Find a trusted au pair in San Francisco

When you host an au pair in San Francisco, you can enjoy flexible 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 San Francisco families choose Cultural Care au pair

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 San Francisco, Cultural Care au pairs attend 32 hours of instructor-led training, including a CPR and First Aid course provided by the American Heart Association.

How our au pair program works in San Francisco

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 San Francisco with the help of our Host Family Preparation team.

Step 4: Welcome your au pair to San Francisco

Extend a warm welcome to your new au pair! Enjoy personalized, flexible childcare and an enriched family life in San Francisco.

The benefits of hosting an au pair in San Francisco

Au pair childcare gives families a rare combination: flexible in-home coverage, a consistent caregiver, and a cultural exchange experience.

Ongoing support for San Francisco host families

When you join our San Francisco au pair program, you’ll have local area support—along with dedicated Cultural Care office staff—by your side every step of the way.

Real stories from San Francisco families who have hosted an au pair

"When it came time to figure out childcare for our growing family, Annika was the obvious choice.

We were deep in the newborn phase and were tired, juggling feedings, and constantly adjusting. Without needing direction, Annika jumped in by keeping our toddler engaged, helping with transitions, and noticing what needed to be done before anyone asked. She is grounded, thoughtful, and deeply present. She values connection over spectacle and brings that same care into how she shows up for our children and our home."

— Maria, host mom in San Francisco, California

How much does it cost to host an au pair in San Francisco?

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.

$50,918

Average annual cost of a nanny in California3

$21,424

Average annual cost of an au pair in California

FAQs about hosting an au pair in San Francisco

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.