How much should I charge for tutoring?
How much should I charge for tutoring?
How much to charge for tutoring
Setting the right hourly rate is crucial for attracting clients and building a sustainable business. This guide breaks down everything that affects how much to charge for tutoring—from your experience to local demand—so you can confidently price your services and maximize your earning potential.
| Tutoring type | Average rate |
|---|---|
| Private tutoring | $25 – $80+ per hour |
| Online tutoring | $20 – $50 per hour |
| Group tutoring | $15 – $50 per student, per hour |
| Package deals | 5% to 25% off hourly rate |
Start with your goals
When setting your tutoring rates, start by defining your income goals and workload. For instance, if you're a full-time teacher aiming to earn an additional $1,000 per month by tutoring 5 hours weekly (20 hours per month), you'll need to charge $50 per hour to meet your target. Adjust this rate based on factors like your expertise, subject complexity, and local market rates.
Charge what you're worth
Factor in your education, experience, and results. For instance, if you have a PhD in Math and have helped numerous students improve their SAT scores significantly, you can justify higher rates. Don't forget to include prep and transportation time in your calculations. If you spend an hour preparing for each session, consider adding $20 to $50 to your hourly rate or billing separately.
Factors that impact how much to charge for tutoring
When establishing your tutoring business, consider these additional cost factors to set sustainable rates:
Location: Urban areas may require higher rates to account for living costs and demand.
Demand & competition: Assess local demand and competition to ensure your rates are competitive. High-demand subjects like STEM or test prep can command premium rates.
Online vs. in-person: Consider travel costs and convenience when setting online and in-person tutoring rates.
Reputation: Establishing a strong reputation with customer testimonials and student success stories can allow for higher rates over time.
Operating expenses: Factor in costs for marketing, technology, and other business expenses. These can include software subscriptions, advertising, and insurance.
Additional costs: Consider costs for materials, progress monitoring, or specialized resources. These expenses can add value to your services but also increase your costs.
For deeper insights on structuring your tutoring pricing, managing clients, and organizing your schedule, be sure to check out our comprehensive guide on How to Start a Tutoring Business.
Type of tutoring
The type of tutoring you do plays a significant role in determining the appropriate amount to charge per student:
Group tutoring: Group tutoring typically costs $15 to $50 per student, per hour, and is best suited for groups of 3 to 8 students. It often takes place in libraries or community centers, often with bulk discounts for larger groups.
Private tutoring: Private tutoring ranges from $25 to $80+ per hour and involves one-on-one sessions, usually conducted in-home, at local coffee shops, or in library study rooms. While private tutoring is rarely discounted, some tutors offer a free introductory session to attract clients.
Online tutoring: Online tutoring generally costs $20 to $50 per hour and is conducted remotely using platforms like Zoom or Skype. It offers flexibility and saves you on travel time to your students.
Package deals: Package deals involve purchasing multiple prepaid tutoring sessions with discounts ranging from 5% to 25% off the standard hourly rate. These bundles are ideal for long-term commitments such as semester-long support or test prep.
Grade level
Tutoring rates often increase by grade level due to the growing complexity of subjects and the need for specialized expertise. Elementary tutoring often sees lower rates, while high school and college-level sessions command higher rates. Below is a breakdown of average hourly rates across grade levels.
| Grade level | Average hourly rate | Subjects |
|---|---|---|
| Elementary school | $20 – $75 | Foundational subjects like reading, basic math, and early literacy skills |
| Middle school | $25 – $85 | Pre-algebra, essay writing, introductory sciences, and preparation for standardized tests |
| High school | $30 – $100 | AP courses (Biology, Calculus), college essay coaching, and advanced STEM subjects |
| College tutors | $60 – $120+ | Organic chemistry, engineering principles, graduate-level thesis support, and advanced coding |
| SAT and test prep | $45– $100+ | SAT/ACT strategy, LSAT logic, MCAT critical analysis, GRE/GMAT prep, and other high-stakes exams |
Subject area
The subject you teach can also impact your tutoring rates. Specialized fields like advanced math and languages often command higher prices due to their complexity and demand. Below is a breakdown of average hourly rates for core subjects, helping you set competitive prices based on your expertise.
| Subject | Average hourly rate |
|---|---|
| Math | $25 – $80+ |
| Reading | $20 – $80 |
| Spanish | $30 – $90 |
| English | $25 – $100 |
| Science | $30 – $120 |
| Computer Science/Coding | $40 – $150+ |
| History | $25 – $80 |
| Art / Music | $30 – $90 |
Tutoring rate FAQs
How much should I charge for private tutoring?
Private tutoring rates generally range from $25 to $80+ per hour, with higher rates for advanced subjects, specialized expertise, or urban areas. Include prep time and materials in your pricing to ensure fairness.
How much should I charge for tutoring math?
Math tutoring rates typically range from $25 to $80+ per hour for private sessions, depending on grade level and complexity (e.g., elementary math: $25 to $50 per hour, AP Calculus: $60 to $100+ per hour). Adjust these rates based on your qualifications, location, and demand.
How much should I charge for tutoring Spanish?
Spanish tutoring rates typically range from $30 to $90 per hour, with higher rates for advanced or college-level instruction or test prep (e.g., AP Spanish). Adjust based on your experience and local market rates.
Questions to ask potential clients
Before providing a quote to new clients, ask these important questions to tailor your pricing and services:
What specific subject or skill does the student need help with?
What grade is the student in, and do they need help preparing for any standardized tests?
What goals are you trying to achieve with tutoring? Is this a short or long-term commitment?
Is there a preference for in-person, online, or hybrid sessions?
Are there specific days or times that work best?
What is your budget range? Would you consider hourly rates or discounted packages?
Does the student have any learning challenges or preferences I need to be aware of?
Has the student worked with a tutor before? If so, what worked or didn't work?
How involved would you like to be in the tutoring process? (For parents of younger students)
When to adjust your pricing
Regularly evaluate and update your rates to reflect your growing expertise and market demand:
Annual increases: Raise rates by 5% to 15% yearly to account for inflation, experience, and rising costs such as materials and software.
After milestones: Adjust rates after earning certifications, completing advanced degrees, or achieving measurable results like significant student score improvements.
Market shifts: Increase rates if local competitors raise theirs or if demand spikes during peak seasons like exams.
Specialization: Charge more for niche expertise such as dyslexia tutoring or college essay coaching.
Client feedback: If clients consistently indicate that your rates are too low, it may be time to raise them.
Using our proprietary cost database, in-depth research, and collaboration with industry experts, we deliver accurate, up-to-date pricing and insights you can trust, every time.