How Much to Pay Babysitter in Eagan??

We have three kids ages 11m, 5yr, and 6yrs. We have always payed $3/h per child. So we used to pay $6/h, now we are up to $9. It depends a bit on who babysits. If it's the (then 12yrs) now 14 year old, we pay her less, if it's the 17 year old for all day sitting, we pay her the $9, but round it up at the end of the day. I don't think 12 year olds expect to make $10/h, but that's just my thought. I could be wrong. The 17 year old actually quoted us her rate to be $6/h. But we like her a lot and want to make sure she comes back. Our three can be a handful.

We asked our babysitter what she thought was fair and she said $3-5 per hour. We were ecstatic and have paid her $5 everytime. We live in Apple Valley and she was 11 or 12 when she got her certificate and started with our 3 yr old (I think he was 2 when she started with us). We haven't increased the rate, but we do give her a gift certificate or extra $ for Christmas. We have another one on the way and we'll probably raise the rate but we'll probably ask her what she thinks is fair.

I was making $3/hours for evenings and $5/hour for events lasting several hours or all-day sorts of sitting jobs...That was waaaay back in 1992. Though I was the most super awesome babysitter, I have never been able to face it for my boys. I am pretty sure I have heard my friends quote rates between $5-$10 hour depending on the age of the kids being cared for and the number of kids.

BTW - Grew up in Eagan myself and kids are in school there.

I think $3 - 4/hour is still acceptable, especially when they are just starting. If there are two sisters I would increase to $4/hour for them to split. If you are asking them to feed the kids a meal, or do anything extra, you may want to consider more.

A woman who runs an in-home daycare in my ex's neighborhood in Eagan, allows "drop-off" daycare for our daughter for $5/hour. If we are paying 12 year-olds more than that, what are they going to expect from their first "real" job?

In my opinion, $5 an hour is acceptable. If you didn't ask the two sisters to do it together, I wouldn't pay extra. If you want that, I'd pay $7 an hour then.

I think it also makes a difference if it's during the day or the evening when they put your kids to bed and then hang out until you get home.

I run a home daycare in South St Paul and I charge $35/day(8 hrs). That's the going rate. Personally, though, I wouldn't hire a 12-13 yr old unless they were super responsible. Invite them over to play with your kids when you can watch them. About the only 13 yr old I would trust is our Pastor's daughter and she is SUPER mature, plus has lots of experience. If you find they are responsible and you do like them, then pay WELL. I used to be the resident babysitter in the neighborhood growing up. People paid very poorly and then expected to call me the afternoon before they needed me. I got real good at finding excuses not to be available.

My girls are 1 and 2, but when we use neighborhood sitters I pay them $8-10 per hour. Talk with the girls before they work to determine what is fair for everyone. I usually say, "I pay $8 per hour. Is that fair with you? You are welcome to bring a friend and you two can decide how you want to split the money."