Reviewed by the Nanny Lane team · Last updated

How much does a nanny cost in Ruston, LA in 2026?

In Ruston, LA, the average nanny earns about $11.16 per hour. For a typical 40-hour week, that works out to roughly $446/week or $1,934/month. Most Ruston families pay somewhere in the $7–$16/hour range, depending on experience, the number of kids, and what's expected on the job.

Average hourly rate$11.16/hr · Ruston average

These numbers come from 101 live nanny listings in Ruston on Nanny Lane. We update this page whenever the data moves.

$446
$1,934
$23,213

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What drives the price

Most Ruston families pay somewhere in the $7–$16/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 nannys command higher rates. Entry-level (0-2 yrs) average $10.77/hour, while the most experienced (3-5 yrs) charge around $12.60/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)$11.16
2 kids~$12.16
3+ kids~$13.16+

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 nanny rates

ArrangementTypical hoursAverage rate
Full-time35–50 hrs/week$11.86/hr
Part-time10–25 hrs/week$11.29/hr
Live-inSet by family$11.25/hr

Part-time runs slightly lower per hour than full-time here, which often means strong full-time demand supports higher rates for committed schedules.

Live-in rates are close to live-out here — but the package usually still includes room and board, so the all-in cost can be lower than it appears. The trade-off is space — you'll need a private bedroom and ideally a separate bathroom for the nanny.

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How do Ruston nanny rates compare to state and national averages?

Ruston runs below the U.S. average for nanny rates — a meaningful budget advantage for families looking here.

Hiring nannies in Ruston, LA typically costs about 17% less than the Louisiana average of $13/hour and 33% less than the United States average of $17/hour.

Average hourly nannies rates compared across Ruston, LA and reference areas.
AreaAverage hourly ratevs. Ruston, LA
Ruston, LA$11/hr
Louisiana$13/hr+21%
United States$17/hr+50%

Where Ruston, LA fits among nearby cities

10 nearby cities have enough nanny data to compare, with rates ranging from $12.71/hour in Lake Charles to $16.04/hour in New Orleans.

Below: how each compares to the Ruston, LA average of $11.16/hour.

Nearby cities ranked by nanny rate

10 cities near Ruston, LA ranked by average hourly nanny rate, most to least expensive.
#City$/hrvs. Ruston, LA
1New Orleans$16.04+44%
2Metairie$15.48+39%
3Baton Rouge$14.11+26%
4Slidell$14.02+26%
5Hammond$13.33+19%
6Bossier City$13.28+19%
7Monroe$13.05+17%
8Lafayette$13.00+16%
9Shreveport$12.98+16%
10Lake Charles$12.71+14%
Most expensive nearby: New Orleans ($16.04) Least expensive nearby: Lake Charles ($12.71)

Tips to find a great nanny without overpaying

  • Be flexible on experience. Some of the best nannies on the platform have 3–5 years on the job and charge meaningfully less than experienced nannies 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 nannies 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 nanny in Ruston, LA

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

  1. 01

    Browse nanny profiles in Ruston, LA

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

  2. 02

    Message the ones who look like a fit

    Reach out to the nannies 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 nanny fits with your family in real time.

  4. 04

    Hire your nanny

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

Available nannies in Ruston, LA

101 active listings in Ruston

Macie A. - Seeking Work in Ruston

Nanny Macie

Ruston, LA
$11/hr
Full-time
Part-time
1 year experience

A little bit about me

Hi! My name is Macie, and I’m from Louisiana. I’ve always loved being around kids and creating a safe, fun, and supportive environment for them to grow in. I’m patient, dependable, and very hands-on—I enjoy doing things like crafts, outdoor play, and helping with learning activities.

I come from a close family and have experience helping care for children, which has taught me the importance of responsibility, communication, and trust. I’m someone who takes pride in being reliable and making sure both kids and parents feel comfortable and cared for.

I’m also happy to help with light housekeeping, meal prep, and keeping a structured but fun routine. My goal is always to make life easier for parents while making sure the kids are happy, safe, and engaged.

