Au Pair Salary: What Can You Earn as an Au Pair in the USA?

Are you considering becoming an au pair in the United States? Before you start applying to sponsor agencies, it’s important to understand how the au pair salary works. Becoming an au pair offers unique opportunities to immerse yourself in American culture, gain childcare experience, and travel across the country, but what’s the average au pair salary in the USA?

In this article, we’ll break down everything you need to know about au pair salaries in the U.S., including:

1. The average au pair salary you can expect to make
2. How the stipend gets calculated 
3. Factors that influence your au pair salary
4. How the au pair salary in the U.S. compares to other countries 
5. Budgeting for your time as an au pair in the U.S. 

We’ll also cover some common au pair salary FAQs, and explain why earning a salary is only one of the benefits of working as an au pair. At AuPairCare, we strive to give au pairs the best experience possible in the United States. We provide training and orientations, act as your J-1 visa sponsor, help match you with the right family, and offer in-person support throughout your entire placement. Plus, AuPairCare au pairs earn a stipend that’s significantly higher than the minimum legal requirement. 

Read on to learn more about the au pair salary, or start your AuPairCare application to begin your journey as an au pair! 

What Is the Au Pair Salary in the USA?

When considering a role as an au pair in the United States, one of the first questions you might have is, “How much will I earn?” The au pair salary, often referred to as a stipend, is a regulated payment designed to support you during your stay. 

The stipend is an important part of the au pair program, ensuring that you are compensated fairly while experiencing the cultural and personal benefits of being an au pair. Let’s take a closer look at what the au pair stipend entails and why it’s unique compared to typical pay.

Defining the Au Pair Stipend

The au pair stipend is the weekly payment you receive from your host family as part of your placement. According to regulations set by the U.S. Department of State, the minimum weekly stipend for au pairs in the United States is $195.75. This amount is based on federal minimum wage laws and takes into account the program’s cultural exchange nature, including the fact that your living expenses, such as housing and meals, are fully covered by your host family. 

While $195.75 is the standard minimum, some host families may choose to offer a higher amount, particularly in areas with a higher cost of living or for au pairs with extensive childcare experience. And, as you’ll soon see, AuPairCare ensures you’re paid a stipend that’s higher than the minimum weekly requirement. 

Why Is It Called a Stipend Instead of a Salary?

The term "stipend" reflects the cultural exchange foundation of the au pair program. Unlike a traditional salary, which compensates employees based on their job performance or qualifications, the stipend is provided to support au pairs as they integrate into American family life. This includes helping with childcare responsibilities, sharing their culture with your host family, and participating in cultural activities. 

When you choose to be an au pair in the United States with AuPairCare, you are not classified as an employee but rather as a participant in a cultural exchange. This distinction emphasizes that the main focus of being an au pair isn’t on earning a salary. The stipend ensures you have financial support for personal expenses, while your host family covers your essentials, such as meals, housing, and access to transportation.

Factors That Influence Your Au Pair Salary

While the au pair stipend in the United States is guided by federal regulations, several factors can influence what you earn or receive as part of your placement. These variations can depend on:

1. Your au pair agency
2. Your host family’s location
3. The scope of your responsibilities

Understanding these factors will help you make informed decisions and set realistic earning expectations as you prepare for your au pair experience. 

Your Au Pair Agency

The au pair agency you choose plays an essential role in determining how your stipend and other benefits are structured. All agencies must adhere to U.S. Department of State regulations, ensuring that you receive at least the minimum weekly stipend of $195.75. However, some agencies host families may offer higher stipends in competitive regions or for au pairs with specific program qualifications, such as infant care certification or extensive childcare experience. 

For example, AuPairCare requires their host families to offer a higher weekly stipend than most agencies. Our au pairs earn a minimum of $215 per week, significantly higher than the minimum requirement of $195.75. Plus, you’ll have access to all the other amazing benefits that come with AuPairCare, including our unique, in-person orientation event at AuPairCare Connect in New York City!

Host Family Agreements and Location

The location of your host family can also affect your stipend and overall financial experience. In high-cost areas such as New York City, San Francisco, or Washington, D.C., host families may offer a higher stipend to reflect the region’s increased living expenses. 

Families in smaller towns or regions with a lower cost of living may stick to the minimum stipend while still offering valuable au pair benefits. Before committing to a host family, it’s essential to discuss how location and cost of living might affect your earnings and overall experience. Of course, you and your host family can negotiate a higher compensation than what’s legally required. 

