Nannies and au pairs both help with childcare in a family. A nanny is a standard employee and is paid a salary. An au pair is integrated into family life as a temporary family member. The au pair has a room in the family home and eats meals with the family and receives monthly pocket money instead of a salary.
Nannies usually have a professional education in the field of childcare and household management and therefore they typically have more experience than au pairs.
In addition, a nanny does not have to come from another country, but an au pair does. The main objective behind an au pair stay (in addition to childcare) is a mutual cultural exchange between au pair and host family, which benefits both parties.
| Topic | Au pair | Nanny |
|---|---|---|
| Age | Au pairs are usually between 18-30 years old. | There are no age restrictions for nannies. |
| Tasks | The main responsibility of au pairs is to help the host family with childcare and light housework. | Nannies usually take care of the family's children and housework. |
| Work permit/ visa | In many countries there is a special au-pair visa. In some countries no visa is required (European au-pairs in the EU). | Nannies, who would like to work abroad need in most cases a work permit or a visa. Most nannies work in their own country. |
| Working hours | The maximum working hours of an au pair depends on the host country and should be stipulated in a contract. | Working hours are discussed with the family and are determined by the labour laws of the country. |
| Relation to family | The au pair is a temporary family member. | The nanny is employed by the family. |
| Salary | The au pair receives monthly/weekly pocket money from the host family. | A nanny is paid by the family and earns at least the minimum wage of the respective country. |
Related topics:
What will my tasks as an au pair be?
Hosting an au pair - the right thing for us?
How does an au pair actually differ from a nanny? Benedetta explains these differences in this video.