It’s not all that uncommon for South Africans to take a ‘gap year’ and hit the au pair trail over in the U.S. or Europe, but it’s now becoming more common here at home, too.

For some it’s now a full-time career, the demand for qualified childcare professionals having increased alongside the growth of the South African middle class.

A new report by CareerJunction and Oxbridge Academy takes a closer look at the rise of the au pair, so let’s pick that apart with the help of BusinessTech:

[Oxbridge’s Nomawabo May] noted that although there has always been a demand for babysitters and nannies, South Africans have begun to seek out dedicated au pairs for their children, demanding a minimum level of competence and qualification, and are prepared to pay accordingly.

So what does ‘pay accordingly’ boil down to in terms of a monthly wage?

…salaries vary depending on qualifications, experience, the specific placement, and working hours, [May] said.

“An au pair working 8 hours, Monday to Friday, can expect a salary in the region of R13, 000.”

“Regular hourly rates are around R80 per hour during the day, and around R160 per hour for overnight care, while driving duties are remunerated at about R110 per hour. If tutoring is provided, the au pair is remunerated at about R155 per hour.”

We mentioned those ‘gap year’ au pairs earlier, but if you want to turn that into a career in SA you’re going to have to tick a few boxes.

According to the study, most parents expect the following from prospective au pairs:

• A relevant qualification, such as an au pair or Educare certificate
• A driver’s licence (if driving is required)
• First aid training
• A sober lifestyle and no criminal background
• A mature and positive attitude
• Experience
• Ability to facilitate a structured programme, such as tutoring for older children or engaging in educational activities for younger ones.

Sheesh, not exactly a walk in the park.

Enter comments like this:

If you need to outsource your children’s care, don’t have children.

And:

Parents, that can afford an au pair and should be real parents, paying for someone else to handle their parenting responsibilities. I don’t get it.

How dare both parents work and pay someone to care for the kids during those hours – what an outrage.

I’m sure there are au pairs who make well above R13 000 per month, as well as those who make far less, but if you can stomach looking after other people’s children more power to you.

[source:businesstech]