How much extra should I pay for a second child in Philadelphia, PA?

Most babysitters in Philadelphia, PA charge an additional $3/hour per child beyond the first. So if your base rate is $17/hour for one child, expect to pay $20/hour for two children and $22/hour for three. Some sitters set a flat rate rather than per-child — always confirm before booking.

Do babysitters in Philadelphia, PA charge more for evenings?

Yes. Evening and weekend rates in Philadelphia, PA run $2/hour higher than daytime rates on average. So a sitter charging $17/hour during the day would typically charge $19/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 Philadelphia, PA?

Tipping is not expected for standard babysitting in Philadelphia, PA, 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 Philadelphia, PA (2026)

Q: How much should I pay a babysitter in Philadelphia, PA?

The going rate for a babysitter in Philadelphia, PA in 2026 is $13–$22/hour, with $17/hour as the typical starting point for one child. That's 1/hr above the national average of $16/hr. For evenings and weekends, add $2/hour. A second child typically adds $3/hour to the base rate.

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

The going rate for a babysitter in Philadelphia, PA is $13–$22/hour, with $17/hour as the typical starting point for one child. $1/hr above national avg. Main Line suburbs (Bryn Mawr, Haverford, Wayne) average $19–$24/hr. Center City Philadelphia runs $15–$19/hr. University of Pennsylvania proximity creates good student sitter supply.

Philadelphia, PA babysitter rate summary (2026)

Typical Rate

$17/hr

1 child, daytime

Full Range

$13–$22

Based on experience

Evening / Weekend

$19/hr

+$2/hr after 6pm

2 Children

$20/hr

+$3/hr for 2nd child

3+ Children

$22/hr

+$2/hr beyond 2nd

vs National Avg

+$1

National avg $16/hr

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

Rate Calculator: Philadelphia, PA

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

Number of children

Time of day

Suggested rate for Philadelphia, PA

$13–$24/hr

1 child, daytime

Philadelphia, PA vs. National Average

Scenario	Philadelphia, PA	National Avg	Difference
1 child, daytime	$17/hr	$16/hr	+$1/hr
1 child, evening	$19/hr	$18/hr	+$1/hr
2 children, daytime	$20/hr	$19/hr	+$1/hr
2 children, evening	$22/hr	$21/hr	+$1/hr

What Drives Babysitter Rates in Philadelphia, PA?

• PA minimum wage $7.25/hr — market rates far exceed this
• Main Line suburbs: $19–$24/hr
• Medical/university corridor keeps supply strong
• Penn, Drexel, and Temple students available as part-time sitters
• Neighborhoods like Chestnut Hill and Rittenhouse pay premiums

Tipping Guide for Philadelphia, PA

Standard babysitting rates in Philadelphia, PA 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 Philadelphia, PA

How much should I pay a babysitter in Philadelphia, PA?

Start at $17/hour for one child during daytime. That's the median for Philadelphia, PA in 2026 — $1/hr above national avg. For evenings and weekends, add $2/hour. A second child adds $3/hour. Experienced sitters with CPR certification or references typically earn $22–$25/hour.

What's the difference between a babysitter and a nanny in Philadelphia, PA?

A babysitter is occasional, hourly care — evenings, weekends, school breaks. A nanny is regular, ongoing care with consistent hours. Philadelphia, PA infant daycare averages $1,480/month. A babysitter at $17/hour for 40 hours/week would cost $2,720/month. For occasional evening coverage, the babysitter is far cheaper.

How do I find a babysitter in Philadelphia, PA?

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 Philadelphia, PA 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 Philadelphia, PA?

Infant daycare in Philadelphia, PA averages $1,480/month. A nanny runs higher but covers multiple kids without per-child daycare fees.

Daycare costs in Philadelphia, PA → Nanny costs in Philadelphia, PA →