Washington · 2026
Babysitting rates in Washington
What families pay nationally, how Washington wages compare, and the pay rules that apply in the state.
Short answer
Expect the top of the national range of $20–$26 an hour for one child. Childcare workers in Washington earn a median of $20.04/hr, about 19% higher than the U.S. median of $16.82/hr.
Washington childcare wages at a glance
- Median, Washington
- $20.04/hr
- Compared with the U.S.
- +19%
- Middle half earn
- $18.01–$21.52
- Rank among 50 states and D.C.
- 2 of 51
Areas in Washington
Childcare wages run from $14.94/hr in Lewiston to $21.02/hr in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue. In the higher-wage areas, expect babysitting rates toward the top of the national range.
| Area | Median, per hour | vs. U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Seattle-Tacoma-BellevueMetro area | $21.02 | +25% |
| Longview-KelsoMetro area | $20.34 | +21% |
| Mount Vernon-AnacortesMetro area | $19.30 | +15% |
| Portland-Vancouver-HillsboroMetro area · OR–WA | $19.03 | +13% |
| BellinghamMetro area | $18.66 | +11% |
| Bremerton-Silverdale-Port OrchardMetro area | $18.60 | +11% |
| Olympia-Lacey-TumwaterMetro area | $18.46 | +10% |
| Eastern Washington (nonmetro area)Rural (nonmetro) area | $18.37 | +9% |
| Wenatchee-East WenatcheeMetro area | $18.33 | +9% |
| Western Washington (nonmetro area)Rural (nonmetro) area | $18.24 | +8% |
| Kennewick-RichlandMetro area | $18.19 | +8% |
| Spokane-Spokane ValleyMetro area | $17.90 | +6% |
| YakimaMetro area | $17.57 | +4% |
| Walla WallaMetro area | $17.33 | +3% |
| LewistonMetro area · ID–WA | $14.94 | −11% |
Pay rules in Washington
Minimum wage. Washington's minimum wage is $17.13 an hour, in effect since January 1, 2026. Some cities, including Seattle, set higher local rates. Rises to $17.73 on January 1, 2027.
Casual babysitting (irregular or occasional, usually 20 hours a week or less, and not the sitter’s vocation) is exempt from the federal minimum wage and overtime. Nannies and regular sitters are covered: at least $17.13/hr for every hour under Washington law where it applies, and never less than the federal $7.25, plus overtime at 1.5× after 40 hours in a week unless they live in your home.
Washington domestic workers (from July 1, 2027)
- A 2026 law (SHB 2355) takes effect July 1, 2027: state minimum wage and overtime after 40 hours for nannies and other domestic workers, plus a written agreement.
- Until then, Washington's minimum wage act exempts casual labor in or about private homes.
Use it tonight
Pick a rate, then work out exactly what you owe, including past-midnight endings, extra kids and a tip.
- Babysitter pay calculatorStart and end time, rate, kids and tip.
- Rates for two or more kids$29.87/hr nationally for two children.
- Nanny pay calculatorWeekly gross pay with overtime, including Washington rules.
- Babysitter taxes in 2026When household-employer taxes apply.
Compare with other states
- District of ColumbiaNext higher median: $22.76/hr (about 35% higher than the U.S.)
- MassachusettsNext lower median: $19.66/hr (about 17% higher than the U.S.)
- All statesChildcare wages and minimum wages for the 50 states and D.C.
- National babysitting rates 2026Care.com, Sittercity and UrbanSitter, side by side.
SitterRate for iPhone
Washington areas, in the app
SitterRate's Rate Guide includes all 15 Washington areas listed here alongside the national benchmarks, works offline, and never asks for your location.
- Pick your area once; the app remembers it
- Use a rate in the calculator with one tap
- Save each sitter's agreed rate and see what you paid last time
- Keep a simple paid/unpaid history
Get SitterRateFree on the App Store · iPhoneFree download. Pro is a one-time in-app purchase, with no subscription. What’s in the app
Washington: common questions
How much do babysitters charge in Washington?
No source publishes a babysitting rate for Washington that we can show. Nationally, families pay about $20 to $26 an hour for one child in 2026. Childcare workers in Washington earn a median of $20.04/hr, about 19% higher than the U.S. median, which points toward the top of the national range.
What is the minimum wage for a babysitter in Washington?
Washington's minimum wage is $17.13 an hour, in effect since January 1, 2026. Under federal law, babysitters working on a casual basis (irregular, usually 20 hours a week or less, and not their vocation) are exempt from minimum wage and overtime; regular sitters and nannies are not. Some cities, including Seattle, set higher local rates. Rises to $17.73 on January 1, 2027.
Do nannies in Washington get overtime?
Yes. A 2026 law (SHB 2355) takes effect July 1, 2027: state minimum wage and overtime after 40 hours for nannies and other domestic workers, plus a written agreement. Federal law also requires 1.5× pay after 40 hours a week for nannies who don't live in the home.
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025.Childcare Workers (SOC 39-9011), state and area wage percentiles.
- U.S. Department of Labor, State Minimum Wage Laws (updated July 1, 2026)Checked against state sources on October 1, 2026.
- 29 CFR Part 552: domestic service, including casual babysitting
- UrbanSitter, “Babysitting Rates by City (2026),” last updated January 2026.
- Sittercity, “Average Babysitter & Nanny Pay Rates by US City,” Sittercity provider data, May 2026.
- Care.com, “How much does a babysitter cost?” updated February 12, 2026.