Governess jobs in Chicago, IL typically pay $30–$55 an hour (about $5,200–$9,500 a month full time). Live-in positions are common, with a usual schedule of full-time, often travelling with the family. Employers ask for teaching degree or qualification and a criminal background check. Register with AvailJob to be matched with families hiring in Chicago.
- Typical pay
- $30–$55
- per hour
- Full-time monthly
- $5,200–$9,500
- about 40 hours a week
- Live-in
- Common
- accommodation provided
- Schedule
- Full-time
- often travelling with the family
- Open now
- 0
- register to be matched
Open governess positions in Chicago
No open position is listed for Chicago today. New governess jobs are added as families hire. Register once and we will match you to the next opening near you.
Register as a GovernessAbout governess jobs in Chicago
Governess jobs in Chicago, IL are household positions: a governess combines childcare with structured education, often supporting a family that travels or home-schools. Families hiring in Chicago range from young professionals in the city centre to established households across Chicagoland Area.
Chicago is known for finance, commodities trading, logistics, and architecture, and many of the families who hire domestic staff here work for employers such as Boeing, United Airlines, McDonald's, CME Group, and Morningstar. Chicago's Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME) is the world's largest futures exchange.
Main duties
- Teach and supervise lessons at home
- Support homework and exam preparation
- Develop languages, reading and study skills
- Plan cultural and educational outings
- Report progress to parents
Governess pay in Chicago
Household incomes in Chicago are shaped by an average local salary of around $70,000, which is why governess pay here sits close to the USA average. Pay rises with experience, references, live-in flexibility and extra duties such as driving or cooking.
Indicative ranges for 2026 based on local salary levels and published household pay; individual offers vary.
A day as a governess
- 7:30Breakfast & school run
- 9:30Play & learning
- 12:00Lunch & nap
- 15:00Pick-up & homework
- 18:00Dinner, bath & handover
Why work in Chicago?
The local job market is growing at 2.3% annually, so demand for reliable household staff keeps rising as more dual-income families move to Chicago.
Chicago is often described as “Midwest's Financial and Commercial Capital”, and its households expect a professional standard of service.
Requirements
What families ask for
- Teaching degree or qualification
- Experience with private families
- Background check
- Additional languages are a plus
Working in United States
- Right to work in United States: Workers must be authorised to work in the United States, and employers complete Form I-9 to verify eligibility.
- Checks: employers usually ask for a criminal background check, identity and Social Security verification, a motor-vehicle record for driving roles and, for childcare, a sex-offender registry search.
- Minimum pay: wages must meet the federal minimum wage or the higher state and city minimum, whichever applies.
- Contract: A written work agreement covering duties, hours, pay, overtime, paid time off, termination notice and confidentiality prevents most disputes.
Live-in or live-out?
Live-in governess roles in Chicago normally include a private room and meals; the value of board is sometimes deducted from pay, so compare offers on the total package. Live-out roles pay the full hourly rate, and families often add travel costs for early starts.
How to get hired
- Register
Create your profile with your governess experience, availability and references.
- Verification
Complete USA right-to-work and background checks.
- Interview & trial
Meet the family and work a short, paid trial day.
- Contract & start
Agree pay, hours and leave in writing before you start.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a governess earn in Chicago, IL?
Governess jobs in Chicago, IL typically pay $30–$55 an hour (about $5,200–$9,500 a month full time). Experience, live-in arrangements, hours and extra duties move pay within this range.
Are there live-in governess jobs in Chicago?
Live-in positions are common. Live-in governess roles in Chicago normally include a private room and meals; the value of board is sometimes deducted from pay, so compare offers on the total package.
What do I need to work as a governess in USA?
Employers ask for teaching degree or qualification, experience with private families and a criminal background check. You must also have the right to work in United States.
What does a governess do day to day?
A governess combines childcare with structured education, often supporting a family that travels or home-schools. Typical duties include teach and supervise lessons at home, support homework and exam preparation, develop languages, reading and study skills.
How do I apply for governess jobs in Chicago on AvailJob?
Register your profile with your experience, availability and references. When a family in Chicago hires for this role, you are matched and contacted.
What hours does a governess work?
A typical schedule is full-time, often travelling with the family. Hours, days off and overtime should be written into your contract.