Governess jobs in Edinburgh typically pay £20–£37 an hour (about £3,450–£6,400 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 right-to-work checks. Register with AvailJob to be matched with families hiring in Edinburgh.
- Typical pay
- £20–£37
- per hour
- Full-time monthly
- £3,450–£6,400
- 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 Edinburgh
No open position is listed for Edinburgh 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 Edinburgh
Working as a governess in Edinburgh means joining a private household. The governess combines childcare with structured education, often supporting a family that travels or home-schools, and families across Edinburgh and the Lothians hire for this role all year round.
Edinburgh is known for asset management, fintech, informatics, and tourism, and many of the families who hire domestic staff here work for employers such as NatWest Group, abrdn, Baillie Gifford, Skyscanner, and the University of Edinburgh. Edinburgh is the UK's second-largest financial centre and manages hundreds of billions of pounds in assets.
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 Edinburgh
Household incomes in Edinburgh are shaped by an average local salary of around £38,000, which is why governess pay here sits above the UK 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 Edinburgh?
The local job market is growing at 3.7% annually, so demand for reliable household staff keeps rising as more dual-income families move to Edinburgh.
Edinburgh is often described as “Scotland's Finance and Fintech 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 Kingdom
- Right to work in United Kingdom: Workers need the right to work in the UK; employers must check documents before employment starts.
- Checks: employers usually ask for right-to-work checks, references and a DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check — an enhanced DBS check for roles with children or vulnerable adults.
- Minimum pay: wages must meet the National Living Wage or National Minimum Wage.
- Contract: Employees must receive a written statement of employment particulars from their first day of work.
Live-in or live-out?
Live-in governess roles in Edinburgh 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 UK 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 Edinburgh?
Governess jobs in Edinburgh typically pay £20–£37 an hour (about £3,450–£6,400 a month full time). Experience, live-in arrangements, hours and extra duties move pay within this range.
Are there live-in governess jobs in Edinburgh?
Live-in positions are common. Live-in governess roles in Edinburgh 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 UK?
Employers ask for teaching degree or qualification, experience with private families and right-to-work checks. You must also have the right to work in United Kingdom.
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 Edinburgh on AvailJob?
Register your profile with your experience, availability and references. When a family in Edinburgh 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.