Reviewed by the Nanny Lane team · Last updated

How much does a child care provider cost in New Orleans, LA in 2026?

In New Orleans, LA, the average child care provider earns about $17.53 per hour. For a typical 40-hour week, that works out to roughly $701/week or $3,039/month. Most New Orleans families pay somewhere in the $8–$28/hour range, depending on experience, the number of kids, and what's expected on the job.

Average hourly rate$17.53/hr · New Orleans average

These numbers come from 232 live child care provider listings in New Orleans on Nanny Lane. We update this page whenever the data moves.

$701
$3,039
$36,462

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What drives the price

Most New Orleans families pay somewhere in the $8–$28/hour range. Where a given family lands depends on a handful of factors. Three of them drive most of the spread.


01

Experience

More experienced child care providers command higher rates. Entry-level (0-2 yrs) average $16.90/hour, while the most experienced (6-10 yrs) charge around $20/hour.
Avg hourly rate by years of experience

02

Number of kids

One child is the baseline. Each additional child usually adds $1–$2/hour. Twins and infants tend toward the high end.
+$1 to $2/hour per additional child
Hourly rate by number of kids
1 kid (baseline)$17.53
2 kids~$18.53
3+ kids~$19.53+

03

Hours & schedule

Standard weekday daytime hours are easiest to staff. Early mornings, evenings, weekends, and last-minute coverage all push rates up.
10–20%premium for off-hours coverage
Hourly rate adjustment by schedule
Weekday 9–5 (standard)
Evening/weekend+$2–4/hr
Last-minute+$3–5/hr

Also factor in: live-in vs. live-out · household duties beyond childcare · driving · cooking · travel.

Full-time, part-time, and live-in child care provider rates

ArrangementTypical hoursAverage rate
Full-time35–50 hrs/week$18.47/hr
Part-time10–25 hrs/week$18.34/hr
Live-inSet by family$17.36/hr

Part-time and full-time hourly rates are similar here — short schedules don't always command a premium when full-time openings are easy to fill.

Live-in arrangements look cheaper per hour because room and board are part of the package. The trade-off is space — you'll need a private bedroom and ideally a separate bathroom for the child care provider.

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How do New Orleans child care provider rates compare to state and national averages?

New Orleans runs below the U.S. average for child care provider rates — a meaningful budget advantage for families looking here.

Hiring child care in New Orleans, LA typically costs about 16% more than the Louisiana average of $15/hour and 8% less than the United States average of $19/hour.

Average hourly child care rates compared across New Orleans, LA and reference areas.
AreaAverage hourly ratevs. New Orleans, LA
New Orleans, LA$18/hr
Louisiana$15/hr-14%
United States$19/hr+8%

Where New Orleans, LA fits among nearby cities

10 nearby cities have enough child care provider data to compare, with rates ranging from $13.20/hour in Monroe to $18.52/hour in Metairie.

Below: how each compares to the New Orleans, LA average of $17.53/hour — New Orleans, LA is highlighted at its true rank.

Nearby cities ranked by child care provider rate

10 cities near New Orleans, LA ranked by average hourly child care provider rate, most to least expensive.
#City$/hrvs. New Orleans, LA
1Metairie$18.52+6%
New Orleans$17.53
3Covington$16.31-7%
4Baton Rouge$15.53-11%
5Bossier City$14.87-15%
6Shreveport$14.11-20%
7Lafayette$14.07-20%
8Hammond$13.84-21%
9Lake Charles$13.82-21%
10Monroe$13.20-25%
Most expensive nearby: Metairie ($18.52) Least expensive nearby: Monroe ($13.20)

Tips to find a great child care provider without overpaying

  • Be flexible on experience. Some of the best child care on the platform have 3–5 years on the job and charge meaningfully less than experienced child care with 10+ years. References matter more than years.
  • Consider a share. If your kids are similar ages and you live near another family, a share is the single biggest cost reduction available without compromising on care.
  • Be specific about hours upfront. Most child care will take a slightly lower rate for a guaranteed steady schedule than for a higher-rate, unpredictable one.
  • Bundle benefits thoughtfully. Two weeks PTO, a health stipend, transit passes, education assistance, or an annual raise commitment can help close the gap with families offering a higher hourly rate.
  • Match rate to responsibilities. A higher rate often makes sense once you add cooking, errands, or driving. Don't compare apples to oranges across listings.

How to reduce nanny costs?

Split the cost of a nanny with another family
and enjoy flexible child care.
Learn more about nanny sharing

How families use Nanny Lane to find a child care provider in New Orleans, LA

Nanny Lane is a marketplace built specifically for connecting families with child care — no recruiters in the middle. Most families work through it like this:

  1. 01

    Browse child care provider profiles in New Orleans, LA

    Filter by hourly rate, experience, languages, and availability.

  2. 02

    Message the ones who look like a fit

    Reach out to the child care whose experience and rate match what you're looking for.

  3. 03

    Schedule a phone call, then a paid trial day

    Trial days feel awkward at first — that's normal. They're the best way to see how a child care provider fits with your family in real time.

  4. 04

    Hire your child care provider

    If you'd rather not handle taxes and payroll yourself, our payroll team can take care of it.

