Live In Nannies: Everything You Need to Know

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Live-in nannies are a unique form of childcare you may not know about. We’ve broken down everything you need to know about live-in nannies.

What are live-in nannies?

They are nannies that live in your home 24/7 and have separate sleeping quarters in order to be available to your family as much as possible. On the other hand, live-out nannies come to your house to take care of your children and return home at the end of the day. 

Nannies typically work five days a week on school days with two days off on the weekends, but their schedules depend on families’ needs and their own availability. They may or may not stay at your house during their days off. Also, they typically do not pay for rent or meals while staying in families’ houses.

Are they more expensive than live-out nannies?

They may be more expensive than live-out nannies because they work longer hours. They also take up a room in your house and are another mouth to feed for meals, which are important costs to consider when deciding who to hire. Specific pricing varies based on where you live, including the cost of living and market rate of childcare. A live-in nanny in the suburbs may be less expensive than a live-out nanny in a big city. Families could also choose to compensate live-out nannies more since they have to commute and pay for housing costs. How much a nanny costs ultimately depends on the family they work with and their individual terms.

What is a nanny share? Two families share one nanny to give personalized attention and offset the child care cost.

What are the benefits of hiring a live-in nanny?

They can be great for both parents and kids since parents have more support for their children and nannies can spend more quality time with their kids. They may also help with housekeeping tasks and errands since they spend more time in your home. Because they don’t have to commute, they are more available to your family in the morning and at night.

How are they different from au pairs?

Although they seem like similar roles, there are several differences between nannies and au pairs. A nanny is treated like an employee, with a salary including a minimum wage. On the other hand, an au pair is treated like a temporary member of the family and is typically paid a small stipend in addition to free room and board. Au pairs often come from foreign countries and get an opportunity to work in the United States. If they speak another language, they can begin teaching your kids that language and spend time immersing them in it. Au pairs are usually under 30 years old and may not have childcare experience, while nannies often do. While au pairs and nannies both live at their clients’ houses and take care of their children, the differences between the two arrangements appeal to different families depending on costs and childcare experience. 

How do I find a live-in nanny?

UrbanSitter helps connect parents and trusted nannies based on their locations, needs, and price range. You can search the network to see who might fit best for you, or you can make a dedicated job posting and let interested candidates apply. Once you’ve found a match, you can negotiate scheduling and pricing on your own terms. You can even schedule a trial session with live-in nanny candidates to see how your children get along with them.

Conclusion

There are several pros and cons of hiring a live-in nanny. They are available around the clock to help your family and can get to know you and your kids much better, but they also need compensation for that time on call and a place to stay within your home. Overall, what kind of nanny you hire depends on your price range, household needs, and personal preferences.

Looking for an experienced live-in or live-out nanny near you?

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How much does an Au Pair cost?

au pair cost

As a parent juggling work, family, and other responsibilities, finding reliable and affordable child care is essential. Fortunately, there’s a popular solution that not only fits your budget but also enriches your family’s cultural experiences – hiring an au pair. Keep reading to find valuable insights on the typical cost of au pairs vs. nanny, taxes, insurance, payment plan options, and more, so you can make an informed decision for your family’s needs.

At a glance:

What is the average cost of an au pair?
Cost of Au pair vs. nanny
Au Pair cost calculations
Do I have to pay Au Pair taxes?
Child care tax credits
Paying Au Pair insurance
Payment options

The Basics: What is an Au Pair?

An au pair is a student between the ages of 18-26 who comes to the United States as part of a cultural exchange program and agrees to provide full-time child care in exchange for housing and a weekly stipend. They can provide childcare for up to 45 hours per week, with a maximum of ten hours at a time, due to work visa protection regulations. Besides providing reliable childcare assistance, au pairs bring their unique language, traditions, and customs, making it a truly enriching cultural exchange experience.

Related: What is an au pair? Pros and cons

What is the Average Au Pair Cost?

Since au pair programs are government-sponsored, costs are regulated. According to the U.S. Internal Revenue Service, au pairs are paid a weekly stipend equivalent to the U.S. federal minimum wage. Under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), au pairs must receive a weekly stipend of no less than $195.75. Since the stipend is based per family, you do not pay more for additional kids. 