When it comes to negotiating with your host family, make sure you communicate openly and politely. Explain why you feel you need a higher compensation, but don’t be demanding, and take the time to listen to what your host family has to say as well. You’re going to be spending a year with your host family, so learning how to communicate effectively is an important skill to develop. 

Workload and Responsibilities

The U.S. au pair program limits au pairs to performing only childcare-related activities, but the specific duties and expectations of your host family can vary. Families with younger children, infants, or multiple kids may require more hands-on assistance, which could influence their decision to offer a higher stipend. Alternatively, families with older children might need more evening and weekend childcare coverage—it just depends on each individual family’s needs.

The workload should always remain within the program’s guidelines. You are not expected to perform excessive housework or tasks outside of childcare, such as cleaning the entire house. Be sure to clarify your responsibilities during the placement process to ensure your workload aligns with your expectations and compensation.

Additional Perks and Benefits Beyond the Stipend

One of the unique aspects of the au pair program is the range of non-monetary benefits you receive, which can make your time as an au pair even more rewarding. These include:

• Housing and meals included: As an au pair, you’ll live with your host family and have your basic living expenses fully covered.
• Transportation access: Many host families provide access to a car or reimburse public transportation costs.
• Cultural activities: Families may include you in outings, vacations, or other cultural experiences that add value to your time in the U.S.
• Educational benefits: The program includes up to $500 in educational allowances for you to take courses at a local college or university.

These additional benefits can help offset costs you might otherwise incur while living abroad, making your weekly stipend go a lot further. 

Comparing Au Pair Salaries in the U.S. to Other Countries

The United States is one of the most popular destinations for au pairs, not only because of its regulated stipend but also due to the additional benefits and cultural exchange opportunities. Au pair salaries and program structures can vary significantly across the globe—let’s take a look.

U.S. Salary vs. European Au Pair Programs

One key difference between the U.S. and European au pair programs is how salaries (or stipends) are structured. While the U.S. au pair stipend is regulated at a minimum of $195.75 per week, European programs often vary depending on the host country:

• United Kingdom: Au pairs typically earn £70–£100 per week (approximately $90–$125), and additional benefits like transportation allowances are less common. Also, there’s no formal au pair program in the UK, so there’s less oversight and security for au pairs. 
• Germany: The standard stipend is €280 per month (around $300), significantly lower than the U.S. weekly stipend. 
• France: Au pairs generally receive €80–€100 per week (around $85–$110), along with accommodation and meals.
• Scandinavia: Countries like Sweden and Denmark offer slightly higher stipends compared to other European countries, around €400–€500 per month, but living costs in these countries are also higher.

In Europe, au pair stipends often reflect a lower financial commitment from host families but include fewer hours of work and less structured educational benefits compared to the U.S. program.

Other Reasons Why the U.S. Program Is So Popular

Beyond the weekly stipend, the U.S. au pair program offers a unique blend of benefits that make it stand out globally. Here’s why so many au pairs choose the U.S. over other destinations:

• Educational allowance: U.S. au pairs receive up to $500 per year to attend college or university courses. This is often not included in other countries’ programs, making the U.S. ideal for furthering your education.
• Cultural exchange opportunities: The U.S. program emphasizes cultural immersion through holidays, family events, summer activities, and the chance to explore a diverse and vast country.
• Comprehensive support: U.S. au pairs benefit from agency-backed support, including orientation programs, 24/7 assistance, and a clear structure for work hours and responsibilities.
• Flexibility in host family arrangements: In the U.S., families often customize their perks to attract au pairs, such as offering higher stipends, travel opportunities, or access to additional resources.

The U.S. au pair program offers a nice balance of government oversight, agency support, and freedom for au pairs and host families to come up with an arrangement that works for their specific situation. 

Earn a Higher Au Pair Salary with AuPairCare!

If you’re considering becoming an au pair in the U.S., choosing the right agency can make a big difference in your overall experience—and your earnings. With AuPairCare, you’ll have:

• Higher compensation: AuPairCare ensures host families adhere to a minimum weekly stipend of $215, and families may choose to offer even higher stipends to attract experienced au pairs.
• Contractual benefits: Beyond the stipend, AuPairCare ensures you have defined contractual duties and a schedule that you and your host family agree to. You’ll also have a private room, two weeks of paid holidays annually, and 1.5 days of free time per week.
• Ongoing support: From offering advanced au pair online training to year-round assistance, AuPairCare helps you navigate your role as an au pair. Many of our local Area Directors were au pairs in our program, so they know exactly the help and support you need. 

By partnering with AuPairCare, you’re not just earning a stipend—you’re joining a program designed to help you thrive financially, culturally, and personally. Start your application today!