Available child care in New Orleans, LA

232 active listings in New Orleans

Yngrid P. - Seeking Work in New Orleans

Nanny Yngrid

New Orleans, LA
$20 - $22/hr
Full-time
4 years experience

A little bit about me

I’m a mother of 3. Im a wife to a wonderful husband. I love taking care of and nurturing children. Soon as people meet me they feel comfortable. I just love family and friends. I’m a people who person for sure also.

Have experience working with

Infants
Special Needs

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Nyiya S. - Seeking Work in New Orleans

Nanny Nyiya

New Orleans, LA
$17/hr
Full-time
6 years experience

A little bit about me

Hii! My name is To’Nyiya. I’m currently entering my senior year at Dillard University. I have over 5 years of childcare experience. I enjoy working with children and building memories + creating bonds with them! I’d love to be your family nanny & add a little extra love to you alls life.

Have experience working with

Infants
Special Needs

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Railynn J. - Seeking Work in New Orleans

Nanny Railynn

New Orleans, LA
$15 - $25/hr
Part-time
3 years experience

A little bit about me

Hey I am Railynn Jacobs I love working with children and love kids in general. I am looking for a part time job while I am in school finishing up and I feel this is my strong suit and perfect for me. I am hard working and great with kids!

Have experience working with

Infants
Special Needs

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Denise M. - Seeking Work in New Orleans

Nanny Denise

New Orleans, LA
$12 - $18/hr
Full-time
6 years experience

A little bit about me

My name is Denise Miller. I’m 18 years old and I’m an art major so I’m definitely good at crafts. I have several younger cousins so I’ve been babysitting all my life. I take care of kids at my church. I have a younger brother with autism who I get paid to tutor and take care of during the day now that it’s summer. Kids have always been part of my life whether it be with church, family, or the preschool my grandmother used to own. I can take care of kids from an infant to a teenager though teenagers don’t really need me. I like to make sure the kids can have fun and I’m always responsible as well as respectful. I believe if a child should have to respect and listen to me then they should feel heard as well. While they can’t boss me around I’m a firm believer that respect is a two way street regardless of age.

Have experience working with

Special Needs
Jah’nya R. - Seeking Work in New Orleans

Nanny Jah’nya

New Orleans, LA
$15 - $17/hr
Full-time
5 years experience

A little bit about me

Hi, My name is Jah’nya I am 17 years old and an upcoming senior. I’ve been caring for children since I was 10, all paid jobs. I worked for the 18th Ward for about 4 years and I still babysit on weekends. I just want something full time. I know that I am young, that may scare some but I promise I am responsible, funny, kind, and really smart. I am enrolled at Nunez college for my health classes, and I am also CPR certified. I am not a pet person unfortunately, and I do have a fear of dogs.

Have experience working with

Infants
Special Needs

Certification

CPR
Anna D. - Seeking Work in New Orleans

Nanny Anna

New Orleans, LA
$18 - $30/hr
Full-time
8 years experience

A little bit about me

Hi there, my name is Anna! I am currently an elementary special education teacher and high school cheerleading coach in Charleston, SC. I graduated from Clemson in 2024 and am wrapping up my second year teaching students aged 4-9. I have 8 years of experience as a summer nanny and babysitter, working with students of all ages and abilities.

I am a big reader, runner, and traveler. I love to be outside! My love for cheerleading brings me to the New Orleans area this month, but I am looking for a live-in nanny position beginning early June until the school year begins.

I am CPR and first aid certified, in addition to sports related safety certifications as a coach. My college degree certifies me to teach general and special education, grades K-12, with my preference being with elementary-aged students!

As a nanny, I am happy to run errands, complete light housekeeping, cook, and tutor as requested. Thank you for your time and consideration!

Have experience working with

Infants
Special Needs

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Isis W. - Seeking Work in New Orleans

Nanny Isis

New Orleans, LA
$18/hr
Full-time
Part-time
3 years experience

A little bit about me

hi!! i’m izzy!! i’m a incoming freshman at loyola and i’ve been working with kids for the last 4 years.

Have experience working with

Infants
Special Needs

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Fredreka F. - Seeking Work in New Orleans

Nanny Fredreka

New Orleans, LA
$17/hr
Full-time
10+ years experience

A little bit about me

I have baby sat for 10+ years , family , friends kids. Also great with kids!! Currently work at Ochsner PEDS but looking for something more flexible. Going back to school for Child development and Family studies. Went to Loyola for Psychology:).

Have experience working with

Infants

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Olivia W. - Seeking Work in New Orleans

Nanny Olivia

New Orleans, LA
$18/hr
Full-time
10+ years experience

A little bit about me

Hi! My name is Olivia Grace, and I have several years of childcare experience through babysitting, volunteering, and working as a camp counselor and mentor since I was 16. I genuinely enjoy helping children learn, grow, and express themselves in fun and creative ways. I’m patient, dependable, and nurturing, with a calm personality that helps kids feel comfortable and cared for. I love creating a positive environment where children can feel safe, supported, and happy.

Have experience working with

Infants
Special Needs

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
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