Au Pair vs. Nanny

Making a decision between hiring an au pair and hiring a nanny can be a difficult if you do not have all of the relevant information. Both au pairs and nannies provide housekeeping and childcare assistance to homeowners, however, the two provide different amounts of care and subsequently receive different pay scales.

What’s the difference?

Au pair

An au pair is a foreign student who comes to live with you, as a member of your family, in exchange for providing assistance in housekeeping and childcare. A nanny is an individual employed by the homeowner to provide caretaking assistance, housekeeping and childcare.

    
        
    
    
        ResidenceNanny - Their home OR your homeAu Pair - Your home
    
    
        PaymentNanny - Regular paymentsAu Pair - Housing, lower payments, and a small amount educational assistance
    
    
        Work hoursNanny - Full time or part-time depending on your needs.Au Pair - Maximum of 45 hours a week
    
    
        Vacation TimeNanny - Can be agreed upon between the nanny and the homeownerAu Pair - Examinations and study time must be taken into consideration
    
    
        ServicesNanny - Provide most, or all, housekeeping and babysitting dutiesAu Pair - Duties must be discussed with applicant prior to hiring
    
    
        Where to findNanny - Sitter.com job posting, friends, familyAu Pair - U.S Approved Office or State Agency
    
    
        LanguageNanny - Varies, usually proficient in EnglishAu Pair - Language proficiency depends on prior countries of residence. English is required.
    
    
        QualificationsNanny - Often have several years of experience, CPR certifiedAu Pair - Usually have minimal professional experience and often no certifications