A comprehensive guide on tutoring charge rates

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It's a common question among first-time tutoring clients to inquire about fees. Since there are a variety of contrasting rates available online, it's only natural to wonder what you can expect to earn as a tutor or what the going rate is for tutoring.

However, you should be aware that there are no standard or universal tutoring rates. Your fee will be determined by a number of factors, including your level of expertise, the subject matter, and your location. For example, tutoring rates per hour for an elementary school tutor would earn less than a high school tutor. Similarly, tutors who specialize in teaching a foreign language may be paid more than those who specialize in teaching a specific art form.

Most importantly, as a tutor, you are not limited to teaching only one subject; as long as you have the necessary experience and credentials, you can teach multiple subjects to supplement your income.

If you're wondering how much to charge for tutoring services, you've come to the right place. This Workee article will explain how much you can expect to make as a tutor based on various factors.

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What is the average rate for tutoring?

There isn't a benchmark for average tutoring rates. For instance, the average hourly rate on platforms like Glassdoor is around $12, while the average hourly rate at some tutoring agencies is between $20 and $100. Some tutors earn less than $20 per hour, while others earn more than $100. The average rate varies according to a range of factors, including the tutor's expertise, the complexity of the subject, and the student's grade level.

In addition, the method of tutoring you use can influence your rate. You could work as a private tutor, an online tutor, or for an agency.

Let's begin with private tutoring.

Who are private tutors, and what do they charge?

Private tutors are individuals who provide tutoring services directly to students or anyone seeking to improve their knowledge. They are often knowledgeable in one or more subject areas and offer to teach others for a fee. Private tutors can provide their services in person or via various online channels. Most private tutors are certified teachers, professors, or experts in specialized fields of study. However, high school students, graduate students, and teaching assistants can also work as private tutors.

Private tutoring costs per hour vary significantly depending on the tutor's expertise, location, subject, and session frequency. Private tutoring fees are determined by the tutor's educational and professional credentials.

So how much does a private tutor cost per hour?

According to Payscale, the average private tutor cost is approximately $25 per hour. It can get as low as $10 for lesser experienced tutors and those teaching lower-grade students. Professional private tutors can earn as high as $56 per hour or more, depending on the subject and additional needs.

Points to consider before setting a rate as a private tutor

  • Your level of experience and expertise: high school-level tutors or graduate assistants may charge between $10 and $30 per hour. Professors and experts can charge between $50 and $100, sometimes more.

  • Location: this especially applies to in-person tutors who would have to charge according to location standards. For example, private tutors in Newyork will generally charge higher than private tutors of the same qualification in some other cities or countries.

  • Materials: your general charge should reflect all expenses, including materials used. 

Manage your online tutoring business with Workee!

Who are online tutors

The advent of digitalization and wide internet adoption has redefined how we do many things, including learning and tutoring. Now there are a lot of online education platforms where students can learn, and tutors can also apply for teaching jobs. Beyond these platforms, a professional tutor may choose to run a personal online tutoring business by using digital tools and a personal website.

Tutoring online provides numerous benefits as it allows you to have a possible global customer base and allows you to offer multiple subjects conveniently. Furthermore, with online tutoring, you can either choose to offer live lessons or sell pre-recorded lessons and ebooks. In essence, you necessarily do not have to be there all the time.

The average online tutoring cost also depends on whether you offer a personal service or enroll with an educational platform. Most platforms set the rates and pay the tutors, while others allow them to set their choice rates and then pay the platform hosting the lesson a percentage. Generally, the educational platform sets the standard.

Less experienced personal online tutors charge between $20 and $30 per hour. For professionals, it could get higher up to $100. However, most online tutors offer a subscription package that allows students to pay weekly, monthly, or annually. Subscriptions are typically between $10 and $150 monthly. The difficulty of the subject, number of hours, and tutor experience also determine the final rates.

If you are a private online tutor and wish to manage your business efficiently while delivering value, you will need smart tools to help grow your business. You should explore the Workee platform.

Workee is an all-in-one platform for tutoring professionals that enables them to create a professional website to showcase their expertise, build strong customer relationships, hold meetings with clients via its built-in video conferencing tool or other video call providers, manage payments and taxes, invoicing, and billing, and much more. Workee is a perfect tool for online tutors because it has many incredible features that make the work process much easier.

Tutoring agencies

Tutoring firms connect tutors with students and others who require their skills in exchange for a fee. This is very useful for new tutors who are still looking for pupils and don't know where to start. Tutors who work for agencies have more autonomy than those who work for an educational platform or a center. The rates are established to incorporate the agency's commission in most circumstances. You can negotiate or contest an agency's rate or charge a commission if you don't like it.

Manage your online tutoring business with Workee!

General tips that determine tutors' pay rate

Do you want to find out how much to charge for tutoring? Here are other important tips to take consider.

Skills and qualifications: Although tutoring does not require formal qualifications or certification except for specialized courses, it is necessary to understand your teaching subject thoroughly. Higher qualifications will also help you raise your profile and increase your wages. Tutors with advanced degrees and specialized certificates typically earn more money.

The course you offer: subject areas are a major determining factor for rates. Courses that necessitate a higher level of expertise will cost a higher fee. Teaching middle school history, for example, is likely to earn you a greater salary than teaching middle school English.

Tutoring hours: Tutoring salary and tutoring rates per hour increase with more work hours. Of course, this is a natural work rule that cuts across every industry.

Seasonal classes: If you primarily teach students preparing to take seasonal examinations, such as a scholarship exam or a professional exam, you may be able to charge higher rates, particularly in the weeks and months before the exams. For example, SAT tutors with good qualifications may charge around $120 per hour in some areas. 

Conclusion

According to UNESCO, the world needs about 69 million new teachers before 2030. These statistics emphasize the importance and relevance of tutoring jobs. So if you are considering tutoring and don't know how to begin or what rates to charge, read this guide to get an insight. Also, ensure you are well-equipped with the right resources to help you.

Workee is a free business management tool that online tutors can use to organize their schedules, manage payments, handle invoices and taxes, hold video sessions with students, and create a free website.

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