Don’t know the difference between an Au pair vs nanny? Check out this post to learn more about an Au pair vs nanny and the differences between them.
As someone who is planning to be an Au pair soon, I was quite surprised to realize that there were some countries who used the words “Au pair” and “nanny” interchangeably. In fact, if you go on Au Pair World it’s really easy to tell which families confuse the two and which families know the difference.
One of the ways I was actually able to discern myself was by looking at the number of children I would be taking care of on their profile as well as the tasks and responsibilities that were expected from the Au pair.
This, as a result, allowed me to focus on the families who knew the difference between the two and filter out the ones who didn’t. So, if you’re someone who wants to be an Au pair right now and is looking for a host family, you’ve come to the right place. This post alone highlights the key differences between an Au pair vs. a nanny so that you can filter out the families that don’t know the difference.
Au Pair in Germany Series
P.S. This is a post in my Au Pair in Germany series. Here is the complete series:
Au Pair Origin and History: What is an Au Pair: The Origin and History
Au Pair Tasks: What Does an Au Pair Do: Au Pair Tasks
Au Pair Agencies: The 7 Best Au Pair Agencies for Americans
German Language Learning Apps: The 10 Best Apps for German Learning as an Au Pair
Au Pair Guide: How to Become an Au Pair in Germany
Au Pair Visa: Au Pair Visa Germany: Requirements for Americans
Au Pair vs. Nanny: Au Pair vs. Nanny: What is the Difference?
Au Pair Salary: German Au Pair Salary: What to Expect
Au Pair Rematch: The Top 10 Reasons Why Au Pairs Rematch
Au Pair Driving: The Au Pair Guide to Driving in Germany
German A1 Exam: How To Pass Your German A1 Test To Become An Au Pair
Host Family Interview: Here Are 100 Host Family Interview Questions You Need To Ask
Host Family Red Flags: 10 Host Family Red Flags You Should Watch Out For
Packing List: Au Pair Packing List: Germany Edition
BFD: BFD in Germany: What Americans Need To Know
FSJ: How to Do an FSJ in Germany
Ausbildung: Ausbildung in Germany: Here’s Everything You Need to Know
Age (au pair vs nanny)
One of the key differences between an Au pair vs. a nanny is the age range required to fulfill the roles. For example, each country has a specific age barrier when it comes to being an Au pair. However, for a nanny, there are no age restrictions.
Tasks (au pair vs nanny)
Another key difference between an Au pair vs. a nanny are the tasks and responsibilities required for each role. For example, the job of an Au pair is to provide childcare to their host family as well as light housework. However, for a nanny, even though they provide childcare for the family, they also do some heavy housework as well.
Work Permit/Visa (au pair vs nanny)
Another key difference between Au pairs vs. nannies are the work permits/visas needed to fulfill their roles. For example, in many cases, an Au pair will need a visa in order to work as an Au pair in a foreign country. However, when it comes to nannies, in most cases, they usually work in their home country. Hence, why a visa or a work permit wouldn’t be required.
Relationship with Family (au pair vs nanny)
The relationship with the family is also a key difference between Au pairs vs. nannies. For example, an Au pair is treated like a member of the family in their host family. However, when it comes to nannies, they are simply just seen as an employee.
Salary (au pair vs nanny)
Another key difference between an Au pair vs. a nanny is the salary or how they are paid. For example, an Au pair is given pocket money or a stipend in exchange for the childcare and light housework they provide. Whereas a nanny, for example, is paid a salary that matches or is over the minimum wage for the country in which they work.
Language Course (au pair vs nanny)
Another key difference between an Au pair vs. a nanny is language course attendance. For example, an Au pair must have the possibility to attend a language course while they are working as an Au pair. However, when it comes to nannies, attending a language course is not expected since most of them work in their home country.
Cultural Exchange (au pair vs nanny)
The cultural exchange is another key difference between an Au pair vs. a nanny. For example, Au pairs should be experiencing a cultural exchange in their job role since they are living with a family in a foreign country where they speak a language other than the Au pair’s native tongue. A nanny, however, doesn’t experience a cultural exchange since most work in their home country.
Taxes (au pair vs nanny)
Taxes is another factor that plays a difference between an Au pair vs. a nanny. For example, since a nanny is employed by the family, they may receive certain tax benefits like social security, medicare, and unemployment insurance. However, when it comes to Au pairs, they don’t receive those benefits.
Years with the Family (au pair vs nanny)
Another factor that plays a role in the difference between an Au pair vs. a nanny is the years both roles have been with the family. For example, in most cases, an Au pair cannot stay with their host family for more than two years. However, when it comes to nannies, there is no limit in the amount of years he or she can stay with the family. In fact, this fact alone actually reminds me of the movie Harriet the Spy in which Harriet had the same nanny, Ole Golly, for 11 years.
Working Hours (au pair vs nanny)
The working hours also play a key role in the difference between an Au pair vs. a nanny. An Au pair in each country, for instance, has a maximum number of working hours per week determined by the host country’s government. So, if they were to work over the maximum number of hours per week, then that would be illegal. However, when it comes to nannies, their working hours are determined by the host family and they can work overtime.
Number of Children (au pair vs nanny)
The last factor I believe that plays a key role in the difference between an Au pair vs. a nanny is the number of children they take of for the host parents. For example, I personally believe an Au pair shouldn’t be taking care of more than two children at a time. In fact, when I see Au pairs that do this on r/Aupairs, they always complain about being overworked and underpaid. However, when it comes to nannies, there really isn’t a limit on how many kids they can take of for their role. Nannies are capable of taking care of 1 child or they could even take care of 7 like Nanny McPhee. Either way, because of their certifications and experience, nannies are more equipped to take on a heavier amount.
Au Pair VS Nanny FAQs
So, to end this post, I would like to answer some frequently asked questions you might have about the difference between an Au pair vs. a nanny!
Is a nanny or Au pair cheaper?
The average Au pair is cheaper than the cost of a nanny since they are paid via stipend instead of by salary. However, this may also be the reason why some host families would want an Au pair in the home but treat him or her like a nanny.
What is an Au pair vs nanny vs babysitter?
To learn more about what an Au pair is exactly, please check out my What is An Au Pair? post!
Overall, I really hope you enjoyed reading this post about the differences between an Au pair vs. a nanny! Please let me know in the comments down below which difference surprised you the most. I would love to hear from you!
Love this post? Pin it for later!
Follow me on Instagram!
Leave a Reply