What is the difference between a professional au pair and a nanny?

Professional au pairs are degreed professionals who come to the U.S. on a J-1 visa and work up to 45 hours a week. They are motivated to share their expertise caring for children in exchange for a weekly stipend and the opportunity to live with a family for up to two years. A nanny is a private childcare provider who works for a family on a live-in or live-out basis. Nannies are typically paid an hourly wage and can be subject to benefits such as overtime, healthcare, Social Security and payroll taxes.