Au pair pay and salary explained: pocket money by country (2026)

Pocket money, not a salary

In most countries an au pair is a cultural exchange participant, not an employee. Instead of a wage they receive pocket money on top of their own private room and all meals. That's why the monthly figure looks low next to a nanny's pay — the room and board are a large part of the package.

The amount is set by three things: the host country's programme rules (which fix a minimum), the number of hours worked each week, and any extra responsibilities agreed with the family.

Pocket money and hours by country

These are the official or standard rates for the most popular host countries. Rules change, so always double-check with the relevant government authority before you sign an agreement.

• Australia: no fixed allowance — minimum wage applies where it is employment (about A$3,430–4,350/month for 30–38 hrs at A$26.44/hr)
• Austria: 2026 starts — €551.10 gross/month at 16.5 hrs/week including standby; lower hours are pro-rated, with statutory special payments in addition
• Belgium: 20 hrs/week, max 4 hrs/day — €450/month (Flanders & Brussels) or €750/month (Wallonia)
• Canada: 25 hrs/week — provincial minimum wage
• Denmark: 30 hrs/week — DKK 4,050–4,150/month
• Finland: 30 hrs/week — €280/month
• France: 25 hrs/week — €271.50–325.80 (EU), minimum €320 (non-EU)
• Germany: 30 hrs/week — €350/month (€280 + €70 towards a language course)
• Iceland: 30 hrs/week — ISK 60,000/month
• Ireland: 30 hrs/week — national minimum wage
• Italy: 30 hrs/week — €260–300/month
• Japan: 30 hrs/week — ¥40,000/month
• Luxembourg: 25 hrs/week — €480–500/month
• Netherlands: 30 hrs/week — €340/month
• New Zealand: 40 hrs/week — NZ$1,000/month
• Norway: 30 hrs/week — NOK 5,900/month
• Spain: 30 hrs/week — €280–320/month
• Sweden: 25 hrs/week — SEK 5,920/month
• Switzerland: 30 hrs/week — set by each canton
• United Kingdom: 30 hrs/week — national minimum wage
• USA: 45 hrs/week — US$783/month (weekly stipend set by the J-1 programme)

What's included on top of the money

Every placement includes a private room and full board. Paid holiday is regulated in each country's programme, and many families go further: a phone plan, a public transport pass, use of the family car in free time, or a contribution to language classes.

When comparing offers, add these up. A family paying the minimum but covering transport, phone and course fees can be the better deal than one paying slightly more with nothing else.

Extra hours and second jobs

Hours are capped — no programme allows more than 45 a week, and in the USA that figure includes babysitting. If an au pair babysits beyond the agreed schedule, the fair response is extra pay or extra time off, agreed in advance.

A second job depends on the visa. EU citizens staying in the EU can usually take one; everyone else is limited by their visa conditions and local labour law.

Agree the amount in writing

Put the monthly pocket money, pay day, hours and every extra (transport, phone, course fees) in the au pair agreement before arrival. Our pocket money calculator gives a fair starting figure for your country, and the costs guide shows families the full yearly budget.