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 $17.30 per hour. For a typical 40-hour week, that works out to roughly $692/week or $2,999/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$17.30/hr · La Crosse average

These numbers come from 97 live nanny listings in La Crosse on Nanny Lane. We update this page whenever the data moves.

$692
$2,999
$35,984

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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 doesn't make a noticeable difference to nanny rates in La Crosse, WI. Entry-level (0-2 yrs) average $17.07/hour, and the most experienced (3-5 yrs) come in at a similar $17.76/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)$17.30
2 kids~$18.30
3+ kids~$19.30+

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$19.15/hr
Part-time10–25 hrs/week$16.40/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.

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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 2% less than the Wisconsin average of $18/hour and 11% 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$17/hr—
Wisconsin$18/hr+2%
United States$19/hr+12%

Where La Crosse, WI fits among nearby cities

The most expensive city for nannies near La Crosse, WI is Madison at $19.98/hour; the least expensive is Janesville at $16.58/hour.

Below are the 5 most and 5 least expensive cities near La Crosse, WI and how each compares to La Crosse, WI's average of $17.30/hour.

Most expensive cities near La Crosse, WI

Top 5 most expensive cities near La Crosse, WI for hiring a nanny, ranked by average hourly rate.
#City$/hrvs. La Crosse, WI
1Madison$19.98+15%
2Waukesha$18.47+7%
3Milwaukee$18.14+5%
4Kenosha$17.93+4%
5Appleton$17.62+2%

Least expensive cities near La Crosse, WI

Top 5 least expensive cities near La Crosse, WI for hiring a nanny, ranked by average hourly rate.
#City$/hrvs. La Crosse, WI
1Janesville$16.58-4%
2Eau Claire$17.08-1%
3Green Bay$17.22—
4Racine$17.23—
La Crosse$17.30—

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

97 active listings in La Crosse

Isabel Q. - Seeking Work in La Crosse

Nanny Isabel

La Crosse, WI
$18/hr
Part-time
7 years experience

A little bit about me

Hi! My name is Isabel, and I’m a college student who loves working with kids! I’m caring, responsible, patient, and dependable. I enjoy keeping kids entertained with fun activities, helping with homework, and creating a safe, positive environment. I look forward to meeting a great family! I understand how important it is for parents to feel comfortable leaving their children with someone they trust, and I always strive to make families feel confident and supported. Whether it’s helping with homework, playing games, doing crafts, spending time outdoors, or following a bedtime routine, I’m happy to help! I look forward to meeting a family I can connect with and being someone they can count on.

Have experience working with

Infants
Special Needs

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Lily B. - Seeking Work in La Crosse

Nanny Lily

La Crosse, WI
$18/hr
Part-time
5 years experience

A little bit about me

I’m Lily a junior at La crosse and am looking for a part time job. I coach youth soccer twice a week and am looking to fill the time outside of that! I’ve worked with kids for most of my life and would love to continue doing so!

Have experience working with

Infants

Certification

First Aid
Mandy S. - Seeking Work in La Crosse

Nanny Mandy

La Crosse, WI
$18/hr
Full-time
Part-time
5 years experience

A little bit about me

I have over five years of experience working with children as a sixth-grade paraprofessional and I also worked as a nanny, providing individualized care and support. Helping children learn, grow, and build confidence is incredibly rewarding to me. I strive to create a safe, patient, and encouraging environment where kids feel valued and understood. I'm dependable, calm, and love finding creative ways to make learning fun. As a lifelong animal lover, I'm also comfortable caring for pets, so I'm happy to help families with their furry family members, too. I truly love making a positive difference in the lives of others, and I'd be honored to support your family.

Have experience working with

Special Needs

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
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
Lexi S. - Seeking Work in La Crosse

Nanny Lexi

La Crosse, WI
$18/hr
Part-time
< 1 year experience

A little bit about me

My name is lexi, I am 19 years old. I am looking for an extra job on the side of what I’m working now. I care for elder people and transport them. I am very interested In babysitting. I would love to care for your child/children and make them feel comfortable. If you’re interested feel free to reach out!

Have experience working with

Infants

Certification

CPR
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
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