Pocket Money and Benefits

How Much Do Au Pairs Earn?

Pocket Money

The pocket money an Au Pair receives varies in different countries. In Europe, it is usually 80-140€ per week. Some of our families are willing to pay slightly more for a more experienced candidate.

Typically, pocket money is not taxed as it is not considered salary; however, there are exceptions to this rule in a few countries. You are entitled to receive pocket money every week, even when you do not work the full hours.

Room and Board

You will receive full room and board throughout your stay. This means that your accommodation is a private room within the family home, and you will receive all meals every day, even when you are not on duty.

You cannot be required to share a room with children. The room must have a bed, adequate storage space and a window. You must also be given access to a desk for your studies.

As a family member, you may use the kitchen, the living areas and the bathroom. Sometimes there may be a private bathroom for you, but you should not expect it.

A few families offer separate accommodation for the Au Pair, either adjacent to their home or elsewhere. Technically, you are not an Au Pair if you cook your own meals in your own kitchen and do not socialise with the family. In such cases, you are likely to be classed as an employee, and tax, pension and social security contributions may be deducted from your salary.

Extra Benefits

Some families offer one or more additional benefits, such as

• A flight home after working the agreed period, or flights to and from the host country
• A completion bonus after working the agreed period
• A SIM card with a monthly allowance for calls, texts and data (and sometimes also a phone for work use)
• Language classes (in many countries, it is a legal requirement for the host family to pay for)
• A membership to a sports club or a gym
• A car for personal use
• A monthly public transportation card

Please do not expect every family to offer extra benefits in addition to pocket money. Benefits are not a requirement for the family, and each family decides if they can offer any benefits.

As a member of the family, if you join the family on outings or trips, the family will pay for your meals and your travel and accommodation expenses.