Laws, age requirements & rates: everything Wyoming teens need to babysit legally, get certified, and earn money in the least populated state in the country.
Wyoming's minimal population creates advantageous babysitting conditions with reduced competition, and there's no minimum age requirement or license needed for casual sitting. Jackson Hole represents an exceptionally lucrative resort market.
Wyoming lacks specific age minimums but references Wyoming Statute 14-3-202 regarding child endangerment through neglect. Department of Family Services (DFS) guidelines suggest:
The state uses a case-by-case evaluation approach. DFS considers the child's maturity and age, the duration of unsupervision, emergency access, and location safety. Wyoming Statute 14-3-202 addresses endangerment and neglect concerns.
Casual babysitting requires no license. Family childcare licensing applies only when serving multiple unrelated families regularly in home settings.
Certification isn't required but helps you stand out. In-person providers:
Jackson Hole's resort market pays far above the rest of the state, especially during ski season.
| Service | Rate |
|---|---|
| 1 child (Cheyenne) | $11 to $15/hr |
| 1 child (Casper) | $10 to $14/hr |
| 1 child (Jackson Hole) | $18 to $28/hr |
| 1 child (Laramie) | $10 to $14/hr |
| 2 children (statewide avg.) | $13 to $19/hr |
| Jackson Hole holiday / ski season | +$5 to $10/hr |
| Overnight (per night) | $65 to $150 |
Know the home's heating systems, emergency supplies, and power-outage protocols. Winter temperatures drop significantly (monitor outdoor playtime for signs of frostbite), and summer thunderstorms can arrive quickly.
Bears, moose, mountain lions, and rattlesnakes are all present. Establish clear play boundaries, secure garbage, and avoid leaving food outside.
Hospitals are often 30+ minutes away and cell service can be unreliable. Confirm emergency communication access (landline, satellite, or Wi-Fi), know the exact physical address, and lean on your first-aid skills.
Families may permit outdoor exploration near barns or bikes on dirt roads. Clarify permissions beforehand and demonstrate maturity by asking prepared questions.
Wyoming lacks specific age minimums but references Wyoming Statute 14-3-202 regarding child endangerment through neglect. Department of Family Services (DFS) guidelines suggest — Under 6: requires a responsible caregiver present; Ages 6 to 9: need direct supervision; unsuitable for babysitting; Ages 10 to 11: may be alone briefly during daylight; Age 12+: generally acceptable for short daytime sessions; Age 14+: suitable for extended, evening, and multi-child care.
The state uses a case-by-case evaluation approach. DFS considers the child's maturity and age, the duration of unsupervision, emergency access, and location safety.
Casual babysitting requires no license. Family childcare licensing applies only when serving multiple unrelated families regularly in home settings.
Most Wyoming families pay $10 to $28 an hour for one child in 2026, with the top of that range in the higher-cost metros and the bottom in smaller towns and rural areas. Overnight jobs typically run $65 to $150. Rates go up for extra kids, and certified sitters consistently charge more.
Certification isn't required but helps you stand out. Programs like Cheyenne Regional Medical Center and Wyoming Medical Center in Casper run babysitting, CPR, and first-aid courses across Wyoming.