Au pair cost breakdown: new families 

When you decide to host an au pair, it's important to use an au pair 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.

Per U.S. Department of State guidelines, host families must pay their au pairs a minimum weekly stipend of $195.75. Host families and au pairs are free to discuss and agree to compensation higher than the required weekly stipend minimum of $195.75. 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.

Au pairs are considered eligible expenses under the dependent Flex Spending Account (FSA) so ask your employer if they offer a dependent care FSA option. Additionally, you may be able to take advantage of the dependent care tax credit. See Child and dependent care information for more information.

In addition to the meeting the requirements and following the rules set forth by both the U.S. Department of State and Cultural Care Au Pair, you should be prepared to embrace the cultural exchange spirit of the au pair program. This means welcoming your au pair as you would an extended family member and helping them adjust once they arrive. You may need to explain household rules and routines more than once as customs can vary between cultures. Asking how their day was, being thoughtful on holidays and their birthday, and including them in family meals will go a long way to help them feel welcome in your family. While the needs of your children are of the utmost importance, it is also important that au pairs receive the benefits of an exchange experience and your full support as their American family.