How Much Do Teachers Charge for Tutoring: How to Charge More
With increasing learning deficits observed in students since 2020 and increasing demand for personalized education, teachers have become a vital resource for students seeking extra academic support.
In fact, tutoring has become a relevant source of income for many teachers. But that begs the question, How much do teachers charge for tutoring?
Well that’s a great question, but to figure out what your private tutor rates would be, we need to pull back the curtain on what other factors need to be considered.
While we know tutoring is an excellent way for students to gain more in-depth knowledge of a subject, strengthen their academic skills, and improve their academic performance, it is also a lucrative option for teachers who want to supplement their income or take the first step in their exit strategy from the classroom.
So let’s jump right into it!
Why Start Tutoring?
As an educator, I firmly believe that private tutoring can benefit both students and teachers. It allows teachers to provide individualized attention and support to students, which is often not possible in a classroom setting.
By working one-on-one with a student, teachers can identify and address specific areas of weakness, tailor their teaching methods to the student’s learning style, and provide personalized feedback.
Private sessions are also a great way to earn extra money if you don’t want to make classroom teaching your full time job. Then there is the ability to offer small group intervention at a lower rate for students who need assistance, but individualized tutoring is too expensive for their families.
Is Tutoring Just Homework Help?
While tutoring does indeed provide valuable academic support, it would be an oversimplification to label it as mere “homework help.”
In truth, tutoring extends far beyond the boundaries of just completing assignments, as it offering a unique and personalized educational experience that goes hand in hand with transformative learning.
However, trouble with homework is often one of the first reasons that parents reach out for tutoring services for elementary and middle school students.
So, How Much Do Teachers Charge For Tutoring?
The average tutoring rate for teachers will vary depending on your unique qualifications. However, if you’re not working with an agency or an online platform, you have the opportunity to set your own tutoring rates.
Private tutors can start as low as $15 per hour, and I have seen individual tutors charge well over $60 an hour!
Factors That Play a Role in Private Tutor Costs
An important thing to note is that the fees charged by teachers for tutoring can vary significantly depending on a variety of factors.
These include level of experience (or skill level), qualifications, subject expertise, geographic location, and the level of education being taught.
The duration and frequency of the tutoring sessions may also affect the cost. So let’s break down each one of these individually.
Location
When providing in person tutoring services, it’s important to know the demographics of the area. Obviously, tutors are going to be in high demand in cities where the cost of living is higher (as compared to rural areas with a lower cost of living) because these students and families can pay whatever price you want to charge.
You can also charge a higher price in localities that put a heavy emphasis on education and value high achievement.
If you will have to travel to complete your tutoring session, you need to factor in the amount of travel time as well as the distance you have to travel.
Qualifications
It’s no secret that parents would pay more for a certified teacher with years of experience as compared to a high school student in terms of knowledge. Therefore, if you are trying to determine how much you should charge, use your credentials and education level to justify a higher fee.
Subject Matter and Student’s Grade Level
The subject area you are teaching plays a major role in tutoring pricing and can debunk the average rate of tutoring.
Those who are seeking help with ACT or SAT test prep or who are pursuing advanced degrees as graduate students are willing to pay a higher rate as compared to parents that need a tutoring session for their elementary students.
Beginner tutors often think it’s a good idea to teach whatever clients are looking for, but in this case you will make the most as you niche down.
Those who have experience in subjects like foreign language, linear algebra, and organic chemistry may not serve the same number of students as a standard math tutor.
However, the going rate for those particular tutoring sessions can be higher simply because they are expert in their field of study and there are fewer individuals with the relevant knowledge to tutor that specific subject.
How to Price Your Services
Most private tutoring services are priced by the hour with an average hourly rate including additional costs like travel, cancellations, and anything else that would be a relevant factor.
However, you have complete control over what you charge. Just remember that the average price needs to be calculated based on the factors we just discussed.
Let’s look at an example of a tutoring package that might be an ideal offering for your particular subject matter.
Perhaps you are considering offering test prep services. Because it is designed to be a more inclusive program and not a “one off” type session, you can easily build your time into a retainer package.
This allows you to maximize your profits while not giving all of your time away.
You can set up different package options to the tune of 3 sessions, 6 sessions, or 12 sessions. You could also set it up based on frequency of meeting. So instead of twice per month, you could set it up for once or twice per week as the deadline for testing draws closer.
The cool thing about tutoring is the flexibility you have to determine what type of options you want to offer from individual session to packages, weekly to daily, group tutoring or individualized tutoring, and even online versus in-person tutoring.
Online Tutoring vs. In Person Tutoring
There are unique advantages and disadvantages to online tutoring and in-person tutoring. So let’s look at each one individually.
Online Tutoring
1. Flexibility and convenience
Online tutoring allows for greater flexibility in terms of scheduling and location. Students can receive one-on-one tutoring from the comfort of their own homes or any location with an internet connection. And as the teacher, you can be at home with your kids while also earning an income online.
2. Access to a wider range of students
With online tutoring, students have access to a larger pool of tutors since geographical limitations are not a factor.
That means they will be seeking tutors with specific expertise or teaching styles that suit their needs. If you work for a specific online company, you are not limited to only working with students in the United States. You have the opportunity to work with students from across the globe!
3. Resources and technology
Online tutoring platforms often provide various digital tools and resources, such as virtual whiteboards, chat features, and file sharing options, which can enhance the learning experience. However, as the teacher, you need to make sure that you have all of the necessary technological specifications met before you sign a contract.
4. Cost-effective
Online tutoring may be more cost-effective for families as it eliminates the need for travel expenses associated with in-person tutoring.
