Au Pair in the USA: salary, working hours, holidays, etc.

Pocket money, working hours and holiday scheduling for legal international Au Pairs in the US are determined by the US Department of State Au Pair program regulations. In this article, we will give you insight on:
All legal Au Pair programs in the USA must follow the US Government rules regarding salary, working hours and holiday scheduling. All agencies make sure their participants and Host Families are in compliance.

The US Department of State regulations help to ensure that the program is a cultural exchange program for the participant.

Working hours

Au Pairs can work up to 45 hours per week and not more than 10 hours per day - including babysitting!

45 hours is a lot, so the participant should check with the Host Family when exactly they are needed  to take care of the children so they can plan when they can take a class at the local college.
The Host Family should always be their priority though and the schedule will be based on their needs. But remember: the Au Pair’s time off is exactly that - the Au Pair’s time off.

If the Host Family requires additional care beyond what the participant can legally provide, we encourage them to obtain supplemental child care resources or consider getting a full time nanny.

Time off and holidays

The program regulations require Host Families to allow their new family members 1,5  free days in a week, and at least one weekend off a month.

The participant will also have 2 weeks of paid vacation during their stay. If the Host Family takes the Au Pair with them on vacation, they should discuss whether it is part of the participant’s paid vacation or not.

Make sure to include this in the contract as well!

Au Pair’s salary in the USA

Currently, Au Pairs in the USA receive a minimum pocket money of $195.75 per week.

This rate applies to all participants, but some organizations may also offer professional or educational program options.

The professional Au Pairs will generally receive a higher pocket money than $195.75, but they will need to have a high level of experience to qualify for these positions.  

The educational program allows participants to work with families with older children, whereby the youngest child in the home is in school full time. Participants work up to 30 hours per week, but will receive less than $195.75.

 

Language course

The US Government requires Au Pairs to complete an educational course at a post-secondary institution while the participants are in the USA. The Host Family has to pay up to $500 for the course. The agency must ensure all participants complete this educational requirement.

It’s possible to take English classes or more diverse classes such as history, political science, literature or anything similar. Taking a class is a great opportunity to meet other international people and find new friends.

What else?

  • Please do NOT answer families that ask you to become their Au Pair with a tourist visa for 6 months or only with an ESTA form for up to 3 months! This is illegal! The border control in the US might catch you the minute you set foot on American ground and send you back home.


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Authentic experience reports from Host Families from all over the world

Lea's family
❱ Usa     ❱ American Au Pair

Lea's family

Thank you for helping me to connect with this lovely young lady! We are so looking forward to inviting her into our home next month.


Zoe, American For Registered Members
Au Pair in Italy

Zoe, American

My time spent with the Theiner family was exquisite! I felt like a part of the family and it was the experience of a lifetime. The three ❱❱


Lisa's family For Registered Members
❱ Usa     ❱ Italian Au Pair

Lisa's family

Our Au-pair has been absolutely amazing! We are so lucky and only wish she could stay longer.


Brandie's family
❱ Usa     ❱ Italian Au Pair

Brandie's family

Giorgia was outstanding. The kids love her and she was always there to help out when we needed her.


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