How much extra should I pay for a second child in Boston, MA?

Most babysitters in Boston, MA charge an additional $4/hour per child beyond the first. So if your base rate is $23/hour for one child, expect to pay $27/hour for two children and $29/hour for three. Some sitters set a flat rate rather than per-child — always confirm before booking.

Do babysitters in Boston, MA charge more for evenings?

Yes. Evening and weekend rates in Boston, MA run $3/hour higher than daytime rates on average. So a sitter charging $23/hour during the day would typically charge $26/hour after 6pm or on weekends. New Year's Eve and holiday weekends often carry a higher surcharge — confirm in advance.

Should I tip a babysitter in Boston, MA?

Tipping is not expected for standard babysitting in Boston, MA, but it's a nice touch for exceptional care, extra duties (cleaning up after dinner, putting the kids to bed), or holiday bookings. A common approach: add 15–20% on holiday nights and tip $10–$20 at end of the year for a regular sitter. For regular weekly sitters, a holiday bonus of one or two nights' pay is common.

How Much to Pay a Babysitter in Boston, MA (2026)

Q: How much should I pay a babysitter in Boston, MA?

The going rate for a babysitter in Boston, MA in 2026 is $18–$30/hour, with $23/hour as the typical starting point for one child. That's 7/hr above the national average of $16/hr. For evenings and weekends, add $3/hour. A second child typically adds $4/hour to the base rate.

Hourly rates, evening/weekend add-ons, and multi-child pricing

The going rate for a babysitter in Boston, MA is $18–$30/hour, with $23/hour as the typical starting point for one child. $7/hr above national avg. Brookline and Newton pay $24–$32/hr. Harvard, MIT, Tufts, and 50+ other colleges create an unusually strong student sitter supply — which helps keep rates from matching NYC or SF.

Boston, MA babysitter rate summary (2026)

Typical Rate

$23/hr

1 child, daytime

Full Range

$18–$30

Based on experience

Evening / Weekend

$26/hr

+$3/hr after 6pm

2 Children

$27/hr

+$4/hr for 2nd child

3+ Children

$29/hr

+$2/hr beyond 2nd

vs National Avg

+$7

National avg $16/hr

Source: Sittercity, Care.com market surveys + BLS wage data for childcare workers in this metro. 2026 estimates.

Rate Calculator: Boston, MA

Select number of kids and time of day to see what's fair to pay.

Number of children

Time of day

Suggested rate for Boston, MA

$18–$32/hr

1 child, daytime

Boston, MA vs. National Average

Scenario	Boston, MA	National Avg	Difference
1 child, daytime	$23/hr	$16/hr	+$7/hr
1 child, evening	$26/hr	$18/hr	+$8/hr
2 children, daytime	$27/hr	$19/hr	+$8/hr
2 children, evening	$30/hr	$21/hr	+$9/hr

What Drives Babysitter Rates in Boston, MA?

• MA minimum wage $15/hr
• Brookline and Newton: $24–$32/hr
• Finance, biotech, and academic sector families
• 50+ colleges create unusually strong student sitter supply
• High cost of living — second only to coastal CA in New England

Tipping Guide for Boston, MA

Standard babysitting rates in Boston, MA don't include tips — the hourly rate is the full price. But tipping makes sense in specific situations.

Holiday bookings

New Year's Eve, Christmas Eve: tip $10–$20 flat. They gave up their own night.

Year-end for regulars

Weekly sitters: one or two nights' pay as an annual bonus.

Above-and-beyond

Cleaned up, handled a sick child, bath and bedtime: $5–$10 extra.

Last-minute calls

Same-day booking and they came through: $10–$15 surcharge is fair.

Questions About Babysitter Pay in Boston, MA

How much should I pay a babysitter in Boston, MA?

Start at $23/hour for one child during daytime. That's the median for Boston, MA in 2026 — $7/hr above national avg. For evenings and weekends, add $3/hour. A second child adds $4/hour. Experienced sitters with CPR certification or references typically earn $30–$33/hour.

What's the difference between a babysitter and a nanny in Boston, MA?

A babysitter is occasional, hourly care — evenings, weekends, school breaks. A nanny is regular, ongoing care with consistent hours. Boston, MA infant daycare averages $2,100/month. A babysitter at $23/hour for 40 hours/week would cost $3,680/month. For occasional evening coverage, the babysitter is far cheaper.

How do I find a babysitter in Boston, MA?

Word of mouth is the most reliable method — ask neighbors, your daycare or school, or local parent Facebook groups. Apps like Sittercity and Care.com have large networks in Boston, MA but charge the sitter a platform fee, which can push rates slightly higher than private arrangements. Always check references and request proof of CPR/First Aid certification for infants.

Full-time care in Boston, MA?

Infant daycare in Boston, MA averages $2,100/month. A nanny runs higher but covers multiple kids without per-child daycare fees.

Daycare costs in Boston, MA → Nanny costs in Boston, MA →