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View Full Version : How much should a 12 year old babysitter charge


anne_redmond66
Jul 27, 2012, 05:27 AM
Hi! I am 12 years old and interested in babysitting/mothers helping this year. I am very responsible and mature for my age, and I have over 1 years experience babysitting. I have taken a babysitting/CPR/first aid class at my local hospital and I am certified in CPR and first aid. I was thinking these prices:

$6 per hr mothers helping
$7 per hr babysitting
$1 per hr for every extra child
$1.50 per hr for every extra child 18 months or younger

Please tell me what you think, or if you have any other suggestions, so in general the question is: how much would you pay a experienced certified responsible 12 year old babysitter?

p.s. I live in Massachusetts where the minimum wage is $8, and mothers helping is watching the child while the mom is home, just somewhere else

Curlyben
Jul 27, 2012, 05:29 AM
As you are underage, the states minimum wage doesn't have any effect.
You really should talk this through with your parents as you need their permission to even consider this.
Ps I wouldn't pay any more than $5 per hour all in..

joypulv
Jul 27, 2012, 05:38 AM
MA is an 'expensive' state, so rates are probably higher there than many other states.
Your rate chart is a good idea, but I would ask around for what the going rate is. Yours does seem high. If I had 3 kids age 5, 3, and 1, I wouldn't pay a 12 year old 9.50 to babysit.
Minimum wage has little to do with it, since wages have taxes taken out. Keep in mind that you will be operating under the IRS radar (I assume), and that's a huge savings.