How Much Does an Au Pair Cost in Canada?
Understand au pair wages, employer costs, accommodation and travel expenses in Canada, with an illustrative monthly budget.
Build your monthly budget
| Cost | What to allow for |
|---|---|
| Gross wages | Agreed paid hours × agreed hourly rate; check the applicable provincial wage floor. |
| Employment costs | Employer contributions, vacation and any applicable overtime or holiday pay. |
| Home and daily life | A private room, food, utilities and any agreed transport or phone support. |
| Preparation | Screening, first aid or driving-related checks appropriate to the job. |
| International travel | Agree who pays flights, insurance and other travel expenses; separate these from wages. |
| Search or placement | Only fees actually disclosed and agreed for a defined service. |
Illustration: wages only
At an assumed CAD $22 per hour for 30 paid hours each week, gross wages average CAD $2,860 per month (22 × 30 × 52 ÷ 12). This is arithmetic for planning, not a market rate, legal minimum, take-home amount or all-inclusive quote.
Accommodation and payroll
Check provincial rules before treating meals or a room as a deduction or wage credit. Domestic-worker rules differ by province. For an employee, payroll can include income-tax withholding, pension contributions and employment insurance; Quebec has additional administration to review.
Official source: Ontario employment standards →
Official source: British Columbia employment standards →
Official source: Canada Revenue Agency →