Reviewed by the Nanny Lane team · Last updated

How much does a nanny cost in La Crosse, WI in 2026?

In La Crosse, WI, the average nanny earns about $16.48 per hour. For a typical 40-hour week, that works out to roughly $659/week or $2,857/month. Most La Crosse families pay somewhere in the $10–$22/hour range, depending on experience, the number of kids, and what's expected on the job.

Average hourly rate$16.48/hr · La Crosse average

These numbers come from 54 live nanny listings in La Crosse on Nanny Lane. We update this page whenever the data moves.

$659
$2,857
$34,278

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What drives the price

Most La Crosse families pay somewhere in the $10–$22/hour range. Where a given family lands depends on a handful of factors. Three of them drive most of the spread.


01

Experience

Experience is one of the biggest levers on a nanny's rate.
Nannies with 10+ years, or specialty skills like newborn care or multiple languages, typically command the highest hourly rates.

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)$16.48
2 kids~$17.48
3+ kids~$18.48+

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.

How do La Crosse nanny rates compare to state and national averages?

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

Hiring nannies in La Crosse, WI typically costs about 5% less than the Wisconsin average of $17/hour and 14% less than the United States average of $19/hour.

Average hourly nannies rates compared across La Crosse, WI and reference areas.
AreaAverage hourly ratevs. La Crosse, WI
La Crosse, WI$16/hr
Wisconsin$17/hr+5%
United States$19/hr+16%

Where La Crosse, WI fits among nearby cities

10 nearby cities have enough nanny data to compare, with rates ranging from $15.25/hour in Janesville to $20.01/hour in Madison.

Below: how each compares to the La Crosse, WI average of $16.48/hour — La Crosse, WI is highlighted at its true rank.

Nearby cities ranked by nanny rate

10 cities near La Crosse, WI ranked by average hourly nanny rate, most to least expensive.
#City$/hrvs. La Crosse, WI
1Madison$20.01+21%
2Milwaukee$17.86+8%
3Kenosha$17.39+6%
4Green Bay$17.24+5%
5Eau Claire$17.15+4%
6Appleton$16.87+2%
7Oshkosh$16.86+2%
La Crosse$16.48
9Racine$16.17-2%
10Janesville$15.25-7%
Most expensive nearby: Madison ($20.01) Least expensive nearby: Janesville ($15.25)

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 La Crosse, WI

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 La Crosse, WI

    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 La Crosse, WI

54 active listings in La Crosse

Colby L. - Seeking Work in La Crosse

Nanny Colby

La Crosse, WI
$25 - $45/hr
Full-time
8 years experience

A little bit about me

Hello! My name is Colby, and I have been working with children for over 8 years. I have always loved working with kids because they bring so much joy, curiosity, and excitement into each day. I enjoy creating meaningful experiences that help children learn, grow, and explore the world around them.

I am CPR, First Aid, SIDS certified and have experience creating activities that support children’s development and stimulate their minds through hands-on learning. I especially enjoy spending time outdoors and encouraging children to explore nature and their surroundings.

In my free time, I love reading, spending time with my family, and enjoying the little moments that make life special. I look forward to building relationships with children and families while providing a safe, nurturing, and engaging environment for every child.

Have experience working with

Infants

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Ava D. - Seeking Work in La Crosse

Nanny Ava

La Crosse, WI
$19 - $26/hr
Part-time
< 1 year experience

A little bit about me

Hi! I'm Ava, a college student entering my junior year at Carthage College, where I play volleyball and study Economics. I've always been drawn to working with kids, and I want to be someone kids feel safe with, have fun with, and can count on. I had nannies growing up during the summers, and have great memories with them, so I am hoping to change lives the same way they changed mine!

Have experience working with

Special Needs

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Sydney R. - Seeking Work in La Crosse

Nanny Sydney

La Crosse, WI
$16 - $20/hr
Part-time
1 year experience

A little bit about me

Hey! My name is Sydney and I’m a senior at UWL. I enjoy being active and being outside as much as I can. I love hanging out with kiddos and pets if you have them! Please reach out if you are in need of care :)

Have experience working with

Special Needs

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Greta V. - Seeking Work in La Crosse

Nanny Greta

La Crosse, WI
$17/hr
Full-time
2 years experience

A little bit about me

Hi!! Im Greta and I am currently a college student at Lawrence university Majoring in Business Entrepreneurship and English! I am on the Womens track and field team so I love to be outside and active and love to be adventurous/ Creative! In my free time I do a lot of cooking and baking fun treats!

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Aubrey F. - Seeking Work in La Crosse

Nanny Aubrey

La Crosse, WI
$15 - $22/hr
Full-time
2 years experience

A little bit about me

Hi! I’m a student at Western Tech studying Early Education. I love the outdoors, baking, and reading! I’ve been working with kids from ages 3 months - 7 years old for about 2.5 years. I currently work at a nursery/ day care in La Crosse.

Have experience working with

Infants
Special Needs

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Yuvelly Z. - Seeking Work in La Crosse

Nanny Yuvelly

La Crosse, WI
$16/hr
Part-time
1 year experience

A little bit about me

I go to western, currently in the criminal justice program. I’m 20. I’ve worked with kids before. I love to explore do fun stuff. I like to spend my time making flowers for my business. I used to be a nanny/driver. I would take the kids to school, sports events and such. I also would take care of them when their parents go on vacation! I love kids

Have experience working with

Special Needs
Reese M. - Seeking Work in La Crosse

Nanny Reese

La Crosse, WI
$15.77/hr
Full-time
< 1 year experience

A little bit about me

I grew up in Galesville Wi with just my father and my cats, and now I live in La Crosse Wi and I’m going to school for Biology. I have always loved kids and working as a teacher assistant, daycare worker, babysitting, nannying, and just being around kids! Early Childhood Education was only is my mind for school so it was a hard decision, but I’m going to work with kids as long as I can. I love being outdoors and doing activities, and I also love all animals!
Grace L. - Seeking Work in La Crosse

Nanny Grace

La Crosse, WI
$15/hr
Part-time
2 years experience

A little bit about me

I’m an active, reliable nanny who loves staying engaged through sports, outdoor play, and roadtrip adventures. I have meaningful experience working with children on the autism spectrum, and I prioritize patience, clear communication, and creating a safe, comfortable environment for every child. I enjoy building routines, supporting learning, and bringing positive energy to each day. I’m excited to help your family with care that’s dependable, encouraging, and fun.

Have experience working with

Special Needs
Grace P. - Seeking Work in La Crosse

Nanny Grace

La Crosse, WI
$15/hr
Part-time
1 year experience

A little bit about me

Hi! My name is Grace Pearson. I am currently a freshman in college at UW-La Crosse and I am looking for a part time job! I could do any shift before 11 on any day and then after 3:40 on any day! I love working with kids and I am currently a psych major in hopes of being a child psychologist!:)

Have experience working with

Infants
Special Needs

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
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