Reviewed by the Nanny Lane team · Last updated
How much does a babysitter cost in New York, NY in 2026?
In New York, NY, the average babysitter earns about $23.99 per hour. For a typical 40-hour week, that works out to roughly $960/week or $4,158/month. Most New York families pay somewhere in the $16–$35/hour range, depending on experience, the number of kids, and what's expected on the job.
Average hourly rate$23.99/hr · New York average
These numbers come from 4,420 live babysitter listings in New York on Nanny Lane. We update this page whenever the data moves.
- Weekly
(40 hrs) - $960
- Monthly
- $4,158
- Annual
- $49,899
Find babysitters near you
What drives the price
Most New York families pay somewhere in the $16–$35/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 $22.81/hour, while the most experienced (6-10 yrs) charge around $26.96/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) | $23.99 |
|---|---|
| 2 kids | ~$24.99 |
| 3+ kids | ~$25.99+ |
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 | $25.44/hr | |
| Part-time | 10–25 hrs/week | $24.25/hr | |
| Occasional | 5–15 hrs/week | $24.19/hr | |
| Live-in | Set by family | $24.61/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 New York babysitter rates compare to state and national averages?
New York is one of the more expensive babysitter markets in the country.
Hiring babysitters in New York, NY typically costs about 12% more than the New York average of $21/hour and 28% more than the United States average of $19/hour.
| Area | Average hourly rate | vs. New York, NY |
|---|---|---|
| New York, NY | $24/hr | — |
| New York | $21/hr | -11% |
| United States | $19/hr | -22% |
Where New York, NY fits among nearby cities
10 nearby cities have enough babysitter data to compare, with rates ranging from $18.65/hour in Syracuse to $23.99/hour in New York.
Below: how each compares to the New York, NY average of $23.99/hour — New York, NY is highlighted at its true rank.
Nearby cities ranked by babysitter rate
| # | City | $/hr | vs. New York, NY | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | New York | $23.99 | — | |
| 2 | Brooklyn | $22.54 | -6% | |
| 3 | Flushing | $22.49 | -6% | |
| 4 | Queens | $21.25 | -11% | |
| 5 | The Bronx | $20.71 | -14% | |
| 6 | Staten Island | $20.28 | -15% | |
| 7 | Albany | $19.41 | -19% | |
| 8 | Rochester | $19.04 | -21% | |
| 9 | Buffalo | $19.03 | -21% | |
| 10 | Syracuse | $18.65 | -22% |
● Most expensive nearby: New York ($23.99)● Least expensive nearby: Syracuse ($18.65)
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 New York, NY
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 New York, NY
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 New York, NY
4,420 active listings in New York
Nanny Mark
Nanny Mark
New York, NY
$20 - $26/hr
Full-time
Part-time
Occasional
2 years experience
A little bit about me
I'm a spanish speaking 55+ mother with 2 adult kids and worked as a nanny for a multiple jewish orthodox families from infants to 5 years old. I also cook and organize spaces.
Have experience working with
Infants
Nanny Leiny
Nanny Leiny
New York, NY
$24/hr
Occasional
2 years experience
A little bit about me
Hello I am Leiny!
I am currently a grad student at Columbia University. I am studying Behavioral Analysis with a teacher certification! I want to work with special needs children in the Autism spectrum and other disabilities. I worked abroad a lot from Thailand, London to Morocco where I worked as a school counselor coordinator. I worked as a babysitter for my coworkers kids and as well for after school activities. I am confident I have all the skills needed to take care of your little ones and make sure they have fun and feel taken care for in a safety and dynamic environment :)
I am currently a grad student at Columbia University. I am studying Behavioral Analysis with a teacher certification! I want to work with special needs children in the Autism spectrum and other disabilities. I worked abroad a lot from Thailand, London to Morocco where I worked as a school counselor coordinator. I worked as a babysitter for my coworkers kids and as well for after school activities. I am confident I have all the skills needed to take care of your little ones and make sure they have fun and feel taken care for in a safety and dynamic environment :)
Have experience working with
Special Needs
Certification
First Aid
Nanny Desiree
Nanny Desiree
New York, NY
$19 - $25/hr
Full-time
Part-time
Occasional
5 years experience
A little bit about me
Hello!
My name is Desiree. I have 6 years of childcare experience. I love working with children and find that both caretakers and children can learn from each other! I have worked with children from as little as 3 years old to 11 years old.
I do have the following certifications
-Mandated Reporter
-DOE/DOH Fingerprinted
- ACE’s and Trauma Informed Practices
- CPR & First Aid Certified
- Anaphylactic Shock & Elijah’s Law
Hope to hear from you!!
My name is Desiree. I have 6 years of childcare experience. I love working with children and find that both caretakers and children can learn from each other! I have worked with children from as little as 3 years old to 11 years old.
I do have the following certifications
-Mandated Reporter
-DOE/DOH Fingerprinted
- ACE’s and Trauma Informed Practices
- CPR & First Aid Certified
- Anaphylactic Shock & Elijah’s Law
Hope to hear from you!!
