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.
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.
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.
Cheyenne, $11 to $15 an hour; Casper, $10 to $14 an hour; Jackson Hole, $18 to $28 an hour; Laramie, $10 to $14 an hour. Overnight: $65 to $150 a night.
No. Cheyenne Regional Medical Center: CPR / First Aid; Wyoming Medical Center in Casper: CPR / First Aid; St. John's Health in Jackson: youth safety training; Wyoming 4-H via University Extension: workshops; Local recreation departments in Cheyenne, Casper, and Laramie: seasonal training; American Red Cross: occasional in-person classes.