Find an au pair in California

Enjoy flexible, personalized childcare that fits your family’s routine. From helping with meals, laundry, and school drop-offs to sharing their language and culture, au pairs bring care and connection into your home.

Why choose us as your California au pair company?

Representing 30+ countries

Cultural Care au pairs hail from over 30 countries around the world such as Central and South America, Europe, Asia, and Africa—bringing diverse perspectives into your home.

Multi-step screening

Cultural Care au pairs undergo a multi-step screening in their home countries. This includes an interview, English assessment, reference check, and criminal background check.

Training and preparation

Before they travel to the USA, Cultural Care au pairs attend 32 hours of instructor-led training, including a CPR and First Aid course provided by the American Heart Association.

Real stories from California families

“Nat’s positive influence on our 4 children — all 6 and under — has been nothing short of transformative.

Our children have blossomed in her care, developing new skills and gaining confidence. Nat is an incredibly patient and creative individual who tailors her approach to each child’s unique needs. She has also introduced them to Spanish songs and phrases, which has sparked their interest in learning more Spanish and about where she is from.”

— Casey, host mom in San Francisco, California

How much does an au pair in California cost?

Annual program fee1

$11,245

Paid to Cultural Care. Based on a 52 week program.

Minimum weekly au pair stipend2

$195.75

Paid directly to your au pair.

2,427

Au pairs in California

$50,918

Average annual cost of a nanny in California3

$21,424

Average annual cost of an au pair in California

How to find the perfect au pair in California

Step 1: Create your profile and start your search

Download our app and use the filters to find au pairs whose experience and availability fit your family’s needs.

Step 2: Interview au pairs

Chat with au pair candidates to get to know them better and find someone whose personality and values align with your family's lifestyle.

Step 3: Confirm your match and prepare for arrival

Finalize your match in the app and get ready for your au pair to arrive in California with the help of our Host Family Preparation team.

Step 4: Welcome your au pair to California

Extend a warm California welcome to your new au pair! Enjoy flexible, personalized childcare and an enriching cultural exchange experience.

Support for host families and au pairs in Northern and Southern California

Our local representatives all across California—along with our dedicated Cultural Care office staff—are here to support you every step of the way.

Au pair life in California

Kid-friendly activities in California

With an au pair, your kids can meet Mickey Mouse and ride classic attractions at the original Disneyland, come face-to-face with giant pandas at San Diego Zoo, or walk through a mesmerizing underwater tunnel surrounded by sharks at Monterey Bay Aquarium. 

Holidays and traditions in California

Share the Tournament of Roses Parade on New Year's Day with your au pair, see the California State Fair with concerts and exhibits, or celebrate Napa Valley's Harvest Season celebrations as a family. 

Au pair fun in California

Au pairs love watching the sunrise on San Francisco beaches, catching concerts at Hollywood venues at night, and road tripping through Yosemite's jaw-dropping landscapes.

FAQs about hosting an au pair in California

Any questions? Talk to us directly

1-800-333-6056

1Au pairs pay a smaller program fee to the foreign company that screens them, but no portion of that fee is used to pay for the costs of their international airfare or domestic U.S. transportation. Au pairs may be charged additional fees in the event of special travel requests.

2The U.S. Department of State has determined that au pairs are required to receive from their host families at least $195.75 per week. Host families and au pairs are free to discuss and agree to compensation higher than the required stipend minimum; however, this cannot be in exchange for the au pair exceeding the regulatory limits on working hours (10 hours per day; 45 hours per week) or performing duties beyond childcare-related tasks. The State Department formula is based on the federal minimum wage and applicable room and board credits. Any change in the federal minimum wage or the applicable credits will result in an increase in this minimum stipend amount. Please note, should a family extend beyond the first year, they would be responsible for the stipend for each week of the extension term.

3Child Care Aware of America (CCAoA), 2024 report, Care.com – Average Nanny Salary by State, ZipRecruiter – Nanny Salaries by State, Care.com – Cost of Care Report (2025), Care.com – Local Cost Pages (e.g., DC, Atlanta), U.S. State Department + Au Pair Agencies, BridgeUSA - 2024 new au pair exchange visitors.