Urban Sitter

What: Urban Sitter connects background-checked caregivers with parents who are willing to pay to see these sitter profiles

Expected pay: $11 – $25 per hour (you set it)

Husl$core: $$$$

Commissions & fees: $35 annually for freelancers

Where: Most major cities. 

Requirements: Be at least 18 years of age; legally able to work in the U.S.; have a clean criminal record/pass a background check

Review:

Urban Sitter allows freelancers to post a profile and advertise caregiving services to potential clients. Although launched as a babysitting site, Urban Sitter has since expanded to elder care, pet care and other household services. Freelancers pay $35 annually to list, which includes an annual background check. Parents/clients, however, pay at least $100 annually to use the site.

Theoretically, the site doesn’t have specific requirements, but sitters say they’re picky about those who post profiles. The site requires background checks and clear photographs of all freelancers. Though reviews of this site are overwhelmingly positive, a number of sitters have complained about getting booted for what they believe were minor infractions. The site does have the right to remove sitters for any reason. And, given that parents pay for the service because they imagine they’ll get better-quality help, Urban Sitter has every incentive to be cautious. 

That said, there are several sites that will allow you to advertise your child care services. So if UrbanSitter isn’t your cup of tea, try Trusted, Bambino, or SitterCity. 

What their users say: (From Glassdoor and Indeed)

I love working for UrbanSitter. Very competitive, Great Families and good pay. I have been working as a caregiver for over 10 years and absolutely love what I do.

You are basically self-employed. Really easy to create your own schedule. The local managers are really nice and helpful! They also put on local events for sitters to network and find new opportunities.

I was able to create hours that accommodated my schedule and occasionally was able to negotiate pay. The hardest part of the job is it’s just you and the kids. No adult interaction.

I love being able to login and select which jobs I want and when, since I have a regular job Mon through Fri. So can only work as a babysitter on the weekends for extra cash.