Reviewed by the Nanny Lane team · Last updated
How much does a babysitter cost in Santa Monica, CA in 2026?
In Santa Monica, CA, the average babysitter earns about $26.91 per hour. For a typical 40-hour week, that works out to roughly $1,076/week or $4,664/month. Most Santa Monica 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$26.91/hr · Santa Monica average
These numbers come from 151 live babysitter listings in Santa Monica on Nanny Lane. We update this page whenever the data moves.
- Weekly
(40 hrs) - $1,076
- Monthly
- $4,664
- Annual
- $55,973
Find babysitters near you
What drives the price
Most Santa Monica 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 $24.15/hour, while the most experienced (6-10 yrs) charge around $29.66/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) | $26.91 |
|---|---|
| 2 kids | ~$27.91 |
| 3+ kids | ~$28.91+ |
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 | $28.31/hr | |
| Part-time | 10–25 hrs/week | $25.47/hr | |
| Occasional | 5–15 hrs/week | $26.53/hr | |
| Live-in | Set by family | $28.05/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 here run higher than live-out — uncommon, but typically reflects specialty demand for around-the-clock or live-in newborn care. The trade-off is space — you'll need a private bedroom and ideally a separate bathroom for the babysitter.
How do Santa Monica babysitter rates compare to state and national averages?
Santa Monica is one of the more expensive babysitter markets in the country.
Hiring babysitters in Santa Monica, CA typically costs about 19% more than the California average of $23/hour and 40% more than the United States average of $19/hour.
| Area | Average hourly rate | vs. Santa Monica, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Santa Monica, CA | $27/hr | — |
| California | $23/hr | -16% |
| United States | $19/hr | -28% |
Where Santa Monica, CA fits among nearby cities
10 nearby cities have enough babysitter data to compare, with rates ranging from $19.06/hour in Fresno to $28.04/hour in San Francisco.
Below: how each compares to the Santa Monica, CA average of $26.91/hour.
Nearby cities ranked by babysitter rate
| # | City | $/hr | vs. Santa Monica, CA | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | San Francisco | $28.04 | +4% | |
| 2 | San Jose | $25.35 | -6% | |
| 3 | Los Angeles | $24.74 | -8% | |
| 4 | San Diego | $23.61 | -12% | |
| 5 | Long Beach | $22.38 | -17% | |
| 6 | Sacramento | $20.97 | -22% | |
| 7 | Riverside | $19.95 | -26% | |
| 8 | Stockton | $19.74 | -27% | |
| 9 | Bakersfield | $19.19 | -29% | |
| 10 | Fresno | $19.06 | -29% |
● Most expensive nearby: San Francisco ($28.04)● Least expensive nearby: Fresno ($19.06)
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 Santa Monica, 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 Santa Monica, 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 Santa Monica, CA
151 active listings in Santa Monica
Nanny Mia Rose
Nanny Mia Rose
Santa Monica, CA
$30 - $50/hr
Part-time
Occasional
10+ years experience
A little bit about me
Hi, I’m Mia Rose! I’m 29 years old, based in Santa Monica LA, and love working with kids. As one of six siblings, caring for and entertaining children has been a part of my life from the very beginning. I’ve worked as a camp counselor and have experience supporting children of various ages both at home and during outings and activities.
By day, I’m a fitness instructor with more than 10 years of experience helping people build confidence, stay active, and have fun. Families often describe me as warm, energetic, responsible, and easy to be around. Whether your child enjoys outdoor adventures, creative projects, games, or simply having a positive role model around, I strive to create a safe and engaging experience for every child.
I’d love the opportunity to support your family and help make life a little easier while ensuring your children have a great time.
By day, I’m a fitness instructor with more than 10 years of experience helping people build confidence, stay active, and have fun. Families often describe me as warm, energetic, responsible, and easy to be around. Whether your child enjoys outdoor adventures, creative projects, games, or simply having a positive role model around, I strive to create a safe and engaging experience for every child.
I’d love the opportunity to support your family and help make life a little easier while ensuring your children have a great time.
Have experience working with
Infants
Certifications
CPR
First Aid
Nanny Gabriela
Nanny Gabriela
Santa Monica, CA
$25 - $28/hr
Full-time
Part-time
Occasional
2 years experience
A little bit about me
Hi! I’m Gabriela, a third-year Psychology student at University of California, Santa Cruz with many years of childcare experience. Growing up in a large household with six siblings, I often cared for my three younger siblings and later babysat for multiple families in my community. Through these experiences, I’ve learned how to responsibly care for up to three children at a time while creating a safe, supportive, and engaging environment.
I am experienced in planning fun and educational activities, helping with homework and tutoring, maintaining household routines, completing light chores, and resolving conflicts calmly and patiently. I always strive to be attentive to each child’s individual needs and ensure they feel comfortable, cared for, and supported.
I’m also comfortable working with most pets and am happy to assist with pet care if needed!
I am experienced in planning fun and educational activities, helping with homework and tutoring, maintaining household routines, completing light chores, and resolving conflicts calmly and patiently. I always strive to be attentive to each child’s individual needs and ensure they feel comfortable, cared for, and supported.
