RICHMOND, VA -- How much do you pay for your babysitter? CARE.com, a website that helps users find and manage quality care for their loved ones young or old, has determined the rate as $13.50 an hour for one child.
That is $6.25 above Virginia's minimum wage, and six cents higher than the national average. The website announced results of their new nationwide survey which compared the cost of sitters nationwide.
The nationwide average is $13.44, a rate that is up 28 percent since 2009. Approximately one thousand parents were surveyed to uncover who the ideal babysitter is, what expectations are, and how much the families are willing to pay. And of those surveyed, 87% said they would give their sitters a raise.
Richmond mother Jennie Wood was shocked. She usually pays her sitters anywhere between $7 and 12 dollars per hour to watch three of her children under the age of six.
"Wow I guess I'm getting a very good deal, don't tell my babysitter," Wood said.
So what is contributing to the increase? Babysitters tell CBS 6 now a days you must advertise online and even take classes which cost money.
One babysitter told CBS 6 that now days a babysitter must advertise online and even take classes which cost money.
"During the summer I babysit almost every weekend," Irene Lee, a babysitter said.
"Parents are looking for people who are CPR certified which kind of boosts up the price," Lee added.
The average cost to watch two children in Richmond is $14.50/hour while three kids will cost $16.
Of those surveyed, 68% said they rely on sitters to set the rate and pay what they charge; 40% ask their friends, and 20% use a pay rate calculator.
