Babysitting Rates for a young and inexperienced babysitter (around 11-14 in age):
For a young and inexperienced babysitter, the average babysitting rate is $3 – $4 an hour for a single child. A second child could cost an additional $1 per hour. It is not advisable for an inexperienced babysitter to babysit more than 2 kids at a time. Also, a responsible adult backup, living nearby also needs to be made aware of the situation and to take care of any eventuality. In case of inexperienced babysitters, it is very important for the parents to be more pro-active and ensure the babysitter has all the tools and information available to the best in any situation.

Babysitting Rates for a teenage babysitter (around 16 in age):
Teenagers, around 16 years in age are in need of extra money to take care of their study expenses. Most of them at this age are mature enough to put their money to good use. Average babysitting rate is $5-$6 per hour in case of teens. Teenage babysitters of this age could be expected to take care of kids, prepare basic meals and engage them in some creative activity like painting, dancing etc.

Babysitting Rates for an experienced babysitter (around 18-20 in age):
Experienced or seasoned babysitters charge the most for the babysitting job. Their charge could be around 8-12$ per hour per kid, depending on the cost of living in that city. You can expect an experienced babysitter to reach your house on her own and you can also depend on her to take the kids to parks, birthday party, etc. Do not expect an experienced babysitter to be as accommodating as an inexperienced one. Experienced babysitter would be able to associate a charge against each additional responsibility.

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Babysitting Rates for a specially trained babysitter:
If your child has special needs that require very specific care and/or specific medical treatment(s), the rate may be more as it may require the babysitter to be trained in that area. Babysitting rates would vary depending on the specialist requirement. More the special requirement, more would be the rate.

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Parents may expect you to tell them the fees and not expect them to decide. This is because they perceive the babysitter as a professional, who knows the job and what to charge. At the same time, they expect and may prefer the least expensive sitter. In a nutshell, parents expect the babysitter rate to be reasonable and one, which goes according to the financial needs of the family.

Babysitting rates may differ by small amounts like fifty cents to a dollar per hour from one part of the city to another. If you went to a babysitting course, the instructor can suggest you a going rate. Experience, along with qualifications counts and babysitting rates go up as does the experience.

Qualities required in a babysitter for higher babysitting rates :
a)    Dependable, kind, calm, gentle and friendly.
b)    Reliable, honest, truthful and trustworthy.
c)    Interested in and actively enjoys with children.
d)    Respectful of family privacy.
e)    Serious about the job – arrives on time.

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Once you’ve decided what to charge, make sure you understand and discuss other important aspects as well :
a)    Are you willing to cash or checks ?
b)    When do you expect to get paid ?
c)    Do you charge extra for evening hours or after midnight ?

You may be offered a rate, which is much below your expectations, you may refuse the job and hope someone else will be willing to pay your rate. Otherwise you may negotiate a compromise as well. In some cases, accepting a lower rate may be beneficial as well – it may help you get more business.

Keeping accurate records is very essential. Mark all the important appointments, commitments in the calendar. Check with the state and county tax offices and the IRS to see whether you need to pay taxes. The federal income tax are different that state and county tax. If you are liable to pay taxes, make sure you add this as a factor while deciding upon the babysitting rate. Also, if you need to pay taxes, you will have to record your business earnings and expenses for accounting purposes. Every thing you buy, which is related to your job, is deemed as a business expense. Keep sales slips and receipts for the same. This might help you become eligible for tax deductions.