Reviewed by the Nanny Lane team · Last updated
How much does a babysitter cost in Rapid City, SD in 2026?
In Rapid City, SD, the average babysitter earns about $17.34 per hour. For a typical 40-hour week, that works out to roughly $694/week or $3,006/month. Most Rapid City 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$17.34/hr · Rapid City average
These numbers come from 79 live babysitter listings in Rapid City on Nanny Lane. We update this page whenever the data moves.
- Weekly
(40 hrs) - $694
- Monthly
- $3,006
- Annual
- $36,067
Find babysitters near you
What drives the price
Most Rapid City 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 $16.91/hour, while the most experienced (3-5 yrs) charge around $18.44/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) | $17.34 |
|---|---|
| 2 kids | ~$18.34 |
| 3+ kids | ~$19.34+ |
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 | $19.02/hr | |
| Part-time | 10–25 hrs/week | $16.87/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.
How do Rapid City babysitter rates compare to state and national averages?
Rapid City runs below the U.S. average for babysitter rates — a meaningful budget advantage for families looking here.
Hiring babysitters in Rapid City, SD typically costs about 5% more than the South Dakota average of $17/hour and 9% less than the United States average of $19/hour.
| Area | Average hourly rate | vs. Rapid City, SD |
|---|---|---|
| Rapid City, SD | $17/hr | — |
| South Dakota | $17/hr | -5% |
| United States | $19/hr | +10% |
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 Rapid City, SD
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 Rapid City, SD
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 Rapid City, SD
79 active listings in Rapid City
Nanny Vanessa
Nanny Vanessa
Rapid City, SD
$17 - $20/hr
Full-time
Part-time
Occasional
1 year experience
A little bit about me
My name is Vanessa, and I believe that every child deserves to feel seen, safe, and celebrated — especially those who navigate the world a little differently. I've been working as a respite care provider for military families for a little less than a year, and in that role I've supported a child with Autism and Down syndrome. But my deepest teacher has been my eight-year-old brother, who has level 3 severe autism. Growing up alongside him has shaped not just how I care for children, but who I am as a person. I am certified in First Aid, CPR, and AED. I also have certification for Safe Sleep Practices, and Medication Administration in Child Care. I know that caring for a child with special needs takes patience, flexibility, and a willingness to learn every single day. It also takes a heart that sees the child first. That's the approach I bring with me, shaped by years of loving my brother and strengthened by the professional experience I've gained since.
Have experience working with
Infants
Special Needs
Certifications
CPR
First Aid
Nanny Abella
Nanny Abella
Rapid City, SD
$15 - $20/hr
Full-time
Part-time
Occasional
2 years experience
A little bit about me
Hi! My name is Abella and I’m 19 years old. I recently graduated from Lead-Deadwood high school in 2025. I am thinking of taking another gap year just to figure out what I want to do next. I enjoy working with kids and being someone families can rely on. I like spending time doing fun, simple activities with children while also making sure they are safe and cared for.
I have experienced babysitting for family, friends, and my community. I am comfortable with routines like meals, bedtime, helping with homework, and keeping kids engaged throughout the day. I’ve learned how to be patient, responsible, and attentive in different situations.
I’m comfortable caring for up to 3 children and I’m open to different schedules depending on what the family needs. My goal is to make things easier for parents while making sure kids feel safe and comfortable.
I have experienced babysitting for family, friends, and my community. I am comfortable with routines like meals, bedtime, helping with homework, and keeping kids engaged throughout the day. I’ve learned how to be patient, responsible, and attentive in different situations.
I’m comfortable caring for up to 3 children and I’m open to different schedules depending on what the family needs. My goal is to make things easier for parents while making sure kids feel safe and comfortable.
Nanny Kylie
Nanny Kylie
Rapid City, SD
$16/hr
Part-time
Occasional
3 years experience
A little bit about me
I am 16 years old ! Things I think stick out about me is I’m outgoing , I’m bold and I love kids of course ! I have worked at 2 daycares but I am now looking for a more solo one on one job with kids. I hope to become a nurse and hopefully graduate early this year to possibly join the national guard.
