Babysitter & childcare rates in Chicago, IL

Updated September 8, 2026 · BLS 2024 data

In the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN area, childcare workers earn a median of $16.40 per hour, with most paid between $14.63 and $17.83. These figures describe surveyed childcare-worker jobs; they do not measure private household care.

$16.40 /hr median

Hourly rate spread in Chicago, IL

Level	Hourly
10th percentile	$14.11
Lower typical (25th)	$14.63
Median (50th)	$16.40
Upper typical (75th)	$17.83
90th percentile	$20.64
Average (mean)	$16.87

What these figures measure: BLS OEWS covers wage and salary jobs in surveyed establishments and excludes private household workers. This is childcare-industry wage context, not a measured nanny or private babysitter rate, a minimum wage, or a price recommendation. See the BLS survey coverage and babysitting booking-rate guide.

What raises the rate in Chicago, IL

More kids: add about $2–$5/hour per additional child.
Infants & multiples: pay more than one school-age child.
Overnights, holidays & late nights: expect a premium.
Extras: cooking, driving, bath-and-bed nudge it up.

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Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics (OEWS), 2024 — Childcare Workers (SOC 39-9011), Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN metropolitan area. Public-domain data; presentation by Paypr. Local pay varies by neighborhood, experience and demand. General information only.