Approximately 13,000 au pairs come to the United States from around the world each year.
Au pairs are between the ages of 18-26 and are mainly women. They provide flexible, in-home childcare for up to 45 hours per week or 10 hours a day.
Though Department of State regulations articulate that au pairs are protected by federal and state minimum wage and overtime protections, it is common practice for au pairs to receive a stipend of $195.75 per week, or what amounts to $4.35 per hour. These wages are far below federal and state standards.