Have experience working with
Infants
Special Needs
Certifications
CPR
First Aid
Nanny Bailey
Nanny Bailey
Rapid City, SD
$18 - $20/hr
Part-time
Occasional
3 years experience
A little bit about me
Hi! My name is Bailey, and I’ve been working as a nanny since 2022. Caring for children is something I truly enjoy, and I love working with kids of all ages. I strive to create a safe, fun, and dependable environment while helping make parents’ lives a little easier.
I’m happy to help with just about anything your family needs, including school drop-offs and pick-ups, meal preparation, light housekeeping, homework help, errands, and keeping the kids entertained with fun, age-appropriate activities.
I will be returning to college in January, so my availability may change at that time. However, as of right now, I am available Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays and would love to support your family on those days. If you’re looking for a reliable, caring, and hardworking nanny, I’d love the opportunity to connect with you!
I’m happy to help with just about anything your family needs, including school drop-offs and pick-ups, meal preparation, light housekeeping, homework help, errands, and keeping the kids entertained with fun, age-appropriate activities.
I will be returning to college in January, so my availability may change at that time. However, as of right now, I am available Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays and would love to support your family on those days. If you’re looking for a reliable, caring, and hardworking nanny, I’d love the opportunity to connect with you!
Have experience working with
Infants
Special Needs
Certifications
CPR
First Aid
Nanny Keesha
Nanny Keesha
Rapid City, SD
$17/hr
Full-time
Occasional
< 1 year experience
A little bit about me
Hello, I’m 13 years old and I’m a reliable person! I have taken First Aid certification and babysitting classes. I have worked with kids for over a year and would love to come work with you.
Certification
First Aid
Nanny Jesley
Nanny Jesley
Rapid City, SD
$15/hr
Full-time
Part-time
Occasional
4 years experience
A little bit about me
Hi! I am 17 years old and I do online school so I am available always! I have worked with kids of all ages for as long as I can remember! I am extremely patient and would love to find a nice family to help out!
Have experience working with
Infants
Special Needs
Nanny Veronica
Nanny Veronica
Rapid City, SD
$15/hr
Full-time
Part-time
Occasional
10+ years experience
A little bit about me
Hello my name Veronica, I have taken a child development class in the past.
My current updated list of skills involve over 10 years of babysitting and 3 years of studying for nursing when COVID was brought into America [phone number hidden]).
In the past I have also volunteered at monument hospital in rapid city in the pediatric department (2016). I am very familiar with caring for all ages under any kind of circumstances, with our without learning developmental delays. I am willing to negotiate price as well, thank you for your consideration.
I will hopefully be getting my CPR updated this next year (2026)
My current updated list of skills involve over 10 years of babysitting and 3 years of studying for nursing when COVID was brought into America [phone number hidden]).
In the past I have also volunteered at monument hospital in rapid city in the pediatric department (2016). I am very familiar with caring for all ages under any kind of circumstances, with our without learning developmental delays. I am willing to negotiate price as well, thank you for your consideration.
I will hopefully be getting my CPR updated this next year (2026)
Have experience working with
Infants
Special Needs
Certification
CPR
Nanny Amiee
Nanny Amiee
Rapid City, SD
$19/hr
Part-time
Occasional
10+ years experience
A little bit about me
Greetings! I may not be your fit if being 73 years young is an obstacle. Or if raising siblings, 2 sons and 2 grandchildren doesn't fit your vibe. If my love of kitties and dogs is not on your needs list. Treating children as intelligent understanding beings is how I've always treated my sons and grandchildren. They understand far more than adults give them credit for. Keeping children properly fed, clean and warm is a a priority with me, although I have been known to encourage my grandchildren to enjoy mud puddles and explore the country side with a lot of happiness. No I have never worked as a nanny but I sure have taken care of a lot of children and enjoyed just being with them. Thats about all for now. Cheers, Amiee
Have experience working with
Infants
Certification
CPR
Nanny Jena
Nanny Jena
Rapid City, SD
$17/hr
Occasional
< 1 year experience
A little bit about me
hi! my name is Jena, I am a 22 year old responsible female looking for more opportunities!