How Many Hours Can an Au Pair Work?
The Department of State limits, and what they mean for you
The Department of State sets the limits, and they are the same for every host family. Your au pair's schedule cannot exceed 45 hours per week, and cannot exceed 10 hours on any given day. Your au pair receives 1.5 days off per week plus one full weekend off each month, from Friday evening to Monday morning, and two weeks of paid vacation during the first 12 months. That structure works in your favour: expectations are fixed before anyone moves in, so there are no awkward renegotiations later. GreatAuPair recommends giving your au pair a written weekly schedule in advance so they can plan around it.
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One thing host families often wonder about is how scheduling works with an au pair. The J-1 Au Pair Program has clear federal guidelines around weekly hours, daily limits, and guaranteed time off — including a full weekend off each month and paid vacation time. That structure is actually great news for host families, because it means expectations are set from day one. No guessing, no awkward conversations. You and your au pair both know what a fair week looks like. Building a consistent, predictable schedule helps your au pair feel respected — and a happy au pair means better care for your kids. Want to understand exactly how the schedule guidelines work? Visit greataupairusa.com to learn everything you need to know before you match.