Keep in mind there are some upfront costs you will incur. These costs include the au pair agency application fees and the placement fees (which cover recruiting, screening, paperwork processing, some travel expenses, visa, and training). Once they arrive, there are additional expenses outside of the weekly stipend. These include providing a private room, meals, paid vacation time, and a $500 educational stipend. Even with these additional fees, au pair care is much more affordable than live-in or live-out nannies or babysitters.

There are a lot of advantages to having an au pair and paying a higher rate over other childcare options. When comparing the cost of an au pair vs. the cost of a nanny, an au pair is often a more budget-friendly option as their compensation is generally lower due to the exchange nature of the program. 

Related: UrbanSitter’s Guide to Pay Rates

Cost of Au pair vs. nanny

Au Pairs: Generally more budget-friendly, with estimated costs ranging from $8,000 to $12,000 annually. This includes room, board, stipend, and educational allowance. Au pairs may have some child care experience but not necessarily professional qualifications.

Nannies: Typically more expensive, with hourly rates ranging from $15 to $25 or more. The annual cost can vary widely based on location, experience, and additional benefits, but it’s estimated to be around $30,000 to $60,000 or higher. Nannies often come with professional childcare experience and offer flexibility in scheduling and duties.

When comparing au pair costs vs. nanny costs, it’s crucial to consider your budget, your family’s needs, and the level of expertise required for your childcare.

Related: How much does a nanny cost?

What to Include in Au Pair Cost Calculations

When considering hiring an au pair, it’s essential to have a clear picture of the associated costs. Here’s what you can expect to include in the overall expenses:

  1. Stipend: Au pairs receive a weekly stipend for their child care services. The amount may vary depending on factors such as the host country’s regulations, the number of hours worked, and the au pair’s experience.

  2. Room and Board: As part of the au pair program, the host family provides accommodation and meals for the au pair. Ensuring a comfortable living space and nutritious meals is an integral part of the arrangement.

  3. Cultural Exchange Activities: Families often include their au pairs in cultural experiences and activities with their children. These costs might involve outings, language classes, or other enrichment opportunities.

  4. Health Insurance: It is common for host families to provide health insurance for their au pairs during their stay. Ensuring the au pair’s well-being is a priority.

  5. Transportation: Depending on your family’s needs and location, you might need to consider covering transportation expenses for the au pair.

  6. Agency Fees: If you choose to go through an agency to find your au pair, there may be associated agency fees or program costs.

  7. Visa and Immigration Fees: If your au pair is coming from a foreign country, there may be visa and immigration-related expenses to consider.

  8. Miscellaneous Expenses: Additional costs can vary, such as mobile phone plans, pocket money for personal expenses, or other agreed-upon arrangements.

does urbansitter cost money

Taxes: Do I Have to Pay Au Pair Taxes?

Social Security and Medicare taxes:

One of the advantages of hiring an au pair is that their wages are typically not subject to social security and Medicare taxes. This exemption is due to the au pair’s status as a J-1 nonimmigrant and being classified as a nonresident alien. However, if annual au pair wages exceed the payment threshold, then the host family would need to withhold social security and Medicare taxes.

Income Tax Withholding

Au pair stipends are classified as “wages” due to the employer-employee relationship between the au pair and their host family. As per IRS guidelines, since au pair wages fall under domestic service in a private home, they are not subject to U.S. income tax withholding. However, it’s important to note that au pair wages are considered part of the recipient’s gross income, so au pairs are obligated to file U.S. individual income tax returns.

Federal Unemployment Taxes (FUTA)

Since most au pairs are nonresident aliens, their host families are typically exempt from paying federal unemployment taxes on their au pair wages. Please note: We are not licensed tax professionals. We encourage you to reach out to your tax professional for any questions or advice.

Child & Dependent Care Tax Credits: Can I get a tax credit?

To qualify for the child-care tax credit, your au pair must acquire a Social Security number or an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number). This credit allows you to claim a percentage of the childcare expenses you’ve paid for children under 13, provided you are paying a childcare worker to look after your children while you work or search for employment.

According to the IRS, as of 2024, you can count up to $3,000 in expenses for one qualifying child or up to $6,000 in expenses for two or more qualifying dependents. The amount of the tax credit is based on your adjusted gross income and can range from 20%-35% of your expenses. You must identify the care provider on your tax return, report the wages paid to the au pair, and remit the necessary employment taxes. Please note: We are not licensed tax professionals. We encourage you to reach out to your tax professional for any questions or advice.

