Reviewed by the Nanny Lane team · Last updated

How much does a nanny cost in Wausau, WI in 2026?

In Wausau, WI, the average nanny earns about $16.23 per hour. For a typical 40-hour week, that works out to roughly $649/week or $2,813/month. Most Wausau 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$16.23/hr · Wausau average

These numbers come from 46 live nanny listings in Wausau on Nanny Lane. We update this page whenever the data moves.

$649
$2,813
$33,758

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What drives the price

Most Wausau 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)$16.23
2 kids~$17.23
3+ kids~$18.23+

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 Wausau nanny rates compare to state and national averages?

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

Hiring nannies in Wausau, WI typically costs about 9% less than the Wisconsin average of $18/hour and 17% less than the United States average of $19/hour.

Average hourly nannies rates compared across Wausau, WI and reference areas.
AreaAverage hourly ratevs. Wausau, WI
Wausau, WI$16/hr—
Wisconsin$18/hr+9%
United States$19/hr+20%

Where Wausau, WI fits among nearby cities

The most expensive city for nannies near Wausau, WI is Madison at $20.11/hour; the least expensive is Janesville at $17.00/hour.

Below are the 5 most and 5 least expensive cities near Wausau, WI and how each compares to Wausau, WI's average of $16.23/hour.

Most expensive cities near Wausau, WI

Top 5 most expensive cities near Wausau, WI for hiring a nanny, ranked by average hourly rate.
#City$/hrvs. Wausau, WI
1Madison$20.11+24%
2Waukesha$18.59+15%
3Kenosha$18.49+14%
4Milwaukee$18.25+12%
5Appleton$17.54+8%

Least expensive cities near Wausau, WI

Top 5 least expensive cities near Wausau, WI for hiring a nanny, ranked by average hourly rate.
#City$/hrvs. Wausau, WI
1Janesville$17.00+5%
2Oshkosh$17.14+6%
3Racine$17.21+6%
4Green Bay$17.22+6%
5La Crosse$17.41+7%

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 Wausau, 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 Wausau, 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 Wausau, WI

46 active listings in Wausau

Emma H. - Seeking Work in Wausau

Nanny Emma

Wausau, WI
$20 - $25/hr
Full-time
Part-time
6 years experience

A little bit about me

I’m a 20-year-old. I’m currently in college online, so I’m looking for some work to make some extra money. I’ve had plenty of past experience babysitting for kids of all ages.

Have experience working with

Infants
Autumn C. - Seeking Work in Wausau

Nanny Autumn

Wausau, WI
$17 - $21/hr
Full-time
2 years experience

A little bit about me

I have experience working with all ages of kids, and am comfortable with special needs children. I’m looking to find a family that enjoys outside time, arts and crafts, and games. I am very flexible and open to anything. I’m also comfortable caring for pets of all kinds!

Have experience working with

Infants
Special Needs

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Rosalee O. - Seeking Work in Wausau

Nanny Rosalee

Wausau, WI
$16 - $18/hr
Full-time
Part-time
2 years experience

A little bit about me

Hi! My name is Rosalee, and I am a 22-year-old senior at UW-Madison majoring in Child Psychology. I have experience working with children of all ages and currently work as an infant teacher at the Woodson YMCA daycare. I am passionate about helping children learn, grow, and feel supported in a safe and nurturing environment.

In my free time, I enjoy being outdoors, going for runs, and spending time with family and friends. I am reliable, patient, and dedicated to creating positive experiences for the children and families I work with. I look forward to connecting with your family!

Have experience working with

Infants

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Sarah B. - Seeking Work in Wausau

Nanny Sarah

Wausau, WI
$16/hr
Full-time
6 years experience

A little bit about me

I have worked in a childcare setting for 6 years with additional experience babysitting! I have experience with children with different abilities. I am working to complete my Associates degree in Early Childhood Education this spring! I love being outdoors and planning fun, educational activities for children. I have the most experience with preschool aged children (3-5 years) but am open to working with all children.

Have experience working with

Infants
Special Needs

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Kathleen B. - Seeking Work in Wausau

Nanny Kathleen

Wausau, WI
$17/hr
Full-time
10+ years experience

A little bit about me

I worked with disabled and non disabled children in their homes and in the school system. I am a warm and nice person to be with. I went to Mid-State Technical College for Early Childhood Education. I would be happy to work with your children. I am Certified in First Aid and Choking, Standard Precautions, Fire Safety and Medication Administration.

Have experience working with

Infants
Special Needs

Certification

First Aid
Willow E. - Seeking Work in Wausau

Nanny Willow

Wausau, WI
$15/hr
Full-time
Part-time
10+ years experience

A little bit about me

Hello! My name is Willow Stage and I'm incredibly passionate about art, nature and child development.

Have experience working with

Infants
Special Needs

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Hailey R. - Seeking Work in Wausau

Nanny Hailey

Wausau, WI
$15/hr
Full-time
< 1 year experience

A little bit about me

Hi, my name is hailey and I live in stratford! I graduated this May from Stratford and I plan on going to school for a substance abuse counselor! I work at a day care currently and looking for a nanny position!

Have experience working with

Infants
Special Needs

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Leah P. - Seeking Work in Wausau

Nanny Leah

Wausau, WI
$15/hr
Full-time
2 years experience

A little bit about me

I’ve nannied for family, and babysat many neighbors and friends over the last 6 years! I love music, coffee, and animals.

Have experience working with

Infants
Special Needs

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Alexandra S. - Seeking Work in Wausau

Nanny Alexandra

Wausau, WI
$15/hr
Full-time
8 years experience

A little bit about me

I am 31 years old with 2 daughters! I am pursuing my Master's Degree in Psychology from Southern New Hampshire University. I have 15+ years of experience in babysitting, teaching, and daycare centers.

Have experience working with

Infants
Special Needs

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
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