How much do au pairs earn?

Pocket money varies by country, on top of free room and board. The value of the placement is the housing, meals and language immersion rather than the wage.

Do I need childcare experience to be an au pair?

Some experience with children helps — babysitting, coaching or camp work is usually enough. A first-aid certificate makes your application stronger.

Seasonaries

Au Pair Jobs Abroad

Au pair jobs are the classic low-cost way to live abroad: you help a host family with childcare and light housework in exchange for your own room, meals, pocket money and free time to explore. Au pair placements usually run 6–12 months, and language courses are often part of the deal.

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What an au pair actually does

Typical au pair duties are school runs, playing with and cooking for the children, tidying their rooms and some babysitting evenings — usually 25–35 hours a week with two days off.

Au pair visas and paperwork

Most European countries have a dedicated au pair or youth-mobility route; the US uses a regulated J-1 programme. Always agree hours, days off and pocket money in writing before you fly.

Frequently asked

How much do au pairs earn?: Pocket money varies by country, on top of free room and board. The value of the placement is the housing, meals and language immersion rather than the wage.
Do I need childcare experience to be an au pair?: Some experience with children helps — babysitting, coaching or camp work is usually enough. A first-aid certificate makes your application stronger.