In exchange for the help offered to their host families, au pairs receive pocket money in addition to free board and lodging in the family home. The amount of pocket money depends on the host country and the number of working hours. In the UK, for example, au pairs typically receive 80-85 GBP per week.
In some countries, the amount of pocket money is fixed by law, in others it is decided in mutual agreement by the host family and au pair.
Note: Au pairing is a form of cultural exchange. It is not a typical employment relationship. Therefore, in most host countries, au pairs do not have the official legal status of an employee. Instead, they are seen as temporary family members who receive some pocket money rather than a salary. Find out more by reading our basic idea of au pairing.
| Australia | 200 - 250 AUD per week |
| Austria | 438.05 EUR gross per month |
| Belgium | 450 EUR per month |
| Canada | approx. 330 CAD per week (depending on the regional minimum wage, see Info Canada for further info) |
| Denmark | 4.000 DKK per month |
| Finland | 280 EUR minimum per month after tax |
| France | Au pair EU : between 271,50 and 325,80 EUR per month - Au pair non-EU : minimum 320 EUR per month |
| Germany | 280 EUR per month |
| Ireland | minimum wage (please go to Info Ireland for further info) |
| Iceland | ISK 10.000 per week |
| Italy | 250 - 300 EUR per month |
| Luxembourg | approx. 480 - 500 EUR per month |
| Netherlands | 300 EUR - 340 EUR maximum per month |
| New Zealand | 170 - 230 NZD per week |
| Norway | 5.000 NOK per month |
| South Africa | 1.500 - 3.000 ZAR per month |
| Spain | 70 EUR minimum per week |
| Sweden | 3.500 SEK per month |
| Switzerland | 500 - 750 CHF net per month depending on the individual canton |
| United Kingdom | 80 - 85 GBP per week |
| USA | 195,75 USD minimum per week |
In many countries, pocket money is paid at the end of each month. In the UK au pairs typically receive their pocket money at the end of each week. We recommend that the pocket money be paid on a weekly basis in all other countries, as well. This includes those countries, in which the amount of pocket money is fixed on a monthly basis.
The question of whether the relevant amount of pocket money is subject to taxation depends on the host country. We have carried out some research and au pair's pocket money is subject to taxation in Australia, Denmark, Finland, New Zealand, Norway and Switzerland. In Germany and Italy there may be taxes depending on the exact amount. You should also ask your host family to help you clarify this question. They could ask their tax consultant or the tax and revenue office about it.
An au pair placement is not a regular job. Therefore, an au pair does not typically receive a salary, but rather, pocket money. Please, also bear in mind: this amount of pocket money offered in European au pairing countries merely suffices to cover your own living expenses as a supplement to the room and board that you receive from you host family. Therefore, you should not plan on providing financial support to your relatives in your home country. Useful links:
Your au pair is entitled to free board and lodging throughout his/her entire stay. This equally applies, should your au pair fall ill or have some time off. Your au pair usually covers his/her own travel expenses (round trip), as well as the cost of the visa. The host family sometimes pays for the au pair insurance. The au pair usually pays for the language course.