Have experience working with

Special Needs

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Andrea H. - Seeking Work in Ruston

Nanny Andrea

Ruston, LA
$12/hr
Full-time
1 year experience

A little bit about me

Hi, my name is Andrea Heard, but I go by Drea. I’m from Atlanta, GA, and I’m studying kinesiology with a passion for fitness, sports, and mentorship. I have experience working with Grambling State’s football and soccer teams, and I love working with kids, having helped raise my six younger sisters. I’m currently looking for opportunities as an athletic trainer or personal trainer, ideally working with kids or athletes.

Have experience working with

Infants
Special Needs

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Rian W. - Seeking Work in Ruston

Nanny Rian

Ruston, LA
$11/hr
Full-time
3 years experience

A little bit about me

With 3 years of experience caring for children aged 3 months to 12 years, I bring a wealth of knowledge and a passion for nurturing young minds. As a student at Louisiana Tech University majoring in Architecture, I am detail-oriented and thrive on interactive activities that foster creativity and learning. Reading and exploring new experiences are among my favorite pastimes, and I strive to instill a love for knowledge in the children under my care. Currently in the process of renewing my CPR and First Aid certifications, I prioritize safety while creating an environment that encourages growth and fun. Let me be the dedicated and engaging nanny your family deserves.

Have experience working with

Infants
Special Needs

Certification

First Aid
Courtney H. - Seeking Work in Ruston

Nanny Courtney

Ruston, LA
$11/hr
Full-time
5 years experience

A little bit about me

Currently, I'm pursuing a double major in kinesiology and mass communication in sports journalism while working as an assistant manager at a shoe store. I grew up playing on a traveling soccer team and I am a big Chiefs fan.

Have experience working with

Infants
Starreyelle G. - Seeking Work in Ruston

Nanny Starreyelle

Ruston, LA
$11/hr
Part-time
< 1 year experience

A little bit about me

I’m a young teenager looking for a job for school and school activities and I work best with kids. I’ve babysat many times before with family but this would be new for me. This is something I think would be right environment for me.

Have experience working with

Infants
Special Needs
Makayla D. - Seeking Work in Ruston

Nanny Makayla

Ruston, LA
$11/hr
Part-time
1 year experience

A little bit about me

Hi I’m Makayla. I’m currently in school at Louisiana Tech studying family and child studies. I hope to be a child life specialist one day. I have baby sat through high school and volunteered at after school care at my local elementary school. I have experience with kids with autism and kids age 1-11. I will be willing to light house keeping, helping with homework, planning activities, and carpooling. I have my own car and have 4 years driving experience with no accidents or tickets.

Have experience working with

Special Needs
Angella G. - Seeking Work in Ruston

Nanny Angella

Ruston, LA
$12/hr
Full-time
2 years experience

A little bit about me

Hello! My last job working with kids as a teacher's assistant was a demanding yet super rewarding experience. I hope to have had the same impact on those kids as they did on me. I've loved working with kids since my first job in high school as a childcare provider at one of my hometown's local churches. Some of my other interests include skateboarding, yoga, cooking, gardening, photography, and reading. I'd love to share my hobbies with your kiddos if they show interest!
I've recently resigned from college temporarily for various reasons, therefore I'm available almost whenever you need me! I'd love to work with kids again, thank you for considering me!

Have experience working with

Infants
Special Needs
Starleigh T. - Seeking Work in Ruston

Nanny Starleigh

Ruston, LA
$12/hr
Full-time
5 years experience

A little bit about me

My name is Starleigh I’m 21 looking for a job that involves kids . I would like to start a daycare of my own one day!

Have experience working with

Infants
Special Needs
Timeca G. - Seeking Work in Ruston

Nanny Timeca

Ruston, LA
$11.47/hr
Part-time
< 1 year experience

A little bit about me

My name is Timeca. I have 3 kids. 2 girls and a boy. Two of the are grown with kids and one still home with me. I love children.
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