Budgeting as an Au Pair in the U.S.

Managing your finances is an important part of your au pair experience in the U.S. While your stipend is designed to cover personal expenses, careful budgeting will help you make the most of your time abroad and enjoy everything the U.S. has to offer.

How Far Does the Stipend Go?

An au pair stipend of $215 per week might seem low, but it’s important to remember that your major living expenses (housing, meals, and utilities) are fully covered by your host family. These are usually very high expenses in the United States, and working as an au pair is a unique opportunity to live in the USA without having to worry about rent or bills!

With those major expenses taken care of, your stipend can cover things like:

• Social activities like dining out, movies, or sightseeing trips
• Personal items including clothing, toiletries, and electronics
• Weekend getaways or longer vacations during your time off
• Supplementing the $500 educational allowance if your course fees exceed that amount

So, $215 a week might not sound like a lot, but when you don’t have to worry about rent or bills, it can go a long way. The cost of living in the U.S. varies significantly depending on where you’re located, but most au pairs find that their stipend is sufficient to cover their personal needs and even set aside savings.

Making the Most of Discounts and Free Opportunities

As an au pair, you’ll have plenty of ways to stretch your budget by taking advantage of discounts and free opportunities available to you:

• Student discounts: Since the au pair program includes an educational component, you may qualify for student discounts on everything from public transportation to museum tickets. Ask for discounts wherever you go and carry your student ID if provided by your course.
• Local deals: Many cities offer free or low-cost attractions, such as parks, festivals, and community events. Find activities in your area through local websites, apps, or host family recommendations.
• Public libraries: Libraries in the U.S. are a treasure trove of free resources, including books, movies, language learning programs, and even community workshops.
• Au pair networks: Connecting with other au pairs in your area is a great way to meet new people as an au pair, and you can split the cost of group activities. Some au pair groups even organize free events or exchange items like clothing or travel gear.
• Smart travel planning: Use budget-friendly tools like discount airlines, bus services, and accommodation apps to plan affordable trips during your time off. Traveling during off-peak seasons or booking in advance can save you a lot.

Most au pairs find that by being resourceful, they’re able to explore the U.S., meet new people, and take part in enriching activities—all while staying within their budget.

FAQs About Au Pair Salary

As an au pair, it’s natural to have questions about how your stipend works. Understanding the practical details can help you feel more confident and prepared for your time in the United States. Below, we’ve answered some of the most common questions international au pairs have about salary, payment schedules, taxes, and more.

Can Au Pairs Earn Additional Income?

Under the U.S. Department of State’s regulations, au pairs are not permitted to engage in additional employment outside of their host family responsibilities. Au pairs are on a J-1 visa, which is a non-immigrant visa designed specifically for cultural exchange. 

This au pair visa limits work to the duties outlined in your au pair agreement with your host family, primarily childcare and light household tasks. Engaging in unauthorized work is a violation of your visa terms and could result in penalties, including being removed from the program or impacting future visa eligibility.

How often will I get paid?

As an au pair in the U.S., your stipend is typically paid weekly. Receiving your stipend weekly ensures you have a consistent and predictable income to cover personal expenses. Make sure you confirm the payment method (cash, check, or direct deposit) with your host family at the beginning of your placement.

Is the stipend negotiable?

The stipend amount is set by federal regulations, meaning the minimum of $195.75 per week is non-negotiable. However, some host families may choose to offer more than the required amount, depending on factors like your experience, qualifications, or their location’s cost of living. Remember, all AuPairCare au pairs earn a minimum stipend of $215 per week.

Will I be taxed on my stipend?

Yes, au pair stipends are subject to U.S. taxes, as they are considered taxable income. You are responsible for filing U.S. taxes as a non-resident, typically using Form 1040-NR. Your host family is not required to withhold taxes from your stipend, so you’ll need to plan to pay any taxes owed when you file. Because the au pair program is classified as a cultural exchange, you do not need to pay Social Security or Medicare taxes.

Start a New Adventure with AuPairCare!

While the au pair stipend provides financial support during your time in the U.S., the true value of being an au pair goes far beyond money. This cultural exchange program offers opportunities for personal growth, global connections, and unique experiences that can shape your future in meaningful ways. 

At AuPairCare, we are committed to helping you have the best possible au pair experience. With our trusted network of host families, immersive training and orientation programs, and dedicated staff to support you every step of the way, we make it easy for you to embark on this exciting chapter with confidence.

So why wait? Take the first step toward your new adventure today—start your AuPairCare application here!

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