Pocket money: How much do au pairs earn?

(Also to be found with keywords Pocket money for au pairs, Au pair salary, Wages for au pairs and Taxes for au pairs)

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.

Girl with red purse in her hands

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.

Au pair pocket money by country:

Australia 200 - 250 AUD per week
Austria 500.91 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 220 - 300 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 5.250 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

Video: Money talk and the au pair salary

Graham tells you why the au pair salary is much more than just pocket money and how you can get the most out of it!

  

Money talk: au pair salary | AuPairWorld

 

   

Pocket Money - Frequently Asked Questions