! I’ve also been a youth leader for high school and junior high girls for 4 years.
Have experience working with
Special Needs
Certifications
CPR
First Aid
Nanny Carmen
Nanny Carmen
San Francisco, CA
$28/hr
Part-time
Occasional
3 years experience
A little bit about me
Hello! Im Carmen from Argentina, im an a current aupair living with my host family and i would like to make more extra hours :)
Have experience working with
Special Needs
Certifications
CPR
First Aid
Nanny Jane
Nanny Jane
San Francisco, CA
$30 - $35/hr
Part-time
Occasional
5 years experience
A little bit about me
I am currently a dental student at UCSF and I miss spending time with kids! I love spending time outdoors and hearing children's laughter when I pass by a playground.
Have experience working with
Special Needs
Certifications
CPR
First Aid
Nanny Lillian
Nanny Lillian
San Francisco, CA
$27 - $47/hr
Part-time
Occasional
10+ years experience
A little bit about me
Hi! My name is Lily and I'm so excited to start working with kids again!
The past 5 years I was working as a caseworker for chronically homeless and at-risk adults in the Tenderloin neighborhood of San Francisco.
I'm ready for a change, and I want to return to my passion of working with kids.
I have been babysitting since I was a young teen, I was a camp counselor for several summers, and I have worked at after school programs too!
With my recent office experience, I also hope to help families with organization and household management.
I'm looking forward to meeting you and your family :)
**Please let me know if you would like a copy of my background check or my references!**
The past 5 years I was working as a caseworker for chronically homeless and at-risk adults in the Tenderloin neighborhood of San Francisco.
I'm ready for a change, and I want to return to my passion of working with kids.
I have been babysitting since I was a young teen, I was a camp counselor for several summers, and I have worked at after school programs too!
With my recent office experience, I also hope to help families with organization and household management.
I'm looking forward to meeting you and your family :)
**Please let me know if you would like a copy of my background check or my references!**
Have experience working with
Infants
Special Needs
Certifications
CPR
First Aid
Nanny Maya
Nanny Maya
San Francisco, CA
$28/hr
Occasional
5 years experience
A little bit about me
Hi, I'm Maya! I'm a Psychology and Justice & Law student at American University with a passion for working with children. With experience as a Behavior Technician, Teacher Assistant, and ballet instructor, I strive to provide safe, engaging, and compassionate care that gives parents peace of mind!
Have experience working with
Infants
Special Needs
Nanny Ayanna
Nanny Ayanna
San Francisco, CA
$16.50 - $35/hr
Part-time
Occasional
< 1 year experience
A little bit about me
Hello I’m Ayanna I’m young but have experience with kids and pets
I’m into outdoor activities and arts and crafts and im very nice
I’m into outdoor activities and arts and crafts and im very nice
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