I’m also comfortable working with most pets and am happy to assist with pet care if needed!
Nanny Noa
Nanny Noa
Santa Monica, CA
$22 - $30/hr
Part-time
Occasional
< 1 year experience
A little bit about me
I am 15 years old and speak fluent english and spanish. I am a hardworking student and have experience in working with kids from a summer camp I went for 2 summers. I am willing to cook and clean, and am an upbeat and patient person who also loves pets.
Have experience working with
Special Needs
Nanny Piya
Nanny Piya
Santa Monica, CA
$25 - $30/hr
Part-time
Occasional
4 years experience
A little bit about me
Hi! My name is Piya and I am a 23 year old student at the University of Southern California! I love working with kids and I have lots of experience — I was a babysitter for three years in high school and I work as a ski instructor for ages 3-14 every winter when I'm at home in New Hampshire. I am CPR certified and have extensive first aid training — I'm a certified Wilderness First Responder and an American Red Cross lifeguard as well. I love the outdoors, arts and crafts, and playing piano (though I have never taught lessons, I would certainly be open to it)! I love all animals and am happy to look after any pets as well.
Have experience working with
Special Needs
Certifications
CPR
First Aid
Nanny Claire
Nanny Claire
Santa Monica, CA
$28/hr
Occasional
9 years experience
A little bit about me
Hi neighbors! I’m Claire, a Master’s in Social Work student, yoga instructor, avid cook, and sourdough baker looking to connect with families in the Santa Monica/West LA area.
I have experience caring for children of different ages and can help with homework, activities, meals, bedtime, and getting to/from activities. I’m CPR certified, have a clean and safe driving record, and have a reliable car. I’m responsible, patient, and love creating a fun and supportive environment for kids.
Availability:
Evenings — generally available
Afternoons — Tuesday, Thursday & Friday
I’m open to regular weekly care, occasional babysitting, or date nights.
I have experience caring for children of different ages and can help with homework, activities, meals, bedtime, and getting to/from activities. I’m CPR certified, have a clean and safe driving record, and have a reliable car. I’m responsible, patient, and love creating a fun and supportive environment for kids.
Availability:
Evenings — generally available
Afternoons — Tuesday, Thursday & Friday
I’m open to regular weekly care, occasional babysitting, or date nights.
Have experience working with
Infants
Special Needs
Certifications
CPR
First Aid
Nanny Sandy
Nanny Sandy
Santa Monica, CA
$28/hr
Full-time
Part-time
Occasional
6 years experience
A little bit about me
Hi! I’m a fun, dependable nanny who genuinely loves working with kids. I enjoy helping with homework, reading together, and encouraging creativity through arts, crafts, and hands-on activities. I like getting kids off screens and engaged in real-world play—whether that’s exploring outside, learning new skills, or playing sports (basketball is my favorite). I’m known as the “cool aunt” to my nieces and nephews, and creating a safe, positive, and fun environment is something I truly care about. I can’t wait to meet your little ones!
Have experience working with
Special Needs
Certifications
CPR
First Aid
Nanny Sierra
Nanny Sierra
Santa Monica, CA
$28/hr
Occasional
8 years experience
A little bit about me
Hi there! I currently work with youth every day and truly have a passion for helping kids learn, grow, and have fun. I was a full-time nanny for one family for three years and continue to babysit for several families on a regular basis. With experience caring for children of all ages—from infants to young adults—I pride myself on being dependable, patient, and engaging.
Working with kids brings me so much joy, and I always strive to create a safe, nurturing, and positive environment where children feel comfortable and cared for.
In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my boyfriend and our two cats, shopping, doing arts and crafts, exploring new cities, traveling, visiting friends and family, and going to the movies.
I’d love the opportunity to get to know your family and help care for your little ones whenever you need!
Working with kids brings me so much joy, and I always strive to create a safe, nurturing, and positive environment where children feel comfortable and cared for.
In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my boyfriend and our two cats, shopping, doing arts and crafts, exploring new cities, traveling, visiting friends and family, and going to the movies.
I’d love the opportunity to get to know your family and help care for your little ones whenever you need!
Have experience working with
Infants
Special Needs
Certifications
CPR
First Aid
Nanny Ribbon
Nanny Ribbon
Santa Monica, CA
$25 - $35/hr
Part-time
Occasional
10+ years experience
Have experience working with
Infants
Nanny Nicolle
Nanny Nicolle
Santa Monica, CA
$26/hr
Part-time
Occasional
2 years experience
A little bit about me
Hola, mi nombre es Nicolle, me encantaría ayudarte, soy una persona muy paciente y tranquila, me encanta trabajar con los pequeños del hogar ya que son el pilar y el futuro. Me encanta el cuidado y el aprendizaje por medio de juegos didácticos y la comunicación. Estoy dispuesta a un trabajo en equipo con los padres para el bienestar de los más pequeños.
Have experience working with
Special Needs
Certifications
CPR
First Aid