👶 Au Pair & Childcare Jobs in Australia
Live-in childcare with accommodation and salary included.
Types of Childcare Work
Choose between live-in au pair positions or casual childcare work.
💡 Great for Saving Money
Au pair work is one of the best options for saving money in Australia. Since accommodation and meals are included with most live-in positions, your weekly salary goes almost entirely into savings. Many au pairs save $1,000 or more per month.
🚨 Not Eligible for Visa Extension
Au pair and childcare work does not count toward the 88 days of specified work required for a second or third year Working Holiday Visa. If you need to extend your visa, consider farm work or construction in regional areas instead.
Overview
Being an au pair in Australia means living with a host family and providing childcare in exchange for accommodation, meals and a weekly salary. It is a popular option for WHV holders who enjoy working with children and want to experience Australian family life. Casual childcare and nanny work is also available in cities, offering more flexibility but without the accommodation benefit.
What the Role Involves
Au pair duties typically include:
- Taking children to and from school or activities
- Preparing meals and snacks for the children
- Helping with homework and educational activities
- Organising play dates and outings
- Light housework related to the children (tidying rooms, laundry)
- Bathing and bedtime routines
Most au pair positions require 25-40 hours per week, with at least one full day off. Live-in au pairs usually have their own private room and bathroom.
Requirements
- Working With Children Check (WWCC): Mandatory for anyone working with children in Australia. Each state has its own application process, but the check is free for volunteers and costs a small fee for paid workers. Apply online through your state government website.
- First Aid Certificate: Highly recommended and required by many families. A 1-day course costs around AUD 100-150 and covers CPR, choking and emergency response.
- Advanced English: You need to communicate confidently with children and parents. B2+ level is typically expected.
- Driver's licence: Often preferred as you may need to drive children to activities and school.
Salary
Au pair and childcare salaries vary depending on the arrangement:
- Live-in au pair: $250-350 per week plus free accommodation and meals
- Casual nanny / babysitter: $20-30 per hour
- Professional nanny (full-time): $25-35 per hour
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Free accommodation and meals save thousands
- Cultural immersion with an Australian family
- Comfortable living environment
- Predictable schedule with days off
- Great for improving English skills
Cons
- Lower cash salary than other sectors
- Less independence living with a family
- Does not count for visa extension
- Need WWCC and ideally First Aid
- Can be isolating in suburban areas