When determining an appropriate house sitting rate, there is no one-size-fits-all. This, of course, can make figuring out the proper pay more accessible. Most folks who house-sit or hire people to watch their homework together to figure out a fair rate and then stick with it. “I’ve been house-sitting for the same few families for years,” says Jackie Gola of Winfield, Illinois. “They pay between $50-$100 a day, which seems fair all around.”
I’ve house sat for the same families for many years. They pay $50-$100 daily, which is fair for all parties.
There are a few factors that you can use to figure out what to charge for any house-sitting work, whether you want to hire someone to take care of your house (and possibly your pets) when you’re gone or you want to know how much to charge for a house sitting job, what to consider when it’s time to set house sitting rates.
House sitting rates – What is acceptable?
The range of rates is extensive, according to house sitters and available data. While most data breaks down house sitting rates per hour – with an average of $15 per hour, according to Economic Research Institute, ERI – all the house sitters we spoke to paid by the day rather than per hour.
It is important to note that several factors determine an appropriate rate regardless of how pay is divided. These include:
If pets are involved.
What are the duties involved?
The sitter can stay overnight or drop by every day.
Where you live, what are the current rates?
Keep in mind that most housesitters also have another source of income. Emily Marinucci, a college student from Cranford, New Jersey, houses-sits when families that she usually babysits are out of town. Gola, a physical therapist, houses-sits for friends while they are on vacation.
What are the factors that affect house sitting rates?
Take a look at the factors that can determine a house-sitting rate.
Pet care
Gola’s house-sitting is always accompanied by pets, in particular, dogs. She says that most of her ‘work,’ which is caring for dogs, comes from this. Gola typically stays in the house for a “long weekend” to four days and earns between $50 and $100 daily. She also notes that the homeowners often leave money for groceries or stock up on their refrigerators.
Abby Burgess, of Syracuse, New York, has her regular childminder stop by twice a day to feed and walk her small dog when she and her parents are away. Burgess says, “We pay her 25 dollars a day.” She can also take the dog home with her if she wants. She usually drops by because her family has a dog.
Marinucci earned $30 daily house-sitting for a family and caring for hermit crabs and fish. However, her duties went beyond pet care.
The type of pet and the level of care it requires should be considered when determining the price. If you’re watching a dog and walking it, your rate should be higher than if you are feeding fish.
House sitting duties
The house-sitting tasks can be varied depending on the pet and home. Marinucci, for example, was hired to care for low-maintenance animals, but the family still had other daily tasks for her.
Watering flowers and plants.
Take out the trash and recycle.
Bring in your mail and packages.
Gas and water leaks are among the safety issues that should be addressed when inspecting your home.
Gola is responsible for caring for the pet that has higher needs. To put it another way, figuring out what rate to charge is a matrix.
The ERI includes the following tasks as expected by house sitters.
Maintaining order, security, and property.
Conducting business during the temporary absence of an occupant.
Answering the phone and doorbell, taking messages, and delivering requested information.
Pet feeding and care.
Inspection of utilities such as plumbing, air conditioning, and heating.
Swimming pool and grounds maintenance.
Overnight Stays
Veronica Briseno, who writes the blog on the Edge of what we know, says that the main attraction of house sitting for her is to stay at someone else’s home. Veronica and her husband, Adam Tury, aren’t paid to house-sit. She says that house-sitting is entirely different from sitting for money. “We use a platform [TrustedHousesitters] where sitters and hosts pay a membership fee, but when it comes to house sits, it is a free exchange between hosts and sitters. The homes and locations can be so attractive that they are worth paying for, as the rent on platforms like Airbnb is between $200-$400 a night.
Some people, such as Marinucci or Burgess, like that the housework is done by someone else without needing to stay overnight. Marinucci says, “I had the choice to stay there or go home when I house-sat recently. It was great.” “I slept in the house a few times, but on other days, I had plans and returned home.
When I house-sat recently, I could have stayed there or gone home.
The price will vary depending on whether staying overnight is required (or desired).
Where you live can affect your rates
In the same way, location affects babysitting and senior care, and it also influences house-sitting rates. According to ERI, the average national rate for house-sitting is $31,895 annually. This equates to $15 an hour. This model assumes that house-sitting is a full-time occupation.
According to ZIP Recruiter, the following ten cities in the U.S. are among the top-paying cities for house sitters:
Bottom line
Discussing the rate with the sitter and the owner is essential since the relationship will be long-lasting. Gola says, “I have been house-sitting for families that are now my friends for many years.” “And everyone benefits from the arrangement.”