Certifications
CPR
First Aid
Nanny Macy
Nanny Macy
New York, NY
$19 - $30/hr
Full-time
Part-time
Occasional
4 years experience
A little bit about me
Hi! My name is Macy, and I am a 21-year-old student entering my senior year at Pace University in New York City. Originally from the suburbs of Chicago, I have over five years of babysitting and nannying experience and have worked closely with two families as a part-time nanny for more than three years. I have cared for children of all ages, from infants to pre-teens, and have also worked as a swim instructor for young children. I am CPR certified, fluent in Spanish, and comfortable assisting with homework, meal preparation, light housekeeping, organization, transportation, and swim lessons. I also have experience with dog walking and pet sitting. Families describe me as dependable, patient, energetic, and caring, and I strive to create a safe, positive, and engaging environment where children can learn, grow, and have fun.
Have experience working with
Infants
Certifications
CPR
First Aid
Nanny Luong
Nanny Luong
New York, NY
$20 - $25/hr
Part-time
Occasional
< 1 year experience
A little bit about me
Hi! I am 23 years old and a Master's student at Columbia University. I enjoy cooking, reading, and doing outdoor activities.
Have experience working with
Special Needs
Nanny Zala
Nanny Zala
New York, NY
$30 - $40/hr
Full-time
Part-time
Occasional
7 years experience
A little bit about me
I have been working with children since high school, starting with babysitting and growing into afterschool nanny roles for several families over the past seven years. My experience is primarily with elementary school-aged children, though I have worked with toddlers as well.
I am an energetic and enthusiastic caregiver who loves spending time with kids. Whether reading, doing crafts, cooking, playing sports, or exploring outside, I prioritize hands-on, screen-free activities that keep children engaged and curious.
What draws me to childcare is the opportunity to make a real impact. I have fond memories of my own childhood nanny, and that relationship has always inspired the kind of caregiver I want to be. I bring patience and a calm presence to every situation, focused on creating a safe, nurturing environment where kids feel supported and encouraged to grow.
Outside of work, I enjoy cooking, pilates, spending time outdoors, and trying new restaurants with friends and family.
I am an energetic and enthusiastic caregiver who loves spending time with kids. Whether reading, doing crafts, cooking, playing sports, or exploring outside, I prioritize hands-on, screen-free activities that keep children engaged and curious.
What draws me to childcare is the opportunity to make a real impact. I have fond memories of my own childhood nanny, and that relationship has always inspired the kind of caregiver I want to be. I bring patience and a calm presence to every situation, focused on creating a safe, nurturing environment where kids feel supported and encouraged to grow.
Outside of work, I enjoy cooking, pilates, spending time outdoors, and trying new restaurants with friends and family.
Certifications
CPR
First Aid
Nanny Marcela
Nanny Marcela
New York, NY
Active Now
$22 - $27/hr
Part-time
Occasional
10+ years experience
A little bit about me
Hi! I'm Marcela, a law student with over 10 years of babysitting and childcare experience. Growing up with younger siblings, I naturally took on a caregiving role from a young age, which is where my love for working with children began. Over the years, I've cared for children of various ages and enjoy everything from arts and crafts and outdoor activities to helping with homework and bedtime routines. Families describe me as responsible, patient, and dependable, and I always strive to create a safe, fun, and supportive environment for every child in my care. My experience in law school has further strengthened my organization, communication, and problem-solving skills, which I bring to every babysitting job. I love building meaningful connections with children and helping them learn, grow, and feel confident while having fun.
Have experience working with
Infants
Certifications
CPR
First Aid
Nanny Khadii
Nanny Khadii
New York, NY
$18 - $22/hr
Occasional
4 years experience
A little bit about me
Hi! my name is Khadi and I’m a caring, responsible, and energetic college student. I play the euphonium and enjoy music, reading books, and playing games in my free time.
Nanny Anavel
Nanny Anavel
New York, NY
$30 - $31/hr
Occasional
8 years experience
A little bit about me
Hi families! My name is Anavel. I am a loving and responsible babysitter with 8 years of experience caring for newborns, infants, toddlers, and children up to 8 years old. I’m bilingual (English & Spanish) and based in Manhattan.
I’m very patient, reliable, and great with baby routines—feeding, naps, diapering, tummy time, and soothing. With older kids, I focus on learning through play and creating a safe, positive environment.
What I offer:
• Newborn & infant care
• Toddler routines
• Light housekeeping for the children
• Meal prep for kids
• Bilingual care
• Available across all NYC boroughs
I would love to support your family and care for your little ones.
Looking forward to meeting you soon!
I’m very patient, reliable, and great with baby routines—feeding, naps, diapering, tummy time, and soothing. With older kids, I focus on learning through play and creating a safe, positive environment.
What I offer:
• Newborn & infant care
• Toddler routines
• Light housekeeping for the children
• Meal prep for kids
• Bilingual care
• Available across all NYC boroughs
I would love to support your family and care for your little ones.
Looking forward to meeting you soon!
Have experience working with
Infants