Insurance: Do I Need to Pay Insurance for My Au Pair?

Host families are typically not required to provide health insurance coverage for their au pairs. However, it is important to confirm the specific insurance regulations with the sponsoring organization or agency you are working with.

While health insurance is not mandated, some sponsoring organizations may offer health insurance options for au pairs as part of their program. These options can be beneficial as they ensure that your au pair has access to medical care and coverage during their stay. Besides health insurance, other forms of insurance, such as liability insurance, may want to be considered to protect both your family and your au pair in case of unexpected incidents. Please note: We are not insurance professionals. We encourage you to reach out to your insurance professional for any questions or advice.

Au Pair Payment Plans

Payment plan options for au pairs, facilitated by agencies, typically include weekly or bi-weekly payments. These agencies often provide guidance and support for host families in setting up a payment schedule that aligns with their financial preferences. Payment methods can vary, but direct bank transfers or electronic payment platforms are commonly utilized for secure and efficient transactions between host families and au pairs.

Does the cost of an Au Pair fit your budget?

If you decide an au pair is the right fit for your family and budget, to host an au pair, there are a number of agencies approved by the U.S. Department of State who can connect you. If not, a nanny or daycare option might be a better fit, here’s a quick comparison between an au pair, nanny, and daycare.

Please note that UrbanSitter is a platform for families and caregivers to connect. We are not an agency and do not employ caregivers. All members are individually responsible for any applicable tax, withholding or reporting. We are not licensed tax professionals. We encourage individuals to reach out to a local tax professional for any questions about tax preparations

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What Is An Au Pair? Pros, Cons & How To Find A Great One

What is an au pair? An au pair is a student between the ages of 18-26 who comes to the United States as part of a cultural exchange program and agrees to provide full-time child care in exchange for housing and a weekly stipend. For some families who need live-in child care, hosting an au pair may be an ideal solution. Below are some of the benefits and limitations so you can decide if this is the right in-home childcare choice for you and your family.

The Unique Advantages of Au Pairs

There are several pros to choosing an au pair for your childcare needs, including the following:

  • Au Pairs Provide Affordable Care
    Because au pair programs are government-sponsored, costs are regulated. According to the U.S. Internal Revenue Service, au pairs are paid a weekly stipend equivalent to the U.S. federal minimum wage. The stipend is based per family, so you do not pay more for additional kids. Keep in mind there are some upfront costs you will incur. These costs include the agency application fees and the placement fees (which cover recruiting, screening, paperwork processing, some travel expenses, visa, and training). Once they arrive, there are additional expenses outside of the weekly stipend. These costs include providing room and board, meals, paid vacation time, and a $500 educational stipend. Even with these additional fees, au pair care is much more affordable than live-in or live-out nannies or babysitters.
  • Flexible Hours, In-home Child Care
    For those who work long or irregular hours or need an extra set of hands, flexible child care is a top priority. Few providers can match the flexibility offered by au pairs. According to ICEF Monitor, a market research firm for the international education market, au pairs in the U.S. can work up to 45 hours per week. While they may not work more than 10 hours per day, as a host family, you can coordinate your own childcare schedule week to week.
  • Exposure to a New Culture
    Inviting a foreign student to live with your family is a wonderful way to introduce your children to a new culture or language. One example is that, according to AuPair Clearinghouse, which reviews and compares United States au pair agencies, there’s a growing trend to hire Chinese caretakers. They attribute the trend to the increasing popularity of Mandarin as a language option in secondary schools. As well as the appeal of having a Mandarin speaker in your home to help your kids learn the language.

Au Pair Limitations

While there are many attractive advantages to having an au pair care for your kids, there are limitations, too, including:

  • Limited Child Care Experience
    Au pairs are students (18-26 years old) who travel to the U.S. for educational and cultural experiences. Though they are required to complete some childcare instruction, their training and experience is limited. Simply put, they are not professional childcare providers, nor are they necessarily interested in pursuing a career in child care. For this reason, they are often better for families who do not require infant or special needs care.
  • Short-Term Child Care Solution
    Per their contracts and visa requirements, they usually live with a host parent for one year (though you can apply for a program extension through the U.S. Department of State). If you need someone longer term—and don’t relish the thought of finding a new solution in a year—a live-in nanny may be a better fit.
  • Inability to Meet in Advance
    They are carefully screened, and you can interview candidates via phone, email, and video chat. Still, you cannot truly meet face-to-face or have a trial period before committing to a relationship.
  • Language and Cultural Barriers
    In addition to the limitations above, they are students learning a new culture and often a new language as they get to know your family and understand its unique needs. It can be a tricky adjustment period for both sides.

