Last Updated: April 15, 2026
Care.com is a care services marketplace connecting caregivers, nannies, tutors, and pet sitters with families seeking these services. Providers set their own rates ($14–$75+/hr depending on service), accept jobs they choose, and earn through direct family bookings; Care.com charges a subscription fee for provider access.
How to Apply to Care.com
- Visit Care.com and Sign Up as a Caregiver — Go to Care.com and click “Join as a Caregiver” or “Become a Care Provider” to access the provider signup flow for your care type.
- Select Your Care Category — Choose your primary caregiving type: Nanny, Babysitter, Tutor, Senior Caregiver, Pet Sitter, Housekeeper, or Companion Care. You can specify multiple service types if qualified.
- Create Your Account — Provide your email, create a password, and enter your full name and phone number. You can also add a secondary email for backup contact information.
- Build Your Profile — Write a compelling bio describing your experience, qualifications, certifications, and specialties (e.g., “experienced with infants,” “CPR certified,” “fluent in Spanish,” “pet training experience”). Upload a professional profile photo and any relevant certifications.
- Provide Background Check Authorization — Authorize Care.com to conduct a background check including criminal history, child abuse registry checks (for childcare roles), and reference verification. This typically takes 5–10 business days.
- Set Your Rates and Availability — Establish your hourly rate(s) for your service type(s)—babysitters $15–$25/hr, senior caregivers $14–$22/hr, tutors $25–$75/hr, pet sitters $15–$25/visit. Indicate your availability by day and time (evenings, weekends, full-time, etc.).
- Upgrade to Premium Membership — Choose a Care.com subscription plan (premium memberships start around $9.99–$39.99/month) to access expanded profile visibility, contact families directly, and respond to job requests. Without premium, families can contact you, but visibility is limited.
- Start Receiving and Accepting Jobs — Once your profile is live and verified, families begin contacting you with job inquiries. Respond promptly to messages, discuss expectations and rates, and accept jobs that match your availability and preferences.
Care.com earnings and Pay Rates
| Service Type | Average Rate | Work Format |
|---|---|---|
| Babysitter | $15–$25/hr | Hourly, Part-time or Occasional |
| Nanny (Part-time) | $16–$30/hr | 20–30 hrs/week |
| Nanny (Full-time) | $400–$800/week | 40+ hrs/week |
| Senior Caregiver | $14–$22/hr | Hourly, Part-time or Full-time |
| Pet Sitter (Dog Walking, Daily Visits) | $15–$25/visit | 30 min–1 hr visits |
| Tutor | $25–$75/hr | Hourly sessions, Flexible scheduling |
| Housekeeper / Cleaner | $15–$35/hr | Hourly or Per-Job Flat Rate |
| Companion Care (Senior Companion, Sit Services) | $12–$20/hr | Hourly, Flexible scheduling |
Working with Care.com: What to Expect
Care.com functions as a marketplace connecting caregivers directly with families rather than assigning work or managing day-to-day operations. You create a profile, families review it, and interested families contact you to discuss rates, schedules, and job details. Once you agree on terms, you work directly with the family—Care.com doesn’t collect payment, manage timesheets, or intervene in the working relationship. This gives you autonomy but also full responsibility for negotiating, billing, and managing client relationships.
Rates vary significantly by service type and location. Babysitters and pet sitters typically earn $15–$25 per hour or per visit, while tutors command premium rates ($25–$75+/hr) based on subject expertise and credentials. Senior caregivers and nannies fall in the middle range. Full-time nanny positions often involve weekly salaries ($400–$1,000+ weekly) negotiated directly with families. Success on Care.com depends on responsiveness, reliability, and building strong reviews. Families leave ratings after each engagement, and high ratings (4.8+ stars) attract more inquiries.
To use Care.com effectively, you’ll need a premium subscription ($9.99–$39.99 monthly depending on plan tier). This unlocks unlimited messaging, the ability to contact families proactively, and expanded profile visibility. Background verification is essential and required for most childcare roles. Care.com protects both caregivers and families through vetting, but you should also perform your own due diligence and trust your instincts about families. Many caregivers build recurring, stable income by working regularly with a small number of trusted families. Earnings can range from $300/month for occasional babysitting to $2,000–$4,000+ monthly for full-time nanny or senior caregiver work.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to pay to use Care.com as a caregiver?
Care.com offers a free basic profile, but families have limited ability to contact you. A premium subscription (typically $9.99–$39.99/month) allows unlimited messaging, profile enhancement, and direct family contact. Most successful providers invest in a premium plan to maximize income potential.
How do I get paid?
You negotiate payment directly with families. Payment methods typically include cash, check, Venmo, PayPal, or bank transfer. Care.com doesn’t handle payments; the family pays you directly for services rendered. Always agree on payment terms and rates before starting a job.
What certifications do I need?
Requirements depend on your service type. Childcare providers should have or be willing to obtain CPR/First Aid certification, which many families require. Senior caregivers with CNA or HHA certifications command higher rates. Tutors need subject expertise; pet sitters need pet handling experience. Most families accept caregivers without formal credentials but prioritize experience and references.
How long does the background check take?
Care.com’s background verification typically takes 5–10 business days. This includes criminal history checks, child abuse registry checks (for childcare providers), and reference verification. Expedited options may be available. You can start receiving messages from families during the verification process.
What if a family cancels a scheduled job?
Cancellation policies are handled directly between you and the family. There’s no platform-enforced cancellation fee, so you should discuss cancellation terms when accepting the job. Many caregivers charge a cancellation fee for short-notice cancellations to protect their income.
Can I list multiple service types?
Yes, you can offer multiple services (e.g., babysitting and pet sitting, or tutoring and housekeeping) and set different rates for each. This diversifies your income potential and helps you appeal to a broader family market.