How Much Should You Pay a Babysitter in New Zealand?

How much should you pay a Babysitter in 2025?

One of the most common questions Kiwi parents ask is: How much should I pay a babysitter? Whether it’s a casual evening out or regular after-school care, it’s important to understand the going rates and ensure you’re paying fairly.

This guide breaks down the average babysitting rates across New Zealand, what factors influence pay, and how Caresies can help you find a trusted carer at the right price.

1. Average Babysitter Rates in New Zealand

Babysitting rates can vary based on the sitter's experience, your location, and the time of day. As a general guide:

• Teen sitters (age 16–18): $18–$22/hour
• Uni students and casual carers: $22–$28/hour
• Experienced or qualified carers: $25–$35+/hour

Most parents on Caresies offer between $22 and $30 per hour for casual babysitting.

2. What Factors Influence Babysitter Pay?

When setting a rate, consider the following:

Experience

Qualified nannies or babysitters with first aid training and references can command higher rates.

Number of Children

More children means more responsibility. A carer looking after three children will likely expect more than if they're minding just one.

Day and Time

Evening, weekend, or public holiday bookings often attract higher rates. Some parents pay $30–$35/hour for last-minute or overnight care.

Location

Babysitting in Auckland or Wellington typically comes at a premium. Smaller towns may have slightly lower averages, around $20–$25/hour.

You can browse real sitter profiles and rate expectations on Caresies.

3. Don’t Forget the Minimum Wage

If your babysitter is classified as an employee under New Zealand law, you must pay them at least the minimum wage, currently $23.50 per hour (as of April 2024). Even for casual arrangements, it’s good practice to treat this as your baseline.

Want to know if your sitter counts as an employee? Check out our FAQ or reach out to our team for help.

4. What to Pay for After-Hours and Overnight Babysitting

Many families adjust the rate depending on the time of day:

• Evenings after 10 pm: You might offer a reduced rate if the children are asleep
• Overnight care: A flat rate for sleeping hours, plus regular hourly pay in the morning (e.g., $100 overnight + $25/hour in the morning)

These details can be clearly discussed in your job listing on Caresies.

5. Should You Pay Teenagers Less?

Some parents choose to pay younger sitters (16–18) slightly less than experienced adults. That’s OK, as long as the job is appropriate for their age and confidence level. Keep in mind that Caresies recommends that regular duties should be paid at or above $23.50/hour, regardless of age.

6. Caresies OnDemand: Book Direct With Caresies

Caresies On-Demand is our flexible babysitting service designed to make finding one-off childcare even simpler. Instead of posting a job ad and waiting for applicants, you can book directly through your Caresies dashboard by clicking the yellow “Instant Booking” button.

From there, just:

• Choose your preferred times

• View available carers

• Get matched with the most suitable carer based on availability

Whether you’re off to a wedding, heading out for dinner, or your regular carer isn’t available, On-Demand gives you instant access to experienced, pre-vetted carers without the hassle of interviews or back-and-forth messages.

It’s the perfect option for families needing reliable, one-off childcare and a convenient, no-fuss booking process.

All carers in our On-Demand team are:

• Background checked

• Police vetted

• Reference checked

• Experienced with children of various ages

We’ve taken care of the screening so you can feel confident and relaxed when booking.

7. How to Set the Right Rate (and Still Get Applications)

Babysitters are more likely to apply when your job post is clear and fair. Be transparent about:

• Hourly rate
• Number of kids and their ages
• Whether you'll be home
• Any light duties expected (e.g. meals, tidying up)

Caresies makes this simple. When you post a job, our smart form guides you through all the key info.

8. What About Tax and Legal Obligations?

If your babysitter works for you on a regular basis, they may legally be considered your employee. That means you could be responsible for tax, KiwiSaver, holiday pay, and sick leave.

For occasional, casual babysitting (like Friday night care), this usually isn’t necessary. But if you’re unsure, check our employment guide or ask the Caresies support team.

Summary: Babysitter Pay Guide

Ready to Book a Babysitter?

You don’t need to spend hours searching. Caresies connects New Zealand parents with trusted babysitters in just a few clicks.

• Post a job with your rate

• Use Caresies OnDemand to Book Direct

• Browse sitter profiles with real reviews

>>> Find a babysitter today on Caresies