What is the Difference Between an Au Pair and a Nanny?

One of the most important distinctions between an au pair and a live-in nanny is that an au pair is a student you host, and a nanny is an employee you hire.

For a deeper dive into the differences, read our article, How to Choose Between a Nanny, Daycare, and Au Pair. If you decide to host an au pair, there are several agencies approved by the U.S. Department of State that can connect you. If you decide a nanny is the better fit and childcare experience, word of mouth, job boards, and online services, such as UrbanSitter, can help you find and meet nannies in your local area who may be just right for your family’s needs. The choice is yours!

Looking for a nanny? Join UrbanSitter to browse profiles, sort by pay rate, and book jobs online.

 

Meet Mara: Babysitter and Future Genetic Counselor!

mara-hernandez

Mara has been working with kids and families since she was in middle school so it comes as no surprise that she’s now pursuing a career in genetic counseling, where she’ll be able to help people each and every day. Since joining UrbanSitter in 2012 Mara has sat for around 100 different families, and says that babysitting has provided her with income while still allowing her to keep a schedule flexible enough for school, volunteering, and applying to a Masters program.

Here, Mara shares with us a little bit more about her life, her adventures in babysitting, and what she plans on doing in the future.  

How did you get started as a babysitter?
I grew up in a suburb of San Francisco in a neighborhood that had four cul de sacs that were connected, so it was a pretty good place to find babysitting jobs because there were a lot of families. I don’t remember how I got into babysitting exactly, if I decided if I was old enough or if a neighbor approached me.

We had this little newsletter for our neighborhood and it showed which families were in which houses and listed the names of the kids who lived in the houses, too. The kids’ names had boxes next to them that said whether or not they were willing to do yard work or babysitting or things like that.

I made $4/hour to start, as a Mother’s Helper. I was pretty bad at it, because the mom was working at home, and so the kids would just go bother her. And then I’d come home with my $12 dollars in my hand, but you have to start somewhere!

How did your babysitting career advance after that?
I wanted to do more babysitting as I got a little bit older. I took a class about babysitting at the local community center and of course got CPR certified. In high school I went around my neighborhood with flyers and knocking on doors and got a regular babysitting job out of that, that I had throughout high school and my first year of college.

I also took a gap year and was an au pair in Switzerland for 10 months. I went to the  German-speaking part of Switzerland and couldn’t even count to ten in German when I got there, but I picked it up. I was so excited about it that I went with the very first family who chose me (I applied through an online service not an agency) and just said “Yes! I will be your au pair!”

How did you first get started on UrbanSitter?
I’ve been on UrbanSitter for four and a half years, and it was pretty small when I started. I remember that somebody contacted me for a phone interview, and I remember being in a parking lot walking to my car and I got this call from a woman with a really beautiful Irish accent. Both parents were from Europe and the dad was working as a postdoc at UC Berkeley, they didn’t have any family in the area and hadn’t had a date night in forever.

It was a good start because they were a really nice family and just so appreciative. Their little girl was adorable. They gave me a good review and then someone else booked me. So [my time on UrbanSitter] started out slow, but it picked up from there.

You’re studying genetic counseling now, can you tell us a little bit about that?
A genetic counselor talks to people who might be at risk for hereditary medical conditions. Like cancer for example, if a person has a strong family history of cancer they’ll talk to a genetic counselor and decide whether or not to do specific testing to see if they have that genetic predisposition. Genetic counselors also meet with people planning a pregnancy or who are currently pregnant to provide information and counseling about any health problems that run in the family as well as about prenatal testing options.

Has babysitting had any effect on your choice to pursue genetic counseling?
In genetic counseling you’re working with a lot of different people, people trying to plan a family or start a family. And in my babysitting adventures each family is different, with different personalities, and I’ve always found that pretty interesting. In the field of genetic counseling I’ll get to continue to meet different people and work with different people, and I think it’s good to have a foundation in that already.

