$15–$25/hour. Under $80 to start. Drag the sliders and see what a few nights a week actually adds up to.
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However much you want to hustle, there's money in it.
1 night a week, keep your weekends
2–3 nights a week, steady cash
Afternoons + weekends, real income
From zero to your first booked night.
Red Cross + CPR. You'll charge more and get booked more.
More kids, late nights & holidays = more $$. Don't undersell yourself.
Family, neighbors, flyers, Nextdoor. Start with people who already trust you.
Names, allergies, emergency numbers, snacks, a couple of games.
Kids in sight, house tidy. Leave it better than you found it.
Ask for referrals, raise your rate, build a regular schedule.
Everything you need for night one — most of it's free.
Always in sight, phone charged, doors locked, don't open up for strangers.
Allergies, meds, and emergencies. Poison Control: 1-800-222-1222.
Most start around 12. Check your state's rules and work with a parent.
The questions new teen sitters ask most.
There's no single legal age, and it varies by state — many teens start around 12–13 with younger kids and shorter jobs, then take on longer or overnight sits as they build trust. Some states have guidance on when a child can be left home alone, which affects the ages you'll watch. Check your state's rules with a parent, or look it up on our babysitting laws by state list below.
Most teen sitters start around $12–$18 an hour and go up from there. Charge more for extra kids, late nights, holidays, or special needs care. A CPR/First Aid certification lets you charge at the higher end. Agree on the rate before the job so there are no awkward surprises at pickup.
Start with people who already know you — relatives, neighbors, and family friends. Ask your parents to spread the word, post a simple flyer, or share on trusted community apps like Nextdoor. One happy family almost always leads to referrals, so treat every job like it could bring you the next three.
It's not always required, but it's one of the best moves you can make. A Red Cross Babysitting Basics or CPR/First Aid course usually costs around $35, takes a day, and teaches you how to handle choking, injuries, and emergencies. Parents trust certified sitters more — and pay them more.
Before the parents leave, get their cell numbers, a backup contact, the home address, and any allergy or medication details. Keep your phone charged and nearby. In a real emergency call 911 first, then the parents; for possible poisoning, call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222. Staying calm and prepared is the whole job.
It adds up faster than most teens expect. A couple of nights a week at $15–$18 an hour can bring in $400–$700 a month, and sitters who are booked on afternoons and weekends can clear $1,000+. Use the calculator at the top of this page to see what your own schedule and rate would earn.
Age rules, home-alone laws, and local rates — pick your state.