Reviewed by the Nanny Lane team · Last updated
How much does a babysitter cost in St. Cloud, MN in 2026?
In St. Cloud, MN, the average babysitter earns about $17.64 per hour. For a typical 40-hour week, that works out to roughly $706/week or $3,058/month. Most St. Cloud families pay somewhere in the $12–$25/hour range, depending on experience, the number of kids, and what's expected on the job.
Average hourly rate$17.64/hr · St. Cloud average
These numbers come from 168 live babysitter listings in St. Cloud on Nanny Lane. We update this page whenever the data moves.
- Weekly
(40 hrs) - $706
- Monthly
- $3,058
- Annual
- $36,691
Find babysitters near you
What drives the price
Most St. Cloud families pay somewhere in the $12–$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 $17.26/hour, while the most experienced (6-10 yrs) charge around $18.67/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) | $17.64 |
|---|---|
| 2 kids | ~$18.64 |
| 3+ kids | ~$19.64+ |
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 | $18.46/hr | |
| Part-time | 10–25 hrs/week | $17.51/hr | |
| Occasional | 5–15 hrs/week | $16.62/hr | |
| Live-in | Set by family | $18.34/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 St. Cloud babysitter rates compare to state and national averages?
St. Cloud runs below the U.S. average for babysitter rates — a meaningful budget advantage for families looking here.
Hiring babysitters in St. Cloud, MN typically costs about 4% less than the Minnesota average of $18/hour and 6% less than the United States average of $19/hour.
| Area | Average hourly rate | vs. St. Cloud, MN |
|---|---|---|
| St. Cloud, MN | $18/hr | — |
| Minnesota | $18/hr | +4% |
| United States | $19/hr | +7% |
Where St. Cloud, MN fits among nearby cities
10 nearby cities have enough babysitter data to compare, with rates ranging from $16.87/hour in Mankato to $20.17/hour in Minneapolis.
Below: how each compares to the St. Cloud, MN average of $17.64/hour — St. Cloud, MN is highlighted at its true rank.
Nearby cities ranked by babysitter rate
| # | City | $/hr | vs. St. Cloud, MN | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Minneapolis | $20.17 | +14% | |
| 2 | Maple Grove | $19.66 | +11% | |
| 3 | Saint Paul | $19.15 | +9% | |
| 4 | Lakeville | $19.12 | +8% | |
| 5 | Rochester | $18.99 | +8% | |
| 6 | Woodbury | $18.82 | +7% | |
| 7 | St. Cloud | $17.64 | — | |
| 8 | Blaine | $17.33 | -2% | |
| 9 | Duluth | $17.11 | -3% | |
| 10 | Mankato | $16.87 | -4% |
● Most expensive nearby: Minneapolis ($20.17)● Least expensive nearby: Mankato ($16.87)
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 St. Cloud, MN
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 St. Cloud, MN
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 St. Cloud, MN
168 active listings in St. Cloud
Nanny Aaron
Nanny Aaron
St. Cloud, MN
$18/hr
Part-time
Occasional
1 year experience
A little bit about me
I’m a reliable, patient, and safety‑focused babysitter who creates a calm, engaging environment where kids feel understood, supported, and excited to learn. Families appreciate my strong sense of professionalism, clear communication, and ability to follow household routines with care. I stay attentive and grounded, bringing strong safety awareness to every situation while keeping the day fun with age‑appropriate activities like crafts, games, reading, and outdoor play. I’m skilled at emotional attunement, helping children navigate big feelings with patience and empathy, and I adapt easily to each family’s needs, routines, and parenting style. Parents feel confident leaving their children with me because I’m dependable, respectful of their home, and committed to making every moment safe, positive, and meaningful.
Have experience working with
Special Needs
Nanny Mariam
Nanny Mariam
St. Cloud, MN
$17/hr
Part-time
Occasional
1 year experience
A little bit about me
Hi! My name is Mariam, and I’m a responsible, patient, and caring person who truly enjoys working with children. I’m currently a college student studying finance with a minor in political science, and I’ve always valued creating positive and supportive environments for kids. I’m dependable, organized, and enjoy helping with things like homework, creative activities, and keeping routines running smoothly. I believe in being attentive, kind, and communicative so both children and parents feel comfortable and supported.