There’s a particular family that I work for regularly that goes out a lot. They were so, so supportive about this particular application process [for my Master’s program]. They would give me advice and try to help out. It’s a pretty competitive program that I was applying for, so I was very stressed. The dad’s sister is actually a genetic counselor and so he set up a meeting for us, and she gave me really helpful advice and support.  The kid is so great, too, she’s always cheerful and runs to the door when I get there – now that I’ve started graduate school, I find babysitting is a good way to relieve stress!

Babysitting has been really helpful, because I had to do a lot of volunteering to be accepted into the Master’s program that I’m in now. I’ve been preparing for this program for three years. In July of last year, I left my job at Children’s Hospital to be able to take on more volunteering, and an internship, and to take more classes. So babysitting was all of my income, and it let me be flexible.

Saturday night to me is like babysitting night. I think I’ve worked the majority of Saturdays in the last year. And that has really allowed me to support myself in this last year of preparation for the program. UrbanSitter was so helpful because I know I wouldn’t have found as many jobs as I did without it.

Sign up to be a babysitter today at www.urbansitter.com!

 

Childcare Jobs: The 6 Most Popular Types of Caregivers

childcare jobs

Childcare jobs come in a wide range of different capacities. Whether you’re a parent determining which type of childcare is right for your family or a caregiver deciding what sort of childcare job you’re looking for, it is essential to understand the differences in order to make the right choices for your preferences and lifestyle. Here are some of the most common types of caregivers.

Types of Childcare Jobs

  1. Au pair
    An au pair is a young adult from a foreign country who lives with a family and helps to care for children and do housework in return for a monetary allowance (and the opportunity to learn the family’s language and culture). An au pair will almost always reside in the family home and be treated as another member of the family. Au pairs are enrolled in post-secondary education and their labor is regulated by the Department of State. Hiring an au pair requires extensive commitment on the parts of both the au pair and the hiring family. The process sometimes requires a large sum of money up front, and employers may be expected to provide healthcare and transportation to au pairs during their stay. In exchange, the family will benefit from exploring a new culture and exposing their children to the world from the convenience of their own living room.
  2. Babysitter
    A babysitter is a caregiver who comes to a family’s home to watch children for a limited number of hours or sometimes overnight. Some babysitters work out of their own homes. Most are hired by families on an occasional basis and are paid an hourly rate. More often than not, babysitters work for many different families as their schedules permit. While babysitters’ ages fall into a wide range, all sitters on UrbanSitter are at least 18 years old.
  3. Doula
    A doula is hired to help provide comfort and care to a woman and her family before, during, and/or after childbirth. A doula attends births and imparts constant emotional and instructional support during labor. Doulas are trained professionals, but are not doctors. Usually a doula’s job is done once the baby is born, although some doulas offer breastfeeding instruction, night nurse services, and even postpartum care for a period after the birth.
  4. Mother’s helper
    A mother’s helper is a pre-teen or teenager who is not yet experienced enough or old enough to watch children alone. A mother’s helper may be a neighbor, relative, or other acquaintance of the child’s parent(s) who has expressed an interest in babysitting or caring for the child(ren) in the home. A mother’s helper may be paid or unpaid, but a parent is present for the duration of the caregiving period in order to give guidance and/or supervision. Sometimes mother’s helpers are hired to do light chores around the house or run errands in addition to (or in place of) watching children.
  5. Nanny
    A nanny is hired for a set period of time and is usually given a regular schedule, and may reside in the family’s home (“live-in”) or travel to the family’s home for shifts (“live-out”). Nannies are paid an agreed-upon salary at regular intervals, and most nannies consider childcare their full-time work obligation. However, some are employed part-time according to the family’s needs and are able to take on outside work.
  6. Night Nanny
    A night nanny may be the perfect solution for families with newborns. These caregivers generally come to the family’s home after dinner to help with the new baby’s bedtime routine and provide support to the family overnight, whether rocking a colicky baby back to sleep, heating a bottle and handling night feedings, or helping soothe toddlers back to sleep after a newborn’s cries wake everyone in the house. Parents of multiples may find night nannies especially helpful. Night nannies are usually hired for a short period of time after a new baby arrives, to help a household adjust to their new overnight routine, allow families to get a little extra sleep, or to give new parents nighttime guidance. Some night nannies may have nursing experience as well.

UrbanSitter is an excellent resource if you are looking for childcare jobs or childcare solutions. Good luck in finding your perfect fit!