If you’re looking for in-home child care, you’ve probably considered both a nanny and an au pair. But what, exactly, is the difference between the two types of caregivers? Of course, both roles are responsible for caring for children, but there are some key differences that are worth understanding.
What Is an Au Pair?
A au pair — a French term that translates to “on par,” meaning that the caregiver is treated as an equal member of the family — is usually a young student (between the ages of 18 and 26) who travels from a foreign country to live with a host family and care for their children in exchange for room, board and a small weekly salary.
An au pair is typically a young adult (usually between 18 and 26 years old) who travels from a foreign country to live with a host family and care for their children in exchange for room, board, and a small salary. The au pair program is designed as a cultural exchange experience, not just a job. In the United States, the program was launched in 1986 by the U.S. Department of State and includes educational requirements. Au pairs are considered part of the family rather than employees.
Au pairs in the U.S. usually work up to 45 hours per week and have at least one and a half days off per week, along with two weeks of paid vacation per year. They receive a weekly stipend and are expected to help with light household duties related to the children—such as preparing meals for them or tidying up their play areas. Since they live in the home, the relationship between the family and the au pair might be more personal and informal than with a traditional caregiver. In 2023, the State Department reported that there were about 29,000 au pairs living in the U.S.
What Is a Nanny?
A nanny, on the other hand, is a professional childcare provider. Nannies may live in the home (live-in nannies) or commute (live-out nannies), and they can be of any age. Unlike au pairs, nannies are employees and are typically paid a salary or hourly wage. Their compensation, benefits, and schedule are negotiated directly with the family and must comply with local labor laws.
Nannies often have more experience or formal training in child development and may offer specialized care, including working with infants or children with special needs. Their responsibilities can include feeding, bathing, helping with homework, transporting children to activities, and managing routines. Since nannies are not part of a cultural exchange program, there is no educational component or travel visa tied to their work.
Here’s a breakdown of some key differences:
|
Au pair |
Nanny |
|
|
Age |
18-26 years old |
All ages |
|
Training |
Training varies but usually some babysitting experience |
Training varies but most have experience beyond babysitting and some have specialized training |
|
Day-to-day activities |
Child care, housework, and other family duties |
Child care as well as other household duties as determined by family/caregiver |
|
Living arrangement |
Lives in-home with family |
Either live-in or live-out |
|
Work hours |
Regulated (up to 45 hours per week with max of 10 hours/day in the U.S.) |
Negotiable |
|
Job duration |
Typically 1 year but can be extended by 6, 9 or 12 months |
Variable |
|
Pay |
At least $195.75/week (plus additional fees) |
Varies by location but average is $22.50 per hour |
|
Work permit/visa |
Required and arranged as part of the au pair program |
Not required for nannies who are legally eligible to work in the U.S. |
