How much does an English tutor cost?
How much does an English tutor cost?
$15 – $40 average cost per hour (online)
$30 – $60 average cost per hour (in person)
English tutor rates
An English tutor costs $15 to $40 per hour on average for online tutoring or $30 to $60 per hour for in-person, one-on-one lessons. English tutor rates depend on the tutor's experience and qualifications, the student's age and current proficiency level, the class type or specialty, and the class format.
English tutors charge $60+ per hour for specialized tutoring for medicine, engineering, hospitality, and other professional fields that rely on industry-specific terminology.
| Lesson format | Average cost per hour |
|---|---|
| Online tutor | $15 – $40 |
| In-person private tutor | $30 – $60 |
English tutor cost factors
Several factors influence how much you'll pay for an English tutor:
Online vs. in-person tutoring
The choice between online and in-person tutoring significantly impacts cost. Online tutoring costs less than in-person sessions because tutors don't need to account for travel time or transportation expenses. Online platforms also allow tutors to reach a global market, increasing competition and often resulting in more competitive pricing.
In-person tutoring offers the advantage of face-to-face interaction, which some students find more engaging and effective for language learning. However, this personalized service comes at a premium. In-person tutors also have limited availability due to travel constraints, which can drive up their hourly rates.
Tutor's experience and qualifications
A tutor's experience and qualifications also impact their rates. Tutors with advanced degrees, specialized certifications (like TEFL or TESOL), and extensive years of teaching experience often charge higher fees. Their proven track record and expertise can lead to more effective and tailored learning experiences.
Entry-level tutors (0 to 2 years of experience) usually charge $15 to $25 per hour for online sessions and $25 to $40 per hour for in-person tutoring. These tutors may be recent graduates, native speakers without formal teaching experience, or those new to tutoring.
Experienced tutors (3 to 5 years of experience) typically charge $20 to $35 per hour online and $35 to $50 per hour in person. They've developed effective teaching methods and have a track record of student success.
Expert tutors (5+ years of experience, advanced degrees, and certifications) command the highest rates at $30 to $40+ per hour online and $45 to $60+ per hour in person. These professionals often have degrees in TESOL, Applied Linguistics, or Education, along with specialized certifications like CELTA or DELTA.
Student level
The student's current proficiency in English also affects the lesson content and the cost:
Beginner: Lessons for beginners might focus on foundational grammar, vocabulary, and basic conversation.
Intermediate: Intermediate learners may work on more complex sentence structures, nuanced vocabulary, and improving fluency.
Advanced: Advanced students might seek help with accent reduction, advanced writing skills, or highly specialized English. Tutors for advanced levels, especially those requiring specialized knowledge, often charge more.
Student age
The age of the student also affects tutors' prices. Teaching young children involves unique skills and techniques, which can increase the cost. Adult learners or high school students generally fall within the average pricing range unless industry-specific English is involved.
Private vs. group classes
Private, one-on-one tutoring is more expensive than group classes. Group sessions allow the tutor to distribute the cost among multiple students, making it a more budget-friendly option, but the group format may limit personal interaction and pace. Private lessons offer personalized attention and a curriculum tailored to the individual's needs.
Lesson frequency and packages
Many tutors offer discounts for regular, long-term commitments. Common pricing structures and packages include:
Pay-per-session: Full hourly rate with maximum flexibility
Weekly packages: 5% to 10% discount for committed weekly sessions
Monthly packages: 10% to 15% discount for monthly commitments
Intensive courses: 15% to 20% discount for daily or multiple weekly sessions
English tutor rates by specialty
Tutors who specialize in areas like business English or test preparation often charge more due to the niche expertise required. These specialties require tailored lesson plans and resources, contributing to higher fees.
| Specialty | Average cost per hour (online tutoring) |
|---|---|
| Business English | $20 – $35 |
| Conversational English | $15 – $25 |
| English test prep (TOEFL, IELTS, or CAE) |
$18 – $40 |
| Industry-specific English (medicine, engineering, hospitality) |
$40 – $60 |
Business English tutors help professionals improve their workplace communication skills, email writing, presentation abilities, and industry-specific vocabulary. These tutors often have business backgrounds themselves and understand corporate culture and professional communication norms.
Conversational English focuses on improving speaking fluency, pronunciation, and everyday communication skills. This is often the most affordable tutoring option because it requires less specialized knowledge than technical areas.
English test prep tutors specialize in preparing students for standardized tests like the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), International English Language Testing System (IELTS), or Cambridge Assessment English (CAE) exams. These tutors must stay current with test formats, scoring criteria, and effective preparation strategies.
Industry-specific English tutors command the highest rates because they must have expertise in both English instruction and specific professional fields like medicine, engineering, or hospitality. These tutors often have advanced degrees or professional experience in their specialty areas.
Benefits of hiring an English tutor
Investing in an English tutor offers numerous advantages:
Personalized Learning: Tutors tailor lessons to your specific learning style, pace, and goals.
Targeted feedback: Students receive immediate and constructive feedback to address weaknesses and improve quickly.
Increased confidence: Practicing with a supportive tutor can boost your confidence in using English.
Flexibility: Many tutors offer flexible scheduling and online options to fit your lifestyle.
Specialized knowledge: Access expertise in specific areas like business English, exam preparation, or accent reduction.
English tutor FAQs
What age should you start English lessons?
There’s no perfect age to start learning English, but research suggests the earlier the better. Young children can absorb languages naturally through play and interaction. However, older children, teenagers, and adults can also achieve fluency with consistent practice and the right instruction.
The key is starting when the learner is motivated and has adequate time to dedicate to practice. Consistency matters more than starting age for long-term success.
How many hours per day should you study English?
The optimal study time varies based on your goals, current proficiency level, learning capacity, and available time. For some, 30 minutes to an hour of focused study each day may be effective, especially when combined with regular tutoring sessions. Others aiming for rapid fluency or preparing for an exam might dedicate several hours daily.
Consistency and quality matters more than quantity. It's crucial to find a sustainable study routine that prevents burnout while ensuring steady progress. Discussing this with your tutor can help you establish a realistic and effective study plan.
What to look for in an English tutor
Choosing the right English tutor is crucial for achieving your language learning goals efficiently and effectively. Follow these tips to help you choose the best English tutor for you:
Look for tutors with relevant teaching credentials such as TESOL, CELTA, or DELTA certifications. These qualifications indicate formal training in English language teaching methodology.
Read reviews from previous students on Tutors.com and Google.
Choose a tutor whose expertise and specialty aligns with your goals.
Request a trial session to assess whether the tutor is patient, communicates well, and can adapt their teaching methods to your needs.
Confirm the tutor can accommodate your schedule.
Questions to ask an English tutor
Before committing to an English tutor, ask these important questions to ensure they're the right fit for your needs and budget:
What are your qualifications and teaching experience?
What is your approach to teaching English, especially for a student at my level or with my goals?
Can you provide references or testimonials from previous students?
What materials and resources do you use?
How do you tailor lessons to individual student needs and goals (e.g., focusing on conversation, business English, or test preparation)?
How do you measure progress and provide feedback?
How long do you expect it to take to reach my objectives?
What are your rates, and do you offer any package deals or a trial lesson?
What is your availability and cancellation policy?
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.