Au pair Salary
Au pairs typically receive weekly pocket money ranging from $300 to $400. This amount covers roughly 25-35 hours of childcare per week, with free room and board provided. A $500 completion bonus is often provided after a 6-month stay.
Average Weekly Rate: Generally around $300- $400 for 25-35 hours, often broken down to approximately $12 per hour.
Working Hours: Typical arrangements involve 25–35 hours of light childcare, such as school drop-offs, pickups, and playtime.
Benefits: In addition to pocket money, families provide a private room and all meals.
Costs: Au pairs are responsible for their own visa fees (approx. CAD $470), flights, and police checks
Are au pairs cheaper than nannies?
Families with multiple children
Do I pay my Au Pair more if I have multiple children?
No. The cost is per family, not per child. Compare an Au Pair to a day care, and you will find that Au Pair childcare is a financially competitive solution!
Do they get paid for holidays? Do we have to allow vacation time/pay?
Yes, Au pairs in Canada are typically entitled to holidays and scheduled time off, though it is not strictly regulated by government law. For a 6-month placement, 1–2 weeks of paid holiday is standard, or about 2 weeks for a 9-12 month stay. They should also have at least 1.5 days off per week.
- Duration: Recommendations include one week of paid holiday for 6 months, or two weeks for 9-12 months.
- Public Holidays: Au pairs are generally entitled to days off on public holidays.
- Family Vacations: If the host family travels and the au pair accompanies them, this should be discussed and agreed upon beforehand as either working time or holiday time.
Au pairs and Flexible childcare
Our childcare hours may be inconsistent, do we have to guarantee certain hours every week?
Once you have selected your Au Pair, we will set up a contract with a specific number of hours that you and your new Au Pair agree on. More about Flexible childcare.
The times of these working hours may vary depending on your schedule but we do ask you to ensure that the Au Pair is working a minimum number of hours every week. We recommend the hours of work be no less than 25 hours a week.
Less hours will make it harder for her/him to bond with your children and integrate themself into the family. It also leaves the Au Pair with a lot of free time and not enough money to spend, which might create unnecessary problems.
