Laws, age requirements & rates — everything North Dakota teens need to babysit legally, get certified, and set competitive rates in the Peace Garden State.
North Dakota has no minimum age law for babysitting or for leaving children home alone, but the state's Department of Human Services provides guidelines that shape what families and caseworkers expect from teen sitters. In a small state with close community ties, your reputation matters more than almost anything else.
North Dakota lacks a state law specifying a minimum babysitting age. The North Dakota Department of Human Services provides general guidance suggesting children under 9 or 10 should not be left unsupervised, though this isn't codified in statute. Most families seek sitters aged at least 11 to 12. The state's child welfare framework under NDCC 50-25.1-02 defines child abuse and neglect; leaving children with someone too young could be evaluated under those provisions.
No specific statute sets a minimum age for children left home alone. The state relies on general neglect provisions and DHS guidelines, evaluating each situation by the child's age and maturity, the duration of unsupervised time, the time of day, weather conditions (critical in ND winters), access to a working phone, and the proximity of neighbors or other adults.
No. Casual babysitting does not require licensure. Under North Dakota Century Code 50-11.1, licensure may be required if you provide care for more than 4 children (including your own under age 12) in your home or operate regularly for compensation. Occasional babysitting in the family's home for one or two families does not require licensure.
While not required, certifications increase marketability and parent confidence. Training options are more limited than in larger states, but several programs exist:
Western North Dakota near the Bakken oil patch commands surprisingly high rates due to the influx of workers and higher cost of living. The oil-patch communities around Williston and Dickinson are a unique market — many families have higher incomes and sitters are in short supply.
| Service | Rate |
|---|---|
| 1 child — Fargo | $12–$16/hr |
| 1 child — Bismarck | $11–$15/hr |
| 1 child — Grand Forks | $10–$14/hr |
| 1 child — Minot | $11–$15/hr |
| Western ND / Oil Patch (Williston, Dickinson) | $14–$20/hr |
| 1 child — rural areas | $8–$12/hr |
| 2 children (statewide avg.) | $13–$18/hr |
| Holiday / New Year's Eve | +$3–5/hr |
| Overnight (per night) | $65–$120 |
North Dakota is one of the coldest states, with winter temperatures regularly dropping below -20°F and wind chills reaching -40°F or worse. Know where families keep extra blankets, flashlights, and battery-powered radios. Keep kids indoors during dangerous wind chills. If power fails, keep children warm using layered clothing and blankets — never use ovens or stoves as heat sources. Ask parents about their heating system and failure procedures.
Many families live on farms or in small towns where the nearest neighbors may be miles away. Ensure reliable cell service or know where landline phones are. Ask parents about farm equipment, animals, or outbuildings kids should avoid — farm properties have unique hazards like grain bins, machinery, and livestock.
Western North Dakota's oil and gas industry creates communities with unique babysitting needs. Many workers have non-traditional schedules, including night shifts and two-week-on, two-week-off rotations. Being flexible with availability — early mornings, late evenings, or weekends — fills gaps few other sitters can, and these families often pay premium rates.