Best Au Pair Agencies of 2025
We evaluated 12 Department of State-designated au pair agencies on candidate quality, matching process, family support, and overall value.
5 items ranked · Last reviewed January 2025
Au Pair in America
America's original au pair program — depth, trust, and support
Au Pair in America invented the modern au pair program and their nearly four decades of experience shows. Their cluster coordinator model — where local staff organize social events and wellness check-ins for au pairs — significantly improves retention and satisfaction.
PROS
- ✓First US Department of State-approved au pair program (founded 1986)
- ✓100,000+ au pairs successfully placed — unmatched track record
- ✓Strong local cluster coordinators for on-the-ground family support
CONS
- ✕Slightly smaller candidate pool than the largest agency
- ✕Matching interface could benefit from modern UX upgrades
InterExchange Au Pair USA
Nonprofit agency with lower fees and genuine cultural exchange
InterExchange's nonprofit status lets them charge meaningfully lower fees while maintaining rigorous standards. Their genuine cultural exchange mission tends to attract au pairs who are motivated by the experience — not just the stipend.
PROS
- ✓Nonprofit organization — fees are meaningfully lower than for-profit agencies
- ✓Cultural exchange mission attracts highly motivated candidates
- ✓Personalized matching with dedicated placement coordinators
CONS
- ✕Smaller pool than the largest agencies
- ✕Less extensive local support network in rural areas
AuPairCare
Smart matching technology meets personal support
AuPairCare's digital matching platform is the most sophisticated in the industry, letting families filter candidates on everything from languages spoken to hobbies. Their EduCare variant is ideal for families needing full-time care from a more experienced au pair.
PROS
- ✓Best online matching platform — filter by 20+ criteria
- ✓Strong EduCare program for families needing full-time care from mature au pairs
- ✓Responsive customer service with 24/7 emergency line
CONS
- ✕EduCare premium requires higher weekly stipend
- ✕Some families report slower initial matching timelines
GoAuPair
More flexible arrangements, same quality care
GoAuPair offers some of the most flexible program structures in the industry, including reduced-hour arrangements for families who don't need full 45-hour weeks. Their rematch policy is among the most generous, giving families confidence if the initial placement isn't the right fit.
PROS
- ✓Flexible program options including part-time and EduCare arrangements
- ✓Generous rematch guarantee policy for family peace of mind
- ✓Good mobile app for scheduling and stipend management
CONS
- ✕Smaller brand recognition than top agencies
- ✕Local coordinator quality can vary significantly by region
Cultural Care Au Pair
The largest au pair network in the US
Cultural Care has the largest raw candidate pool in the industry, which can speed up initial matching. However, families consistently report that the smaller, more specialized agencies above provide better ongoing support, more transparent pricing, and more responsive coordinators when issues arise.
PROS
- ✓Largest au pair network — 60,000+ au pairs from 80+ countries
- ✓Broad geographic coverage across the US
- ✓AIFS-backed corporate resources and training programs
CONS
- ✕Recent pattern of complaints about matching transparency and rematch support
- ✕Higher agency fees than most competitors