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Pricing in Massachusetts

Annual program fee1

$11,245

Annual minimum

au pair stipend2

$10,179


Estimated yearly total

$21,424

or approximately $1,785/month

How much is paid directly to the au pair?


In Massachusetts, if your au pair is scheduled less than 19 hours a week, you’ll pay at least the Federal minimum au pair weekly stipend of $195.752.

For 19-40 hours/week, you'll pay at least the MA minimum wage per hour, less any allowable deductions, and you'll pay time-and-a-half for hours over 40 up to the maximum of 45.

Calculate your weekly au pair payment:

Weekly min. payment based on min. wage

$300

Max. deduction for weekly meals

-$42

Max. deduction for weekly lodging

-$35


Minimum weekly payment*:

$223


*This calculation based on MA minimum wage of $15/hr. is for illustration purposes only, and includes maximum allowable deductions per MA state law for weekly meals and lodging, for which certain requirements must be met.

We offer a convenient monthly payment plan

1st payment

$3,749

Non-refundable deposit due at match

Remaining balance

$625

Monthly installment paid starting on au pair arrival date

Set up convenient automatic monthly payments through our mobile app using direct debit (ACH)

Additional costs to consider

Room, board & utilities

Host families are responsible for providing 3 meals a day and a suitable private bedroom for their au pair

Transportation & insurance

Host families should provide au pairs with access to a car and car insurance as needed for childcare duties and a way to get to classes/activities

Phone & phone plan

For communication during on-duty hours, au pairs will need a phone and American SIM card

Up to $5003 for education

Au pairs must take 6 credits while in the U.S., and families are responsible for paying towards their classes

What our customers are saying

“We really can’t place our finger on the exact moment Camila felt part of our family, because our boys fell in love with her almost immediately

She earned their mutual respect with quiet, kind, and calm authority. We now eat arepas and listen to Guayacán, a Colombian orchestra. We are actively planning our family vacation to the coffee region of Colombia, as well!”

Nicole host mom in California

Hosting an au pair FAQs

Many people understand the terms “au pair” and “nanny” to mean the same thing, but they are actually quite different. In the U.S., an au pair refers to a young person from overseas who lives with an American family to care for their children and participate in a cultural exchange. They travel on a legal, one-year visa through a designated au pair agency, and their working hours and conditions are regulated by the U.S. Department of State. Au pairs initially commit to a one-year stay but have the opportunity to extend their time in the U.S. for 6, 9 or 12 months. They are excited to immerse themselves in new culture, improve their English and explore the U.S. The term “nanny”, on the other hand, is a more general term that can be used to describe both professionally trained caregivers and those with less formal experience.

Cultural Care au pairs come from 30+ different countries around the world in Central and South America, Europe, South Africa and Asia.

The Cultural Care app makes matching with au pairs easy! After signing up and creating your profile, you’ll be able to search for au pairs in the app and use our filters to narrow down your search. You can favorite the candidates you like best and start a chat or video call right through the app. Once you find a great match, you'll extend an offer to join your family. (Au pairs can initiate a match, too.) And if you have questions or need help along the way, our team of Matching Specialists is available throughout your search.

When you decide to host an au pair, it's important to use an agency that is designated by the U.S. Department of State. We ensure State Department regulations are followed and that your au pair arrives with the necessary visa to legally reside with your family for the program term. Beyond that, we do a lot of behind-the-scenes work to make a complicated program very simple and successful for you!

Cultural Care staff members in each recruitment country interview au pair candidates in person, check their references, and make sure all necessary documents are submitted and up-to-date. Au pairs also complete a 32-hour instructor-led orientation program, including adult and pediatric CPR and First Aid instruction from the American Heart Association, and pre-departure readiness workshops in their home countries before they travel to the U.S.

Once a family has found an au pair with the help of our host family app and Matching Specialist team, their local representative will conduct an in-home interview. This time is used to review program regulations, set expectations, and answer questions. Families can also take advantage of our Host Family Preparation Program, which includes live and pre-recorded webinars, to prepare for their au pair’s arrival.

Once an au pair arrives in the U.S., the local representative will check in within 48 hours and perform an in-person orientation during the first two weeks. The local representative will continue to contact both the au pair and host family every month, plan at least two community events per year, and provide support as needed.

Cultural Care office staff in Boston, Denver, and Austin are also available to provide support to host families and au pairs throughout their time on the program, including 24-hour emergency assistance if needed.

Introducing our new app

The easiest way to find the right au pair for you

Steps to welcome an au pair

Step 1

Create account

Download app or register online

Step 2

Complete your profile

Upload photos, references, and other details about your family

Step 3

Meet program requirements

Complete host family checklist and
in-home interview

Step 4

Interview & find your au pair

Match and decide on your arrival date

Step 5

Prepare for arrival

Stay in touch with your au pair while we handle the logistics

Step 6

Welcome your au pair

Start your cultural exchange experience!

1Au pairs pay a smaller program fee to the foreign company that screens them, but no portion of that fee is used to pay for the costs of their international airfare or domestic U.S. transportation. Au pairs may be charged additional fees in the event of special travel requests.

2The U.S. Department of State has determined that au pairs are required to receive from their host families at least $195.75 per week. Host families and au pairs are free to discuss and agree to compensation higher than the required stipend minimum; however, this cannot be in exchange for the au pair exceeding the regulatory limits on working hours (10 hours per day; 45 hours per week) or performing duties beyond childcare-related tasks. The State Department formula is based on the federal minimum wage and applicable room and board credits. Any change in the federal minimum wage or the applicable credits will result in an increase in this minimum stipend amount. Please note, should a family extend beyond the first year, they would be responsible for the stipend for each week of the extension term.

3This contribution towards an au pair’s education requirement is determined by the U.S. Department of State, and families agree to comply with any increase that is issued.