Au Pair Stipend Increase

On May 25, 2007 President Bush signed into law the first increase in the federal minimum wage since September 1997. Over the next 2 years, the minimum wage will increase in three stages from $5.15 to $7.25. This will change the weekly stipend for all au pairs in the USA. The increases in the stipend affect all au pairs currently in the country as well as those who will arrive after these changes go into effect.

Starting on the week of July 23, 2007, au pairs must receive at least $157.95. Under 2 au pairs will still receive $164.05 per week.
One year later, beginning on the week of July 21, 2008, au pairs must receive at least $176.85 per week. Under 2 au pairs will also receive this amount.
Two years later, beginning on the week of July 27, 2009, au pairs must receive at least $195.75 per week. Under 2 au pairs will also receive this amount.

As an organization, InterExchange Au Pair USA welcomes these changes. The au pair stipend has not increased in almost ten years. During that same time, inflation has chipped away at the stipend's buying power. Education costs in particular have risen dramatically since 1997 affecting au pairs' abilities to complete their educational requirements. Even with this increase, we are sure that our program remains a wonderful, low-cost child care program that can easily compete with the costs of other options.

We also welcome this change because we believe it will make our program a more appealing option to young people in other countries looking to spend a year abroad. Furthermore, we believe that many more au pairs will decide to stay for the extension program after these changes. Which is of great benefit to both host families and au pairs.

The au pair stipend is based on a Department of Labor calculation which takes the minimum wage for 45 hours and then subtracts 40% for room and board.

Currently: $5.85 x 45 hours = $263.25 x .60 = $157.95
One year later: $6.55 x 45 hours = $294.75 x .60 = $176.85
Two years later: $7.25 x 45 hours = $326.25 x .60 = $195.75

Any family who does not change the rate of pay for their au pair after these changes go into effect will be in violation of U.S. Department of Labor laws and U.S. State Department regulation.