Au Pair Salary Guide 2024: How Much Should You Pay or Earn as an Au Pair?
Finding the right balance in au pair pay is crucial for both families and au pairs. At The Au Pair Club, we provide comprehensive salary guidelines based on hourly rates, focusing on take-home pay—what the au pair actually earns after deductions. This guide will help families budget effectively and ensure au pairs are fairly compensated for their hard work.
Factors That Affect an Au Pair’s Salary
Several factors can influence an au pair’s salary:
- Experience: More experienced au pairs often earn higher rates.
- Qualifications: Additional qualifications, such as First Aid or an Au Pair Training Certificate, can justify higher pay.
- Job Responsibilities: Au pairs who take on extra duties like tutoring, driving, or night shifts may receive higher pay rates.
Note: While The Au Pair Club helps connect families and au pairs, we do not act as the employer. These salary guidelines are meant to assist both parties in setting fair compensation.
Au Pair Monthly Salary Breakdown
The monthly salary of an au pair depends on how many hours they work each day and their level of experience. Here’s a simple breakdown:
For 5 to 8 Hours a Day at R105 per Hour:
- 8 hours daily: R18,100 per month
- 7 hours daily: R15,800 per month
- 6.5 hours daily: R14,700 per month
- 6 hours daily: R13,500 per month
- 5.5 hours daily: R12,500 per month
- 5 hours daily: R11,300 per month
For 3.5 to 4.5 Hours a Day at R108 per Hour:
- 4.5 hours daily: R10,500 per month
- 4 hours daily: R9,300 per month
- 3.5 hours daily: R8,150 per month
For 2.5 to 3 Hours a Day at R118 per Hour:
- 3 hours daily: R7,600 per month
- 2.5 hours daily: R6,350 per month
Au Pair Salary Example Calculation
Let’s say an au pair works 5 hours a day at R105 per hour for a month:
- R105 (hourly rate) × 5 hours (worked each day) × 22 days = R11,375 per month.
Hourly Rates for Part-Time Au Pairs
For au pairs working fewer than 2.5 hours per day, here are the standard rates:
- 2 hours a day (10 hours/week): R5,200 per month
- Hourly Rate (Mon-Fri): R120 per hour
- Weekends & Public Holidays: R125 per hour
- Stay-over Rate: R300 per night
Additional Services and Rates
Many au pairs take on extra services, such as tutoring, driving children, or night shifts. Below are standard rates for these additional responsibilities:
- Driving (short trips): R240 per trip
- Tutors: R100-R300 per hour, depending on subject and expertise
- Facilitators: R180 per hour
- Night Nurse: R770 per night
Extra Pay During School Holidays
Au pairs may work additional hours during school breaks. Here’s what they could earn:
- 3–4 extra hours daily: R1,265 – R1,685 per month
- 5–6 extra hours daily: R1,925 – R2,310 per month
Understanding Au Pair Petrol Reimbursement
Petrol reimbursement is separate from the monthly salary and only applies to distances traveled during work hours (e.g., taking children to activities). Here are a few things to keep in mind:
- No petrol reimbursement if the family provides a vehicle for work.
- If the au pair uses their own car, they should keep a log of the distances traveled for work to ensure accurate reimbursement.
For more details on petrol reimbursement, check out our Au Pair Petrol Guide.
FAQs About Au Pair Salaries
Q: Can au pairs ask for a raise?
Yes! Au pairs can discuss a raise during annual reviews or if their responsibilities increase (e.g., extra hours during school holidays or additional duties).
Q: What happens if an au pair works overtime?
Extra hours should be compensated at the agreed hourly rate or higher if there’s prior agreement between the au pair and family.
Q: How can I charge more as an au pair?
To increase your rate, consider investing in additional training or certifications, like First Aid or tutoring courses. Families appreciate au pairs who show commitment to their professional growth. Explore our courses here.
How to Handle Salary Discussions
For Families:
- Discuss your needs upfront—this includes extra hours during school holidays or special services like tutoring.
- Agree on a salary and clearly outline what’s expected in terms of duties and pay.
For Au Pairs:
- Always clarify your expected salary before signing any contracts.
- Discuss whether extra hours are expected and if there are opportunities for bonuses or raises.
Why Fair Pay is Essential for Both Families and Au Pairs
Fair compensation ensures happy, motivated au pairs and satisfied families. At The Au Pair Club, we help both parties establish fair pay, making it easier for families to budget and ensuring that au pairs are rewarded for their dedication.
A fair salary is not just about money—it’s about recognizing the valuable work au pairs do in caring for children, driving them, helping with homework, and more. The goal is for both families and au pairs to be satisfied with their arrangement, leading to a successful, long-term partnership.
Ready to Get Started?
With the right information, both families and au pairs can find a salary balance that works for them. By investing in the right skills and having open discussions about salary expectations, the experience becomes smooth and rewarding.
For more tips on au pair qualifications and other essential resources, explore our posts on:
