Au Pair Salary Guide: What You Should Pay or Earn

Confused about how much to pay or earn as an au pair? You’re not alone.

Finding the right balance is crucial — for families who want to budget fairly, and au pairs who deserve to be paid what they’re worth. That’s why we created this guide.

At The Au Pair Club, we focus on hourly rates and take-home pay — what the au pair actually earns after deductions. Whether you’re a family or an au pair, this guide is here to help you feel informed, confident, and supported.

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💡What Affects an Au Pair’s Salary?

There are a few things that can change how much an au pair earns. Here’s a simple breakdown:

• ✅ Experience: Au pairs with more experience usually earn more.

• ✅ Childcare Certificates: Having training or certificates can help increase your pay.

• ✅ Extra Responsibilities: If the au pair drives, tutors, or works at night, they should be paid more.

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🧾 Monthly Au Pair Salary Breakdown

Use the tables below to estimate monthly salaries based on hourly rates and hours worked per day (based on 22 working days/month).

🔹 For 5 to 8 Hours per Day at R80/hour

This is a common rate for new or inexperienced au pairs — often those who are just out of school or still building their childcare experience.

Completing au pair training or holding a First Aid certificate can help increase your hourly rate.

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🔹 For 5 to 8 Hours per Day at R85/hour

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🔹 For 5 to 8 Hours per Day at R105/hour

An hourly rate above R100 is typically offered to more experienced au pairs — usually with 2–3 years of hands-on childcare experience, references, and relevant certificates (such as a Baby and Toddler Course Certificate or an Au Pair Training Certificate).

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🔹 For 3.5 to 4.5 Hours per Day at R108/hour

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🔹 For 2.5 to 3 Hours per Day at R118/hour

When fewer hours are needed, the hourly rate is usually a bit higher to make the role worthwhile. Short shifts limit how much an au pair can earn — and let’s be honest, you can’t expect passion and commitment on a salary of R4,000 a month.

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🧮 Salary Example

Example:
An au pair works 5 hours/day at R105/hour.

Calculation:
R105 × 5 hours/day × 22 working days = R11,375 per month

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🔹 For Under 2.5 Hours per Day at R120/hour

Short shifts usually come with a higher hourly rate to make the role worthwhile for the au pair. These are common rates used across South Africa.

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✨ Extra Services & Special Rates

Some au pairs offer more than childcare — and that deserves fair pay. Here are common extras:

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🌴 Extra Hours During School Holidays

School’s out = busier days for au pairs. Here’s what extra pay might look like:

• 3–4 extra hours daily: +R1,265 to R1,685/month

• 5–6 extra hours daily: +R1,925 to R2,310/month

Make sure holiday expectations are discussed upfront — it helps both sides avoid surprises.

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⛽ Au Pair Petrol Reimbursement

If your au pair uses their own car, petrol must be reimbursed (it’s not included in the salary). Here’s what you need to know:

• ❌ No reimbursement if the family provides a car for au pair use

• ✅ Keep a logbook: Track distances for lifts, activities, errands

• ✅ Pay based on work-related kilometres only

✨ View our full Petrol Guide here

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💬 Common Questions About Au Pair Salaries

Here are some of the most frequently asked questions — whether you’re a family or an au pair, these will help guide fair and open conversations.

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❓ Can au pairs ask for a raise?

Yes! Especially if their duties have increased or if it’s time for a performance review.
We recommend families do an annual check-in to review responsibilities and compensation.

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❓ What about overtime?

Extra hours should always be agreed on ahead of time.
They should be paid at the standard hourly rate — or higher if it’s outside normal working hours.

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❓ How can an au pair earn more?

The answer is simple: upskill.
Au pairs who complete training (like First Aid, tutoring, or our Baby & Toddler Course) can confidently ask for more money.

👉 Explore our courses to boost your rate

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🗣️ How to Discuss Au Pair Salary

💛 For Families:

• Be upfront about hours, responsibilities, and school holiday expectations

• Put everything in writing (especially stay-overs and petrol reimbursements)

• Review and reassess salary annually

💛 For Au Pairs:

• Ask about total hours, bonus opportunities, and stay-over policies

• Confirm if petrol is covered (if using your own car)

• Discuss training opportunities that might increase your rate

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❤️ Why Fair Pay Matters

Paying an au pair fairly isn’t just good manners — it’s the foundation of a happy home and a successful working relationship.

When au pairs feel valued, they show up with care, energy, and love. And when families know what to expect, budgeting becomes easier — and trust comes naturally.

✨ A fair salary = happy au pair + supported family = long-term success

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Ready to Take the Next Step?

Whether you’re hiring or applying, let us help you find the right fit — with confidence.

👉 Create Your Family Profile
Start connecting with qualified au pairs and set expectations upfront.

👉 Create Your Au Pair Profile
Show families your experience and availability — and get hired faster.

✨ Want to stand out?
Train with The Au Pair Club and get the confidence (and rate) you deserve.

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📌 Quick Summary of Au Pair Salary

An au pair salary in South Africa typically ranges from R6,350 to R18,100 per month, depending on hours worked, qualifications, and responsibilities. Hourly rates vary from R105 to R125, and extra pay may apply for driving, tutoring, or school holidays.