Reviewed by the Nanny Lane team · Last updated

How much does a babysitter cost in St. Petersburg, FL in 2026?

In St. Petersburg, FL, the average babysitter earns about $18.67 per hour. For a typical 40-hour week, that works out to roughly $747/week or $3,236/month. Most St. Petersburg families pay somewhere in the $13–$28/hour range, depending on experience, the number of kids, and what's expected on the job.

Average hourly rate$18.67/hr · St. Petersburg average

These numbers come from 776 live babysitter listings in St. Petersburg on Nanny Lane. We update this page whenever the data moves.

$747
$3,236
$38,834

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What drives the price

Most St. Petersburg families pay somewhere in the $13–$28/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 $17.74/hour, while the most experienced (6-10 yrs) charge around $21.55/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)$18.67
2 kids~$19.67
3+ kids~$20.67+

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$20/hr
Part-time10–25 hrs/week$19/hr
Occasional5–15 hrs/week$18.56/hr
Live-inSet by family$18.67/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 arrangements look cheaper per hour because room and board are part of the package. 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 St. Petersburg babysitter rates compare to state and national averages?

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

Hiring babysitters in St. Petersburg, FL typically costs about 10% more than the Florida average of $17/hour and 11% more than the United States average of $17/hour.

Average hourly babysitters rates compared across St. Petersburg, FL and reference areas.
AreaAverage hourly ratevs. St. Petersburg, FL
St. Petersburg, FL$19/hr
Florida$17/hr-9%
United States$17/hr-10%

Where St. Petersburg, FL fits among nearby cities

The most expensive city for babysitters near St. Petersburg, FL is Jupiter at $20.04/hour; the least expensive is Milton at $14.09/hour.

Below are the 10 most and 10 least expensive cities near St. Petersburg, FL and how each compares to St. Petersburg, FL's average of $18.67/hour.

Most expensive cities near St. Petersburg, FL

Top 10 most expensive cities near St. Petersburg, FL for hiring a babysitter, ranked by average hourly rate.
#City$/hrvs. St. Petersburg, FL
1Jupiter$20.04+7%
2Miami Beach$19.71+6%
3Naples$19.16+3%
4Delray Beach$18.82+1%
5West Palm Beach$18.44-1%
6Boca Raton$18.39-1%
7Winter Park$17.96-4%
8Pembroke Pines$17.91-4%
St. PetersburgThis city$17.91-4%
10North Miami Beach$17.52-6%

Least expensive cities near St. Petersburg, FL

Top 10 least expensive cities near St. Petersburg, FL for hiring a babysitter, ranked by average hourly rate.
#City$/hrvs. St. Petersburg, FL
1Milton$14.09-25%
2Winter Haven$14.10-24%
3Lakeland$14.51-22%
4Ocala$14.53-22%
5Spring Hill$14.61-22%
6Sanford$14.66-21%
7Apopka$14.76-21%
8Palm Coast$14.78-21%
9Pensacola$14.79-21%
10Fort Pierce$14.97-20%

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 St. Petersburg, FL

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 St. Petersburg, FL

    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 St. Petersburg, FL

776 active listings in St. Petersburg

Megan T. - Seeking Work in St. Petersburg

Nanny Megan

St. Petersburg, FL
$19.25/hr
Occasional
< 1 year experience

A little bit about me

Im a single mom trying to support my family i have a 5 kids. Im a kind, loving person, very empathetic. Ive been raising kids for over 16 years.
Kayla L. - Seeking Work in St. Petersburg

Nanny Kayla

St. Petersburg, FL
$18/hr
Part-time
Occasional
6 years experience

A little bit about me

My name is Kayla- reliable, patient and energetic sitter who loves helping kids feel supported, heard, and entertained. I’m great under pressure, quick to learn routines, and bringing a good attitude. I enjoy creating activities, keeping things organized, and making parents feel at ease while away.

Have experience working with

Special Needs
Lauren S. - Seeking Work in St. Petersburg

Nanny Lauren

St. Petersburg, FL
$19.50/hr
Full-time
Part-time
Occasional
2 years experience

A little bit about me

Hi! My names Lauren, I’m Originally from Pennsylvania but moved to Florida for something new. I’m one of the oldest of 19 cousins so I have a lot of experience babysitting and playing with younger kids. My cousin just welcomed their first babygirl one year ago & I used to babysit her every weekend prior to moving here. I’m looking to get back into nannying / babysitting while I continue the hunt for what I want to do next. Kids have always brought me so much joy and I would love to help families in away that I can!

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Sky S. - Seeking Work in St. Petersburg

Nanny Sky

St. Petersburg, FL
$19/hr
Full-time
Occasional
< 1 year experience

A little bit about me

I’m good with kids i will do everything that u ask me too do, I know how to cook, cleen etc but it might be more for additional things like cooking cleening etc.
Leticia G. - Seeking Work in St. Petersburg

Nanny Leticia

St. Petersburg, FL
$19/hr
Part-time
Occasional
10+ years experience

A little bit about me

I am very patient and easy to deal with kids in all ages, I am very honest and I have very good references for previous employers. I can do everything for the children including meal preparation.

Have experience working with

Infants

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Brooke H. - Seeking Work in St. Petersburg

Nanny Brooke

St. Petersburg, FL
$19/hr
Part-time
Occasional
3 years experience

A little bit about me

Hi! My name is Brooke Hopkins and I am 24yrs old. This is my second year as a Special Education teacher. I love being with kids of all ages, cooking, and spending time outside. I’m outgoing, responsible and professional. I would love to help support you and your family!

Have experience working with

Special Needs
Richard'ia A. - Seeking Work in St. Petersburg

Nanny Richard'ia

St. Petersburg, FL
$18/hr
Occasional
4 years experience

A little bit about me

Hi, my name is Richard’ia Allen, i am currently a college student who has worked in the parks and recreation child care industry for 4 years, i have mostly worked with middle school aged kids but have additional experience with younger kids.

Have experience working with

Special Needs

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Carmody G. - Seeking Work in St. Petersburg

Nanny Carmody

St. Petersburg, FL
$18/hr
Part-time
Occasional
4 years experience

A little bit about me

Hi! I'm an FSU student with years of daycare and babysitting experience! I'm dependable, patient, and always bring a positive energy. I would love to work with kids of all ages!

Have experience working with

Infants
Cortney B. - Seeking Work in St. Petersburg

Nanny Cortney

St. Petersburg, FL
$18/hr
Full-time
Part-time
Occasional
5 years experience

A little bit about me

Hi there!!

My name is Cortney and I am born and raised in St. Pete! I am a SAHM with a wonderful and fun loving 13 month old daughter.
I have worked in child care for most of my life as a volunteer and 5 years of paid work. I specialize in Infant and Toddler education and have my license for it. I am currently working on getting my CDA in early childhood education.
I am CPR and first aid certified. I have a reliable car and have experience in meal prepping and housework.
I would have to bring my daughter with me, she loves being around other kids and is well behaved.
I hope you consider me as your nanny and look forward to speaking to you!

Have experience working with

Infants

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
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