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 $13.26 per hour. For a typical 40-hour week, that works out to roughly $530/week or $2,298/month. Most Ruston families pay somewhere in the $9–$20/hour range, depending on experience, the number of kids, and what's expected on the job.
Average hourly rate$13.26/hr · Ruston average
These numbers come from 38 live nanny listings in Ruston on Nanny Lane. We update this page whenever the data moves.
- Weekly
(40 hrs) - $530
- Monthly
- $2,298
- Annual
- $27,581
Find nannies near you
What drives the price
Most Ruston families pay somewhere in the $9–$20/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
| 1 kid (baseline) | $13.26 |
|---|---|
| 2 kids | ~$14.26 |
| 3+ kids | ~$15.26+ |
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
| 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 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 15% less than the Louisiana average of $16/hour and 32% less than the United States average of $19/hour.
| Area | Average hourly rate | vs. Ruston, LA |
|---|---|---|
| Ruston, LA | $13/hr | — |
| Louisiana | $16/hr | +17% |
| United States | $19/hr | +46% |
Where Ruston, LA fits among nearby cities
10 nearby cities have enough nanny data to compare, with rates ranging from $13.41/hour in Monroe to $18.56/hour in Metairie.
Below: how each compares to the Ruston, LA average of $13.26/hour.
Nearby cities ranked by nanny rate
| # | City | $/hr | vs. Ruston, LA | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Metairie | $18.56 | +40% | |
| 2 | New Orleans | $18.17 | +37% | |
| 3 | Slidell | $16.30 | +23% | |
| 4 | Baton Rouge | $16.21 | +22% | |
| 5 | Bossier City | $14.43 | +9% | |
| 6 | Lafayette | $14.23 | +7% | |
| 7 | Hammond | $14.16 | +7% | |
| 8 | Shreveport | $14.13 | +7% | |
| 9 | Lake Charles | $13.64 | +3% | |
| 10 | Monroe | $13.41 | +1% |
● Most expensive nearby: Metairie ($18.56)● Least expensive nearby: Monroe ($13.41)
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.
and enjoy flexible child care.
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:
- 01
Browse nanny profiles in Ruston, LA
Filter by hourly rate, experience, languages, and availability.
- 02
Message the ones who look like a fit
Reach out to the nannies whose experience and rate match what you're looking for.
- 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.
- 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
38 active listings in Ruston
Nanny Allie
Nanny Allie
Ruston, LA
$13/hr
Full-time
< 1 year experience
A little bit about me
Im 18 i just moved to ruston after graduating from west monroe high school. i recently found out Im pregnant so id perfer to find a job where i can take it easier than it would be working in a department store.
Have experience working with
Infants
Special Needs
Certification
CPR
Nanny Ella
Nanny Ella
Ruston, LA
$15 - $20/hr
Part-time
1 year experience
A little bit about me
Hi! I'm, Ella, a Secondary Education major at Louisiana Tech. My coursework and passion for teaching allow me to connect well with children, support their learning, and keep them actively engaged. I pride myself on being dependable, safety-focused, and adaptable to your family's routines. Whether you need after-school help, homework assistance, or weekend care, I am happy to help. Feel free to reach out with any questions! I can provide references upon request.
Have experience working with
Infants
Nanny Gina
Nanny Gina
Ruston, LA
$13/hr
Full-time
5 years experience
A little bit about me
My name is Gina, I’m 42 and have years of caregiving experience. I am willing to relocate or move in .
Have experience working with
Infants
Special Needs
Nanny Alysa
Nanny Alysa
Ruston, LA
$13/hr
Part-time
< 1 year experience
A little bit about me
Hello! My name is Alysa. I am a college student at LA Tech. I have "hundreds" of cousins that I have spent years looking after. We love going to the park, having picnics, going to the aquarium, or just staying in and playing.
Certifications
CPR
First Aid
Nanny Alexandra
Nanny Alexandra
Ruston, LA
$15/hr
Part-time
4 years experience
A little bit about me
Hi! My name is Lexi, and I’m a responsible, dependable, and caring college student at Louisiana Tech University. I love working with kids and enjoy creating a fun, safe, and positive environment where they can learn, play, and feel comfortable. I’m patient, organized, and always willing to help with whatever a family needs, whether that’s keeping children entertained, helping with homework, preparing simple meals, or assisting with bedtime routines. I’m also reliable, have strong communication skills, and understand the importance of earning parents’ trust. In my free time, I enjoy staying active, spending time outdoors, and reading. I strive to be a positive role model and make sure every child I care for feels happy, supported, and safe. I’d love the opportunity to get to know your family and provide dependable, attentive care for your children!
Certifications
CPR
First Aid
Nanny Jenna
Nanny Jenna
Ruston, LA
$15/hr
Full-time
3 years experience
A little bit about me
Hi! My name is Jenna and I recently graduated from Louisiana Tech with a degree in Human Development and Family Science, where I studied child development and family relationships. I have experience working with children of different ages and truly enjoy helping them learn, grow, and feel supported. I plan to pursue a career as a Child Life Specialist, so caring for and connecting with children is something I’m very passionate about. I’m responsible, reliable, and a strong communicator who works well with both children and parents to create a safe, fun, and engaging environment.
Have experience working with
Infants
Special Needs
Certifications
CPR
First Aid
Nanny Hannah
Nanny Hannah
Ruston, LA
$15/hr
Full-time
5 years experience
A little bit about me
Nurturing young minds is a true passion of mine. With five years of experience caring for children aged newborn to 11, I've developed a patient and friendly approach that kids respond to. My previous babysitting experiences solidified my desire to support families by providing reliable care. I am comfortable caring for up to three children at a time. I hold a college degree and maintain current certifications in CPR and First Aid. I enjoy playing outdoor sports, board games, and educational games. I prioritize open communication with parents, using verbal updates at pickup and always respecting your preferred method. I'm also very comfortable enforcing household rules. Being able to help children thrive brings me immense joy, and I hope to bring that same care and enthusiasm to your family.
Have experience working with
Infants
Special Needs
Certifications
CPR
First Aid
Recent reference
"Hannah was a nanny for our son just prior to him starting daycare. She helped our family tremendously at a very crucial time. She is highly intelligent and adaptable, very punctual, very pleasant and caring towards children, and an excellent communicator. Our son was constantly giggling and having fun in her care. Her knowledge and experience in child care was apparent from the start and it was instrumental in our son's development. But more than anything, she was extremely reliable, which was exactly what we needed.
If you are looking for a true child care professional who connects extremely well with children and ensures that they have fun while learning and developing, cares for them as if they are her own, communicates very effectively with parents, and provides unbelievable reliability/dependability, Hannah will be an excellent choice for your family."
- Greg
Nanny Maddie
Nanny Maddie
Ruston, LA
$15/hr
Full-time
5 years experience
A little bit about me
Hello! My name is Maddie Heroy, and I am currently a Junior at La Tech studying education!! I am a certified teacher in the state of Louisiana, and I have a Montessori background as well. Tutoring is my expertise! Next year, I will be graduating to become a full-time teacher here in Ruston, and I am so excited to meet you and your family!
Have experience working with
Special Needs
Certifications
CPR
First Aid
Nanny Shanice
Nanny Shanice
Ruston, LA
$15/hr
Full-time
< 1 year experience
A little bit about me
I am a loving and enthusiastic nanny who delights in bringing joy and care to children's lives. With a warm heart and a nurturing spirit, I am dedicated to fostering their happiness and development. I am also a pre-nursing student at Grambling State University from New Orleans, La.
Have experience working with
Infants
Special Needs
Certifications
CPR
First Aid