While tutoring online with a specific company may not provide you with as much income per hour, it is a perfect option for those who are just starting out and don’t want to have to build an entire business from scratch or try to search out their own clients.
There are quite a few of trusted tutoring companies that are housed online including VIPKid, VIPTeacher, Varsity Tutors, and Outschool. Each of these companies allows you to make money tutoring and focus on your teaching as opposed to spending your time seeking out new clients.
In-Person Tutoring
1. Personal interaction
In-person tutoring allows for face-to-face interaction and direct communication between the tutor and the student. This can be beneficial for students who thrive in a physical learning environment and require immediate feedback. And if you will be serving students with special needs, this may be something they absolutely require.
2. Hands-on demonstrations
Certain subjects, such as science or arts, may benefit from in-person tutoring as it allows for hands-on demonstrations, experiments, or practical activities that might be challenging to replicate in an online setting. The same rule applies to working with very young children.
Students who are kinesthetic or tactile learners will thrive best in an in-person environment because they will be able to have hands-on interactions with the content, manipulatives, and environment.
3. Reduced technological barriers
Online tutoring requires a stable internet connection, access to appropriate technology, and the ability of students to stay focused through a computer screen. In-person tutoring eliminates these technological barriers and ensures a more seamless learning experience.
For families who do not have access to these internet or even a computer, in-person tutoring will be mandatory.
4. Social and emotional support
In-person tutoring can provide students with a sense of companionship and emotional support. It allows for non-verbal cues and a physical presence that can contribute to a stronger student-tutor relationship.
5. District insight
If you have been a teacher in a particular school district, one of the first things parents want to know is how you will be able to help their child reach mastery of the state requirements.
The good news is that you should already be very informed on how to teach these particular skills, and therefore, you can assuage any fears or doubts these parents might have as to your ability to help their child make progress.
Ultimately, the choice between online tutoring and in-person tutoring depends on your individual preference, logistical considerations, and the specific needs of the students you want to serve.
Some students may thrive in an online environment, while others may benefit more from in-person interaction. It’s important to assess your specific requirements and preferences when making a decision.
Marketing as a New Tutor
There are a ton of different ways to get your name out there. The easiest way to enter the marketplace as a professional tutor is online.
Companies like VIPKid, VIPTeacher, Outschool, and Varsity Tutors are all establishments that I recommend personally because they don’t require the same initial investment of time and energy as would starting your own tutoring business from scratch.
These companies are always seeking new people to join their unique tutoring platform. Some require a bachelor’s degree to be hired, but many do not. And it’s also worth noting that most of these companies do NOT require you to work a minimum number of hours.
Thus they are ideal opportunities for individuals looking for a few extra dollars as they develop their classroom exit strategy or build their savings.
Referrals from past and current clients are going to be your “bread and butter.” These are going to give you the edge when it comes to keeping and finding new clients for your tutoring business.
If parents like you on a particular platform, they will recommend that their “parent friends” hire you as their child’s tutor.
The same rules apply to in-person tutoring. Once parents see positive outcomes in their child’s learning goals, word of mouth will be your biggest marketing tool.
You can also offer incentives for individuals who will spread the word about your tutoring business.
If you know you want to go “all in” on your tutoring business and you want this to be your full-time income long term, then a marketing strategy including leveraging social media, starting a website, and blogging would be excellent avenues to pursue.
With the correct moves here, you could really get your business in front of the right potential clients.
If you are interested in starting your own tutoring business or setting yourself up as an authority in the tutoring space, I would love to help! I offer website design services that would allow you to have a cohesive and professional brand for your tutoring services.
I also offer one-on-one coaching where we would create a marketing strategy and business plan for how you can be successful long term in the tutoring game.
What Sets the Best Tutors Apart?
While there are many tutors available, there is a select group of exceptional individuals who truly stand out from the rest. These educators possess a unique set of qualities and skills that allows them to really make an impact on a student’s learning journey.
The best tutors have a deep passion for teaching and a genuine desire to see their students succeed. Even though part of their drive may be to make more money or start their journey out of the classroom, deep down they want to see their students reach their fullest potential.
You have to have the ability to establish a strong rapport.
Chances are younger students are not in love with the thought of spending more time outside of the classroom on their studies. So when you create a supportive and nurturing environment, they feel comfortable asking questions and sharing their troubles.
This allows you, as the tutor, to identify what learning style is best for them, what will make the tutoring time more enjoyable for both of you, and how you can help your student fall in love with learning again.
Having insight into what milestones need to be met at specific age and grade levels will allow you to hone in on those foundational concepts in a manner that clear and concise for your learner.
You obviously wouldn’t communicate with elementary students the way you would college students.
So having open communication that is developmentally appropriate for the students you tutor will be where your teaching background, college degree, and possibly even your Master’s Degree come in handy.
Your experience level and unique skill set will translate to more tutoring students and deeper connections with those you already tutor.
Rather than the one size fits all approach that your tutoring students may be used to in the classroom, you can tailor each tutoring session to fit the needs of your unique learner.
So What’s the Bottom Line?
As you can see, asking the question How much do teachers charge for tutoring might seem like the type of question you could ask and get a simple answer.
But as you can see, when it comes to private tutoring costs, there is a myriad of options that will determine how much money you can earn and what parents can expect (or be willing) to pay.
A tutor’s value directly correlates with their level of education and other formal qualifications, along with the complexity of the subject matter, their location, and whether tutors are contracted through an agency or have their own business.
The amazing thing is you have everything you need to make you successful. You just need someone who can help guide you in the right direction.
I would love for you to reach out and let me know how I can help. Click the link in the description to schedule a 20 minute call where I help you figure out exactly where you need to invest your time and money.
You have the skills. You just need someone with the experience to guide you on the right path.