Have experience working with
Special Needs
Certifications
CPR
First Aid
Nanny Lyndsay
Nanny Lyndsay
St. Cloud, MN
$17/hr
Full-time
Part-time
Occasional
3 years experience
A little bit about me
Hello! My name is Lyndsay, and I’m excited about the opportunity to work as a nanny. I’m a caring, patient, and responsible person who truly enjoys spending time with children. I love creating a safe, fun, and supportive environment where kids can learn, play, and feel comfortable being themselves. I’m happy to help with things like playtime, reading, meals, and bedtime routines. I believe in being attentive, engaging, and making sure children feel heard and cared for. I’m also reliable and understand how important trust is when it comes to caring for your child. Throughout my whole life I’ve always been around children, and taking care of them it’s always been a passion of mine! I would love the chance to support your family and help care for your little one!
Have experience working with
Infants
Special Needs
Nanny Nasri
Nanny Nasri
St. Cloud, MN
$18/hr
Full-time
Occasional
< 1 year experience
A little bit about me
I am a high school student and a part time college student. I have a lot of little siblings as well as many small nephews and nieces. I have spent a lot of time caring for them. After high school I plan to go to nursing school, and wish to pursue a career as a CRNA.
Have experience working with
Special Needs
Certifications
CPR
First Aid
Nanny Kialee Jayde
Nanny Kialee Jayde
St. Cloud, MN
$17/hr
Occasional
1 year experience
A little bit about me
My name is Kialee. I am excited for the opportunity to work with your family and help care for your kiddos and any extra furry friends. I am willing to do whatever i can do to make your life easier…including: cooking, cleaning, laundry, etc. I also do have quite a bit of experience with children who have special needs. I am currently a highschool student, from 8:30-3:30 pm. full disclosure, I currently do not have my license however I'm working on acquiring it.
Have experience working with
Special Needs
Nanny Victoria
Nanny Victoria
St. Cloud, MN
$16/hr
Part-time
Occasional
5 years experience
A little bit about me
My name is Tori, it’s nice to meet you!
I’m a 23 year old college student studying psychology at SCSU. I currently, and for the past three years have worked alongside children diagnosed with autism and other developmental diagnoses, to assist them in improving their self care, social and developmental skills. I also have three younger siblings aged eight, nine, and nineteen. I am familiar and comfortable working with young minds. I look forward to connecting with you. :)
I’m a 23 year old college student studying psychology at SCSU. I currently, and for the past three years have worked alongside children diagnosed with autism and other developmental diagnoses, to assist them in improving their self care, social and developmental skills. I also have three younger siblings aged eight, nine, and nineteen. I am familiar and comfortable working with young minds. I look forward to connecting with you. :)
Have experience working with
Infants
Special Needs
Certifications
CPR
First Aid
Nanny Tete
Nanny Tete
St. Cloud, MN
$18/hr
Part-time
Occasional
3 years experience
A little bit about me
Being the eldest daughter in my family has played a huge role in shaping my nurturing and responsible nature. I'm used to looking out for others and making sure everyone is happy and safe. I’ve babysat many different ages and dealt with many different personalities. I love engaging with children through games, stories, and creative activities, and I'm adept at maintaining routines, whether it's for meals, naps, or bedtime. My patience and understanding allow me to handle any situation with a calm and positive approach.
Have experience working with
Infants
Special Needs
Nanny Amal
Nanny Amal
St. Cloud, MN
$18/hr
Occasional
< 1 year experience
A little bit about me
I am an 18 year old who’s currently in school for elementary education and has done a lot of volunteer work helping kids with special needs and behavior issues. I’ve also worked with elder adults with disabilities and have cared for them
Have experience working with
Special Needs
Certifications
CPR
First Aid
Nanny Rosealyn
Nanny Rosealyn
St. Cloud, MN
$16.50/hr
Part-time
Occasional
1 year experience
A little bit about me
I’m a high school student who truly enjoys spending time with and caring for children. Over the summer, I had the wonderful opportunity to look after my cousin’s five kids, ages 4 to 13, which taught me a lot about patience, creativity, and keeping everyone safe and happy. While I’m not yet officially certified in CPR or First Aid, I’ve completed two classes in both and feel confident in my ability to handle emergencies responsibly. I plan to earn my certification soon, as I’m always looking for ways to learn more and provide the best care possible.
Have experience working with
Special Needs