How To Set Your Rates As A Tutor?
Tutoring can be an incredibly rewarding career choice. It allows you to teach others while simultaneously gaining valuable knowledge yourself.
However, there are certain factors that determine your hourly rate as a tutor.
You can charge anywhere from $20-$100 per hour depending on the subject matter. Some topics require more preparation time and therefore should cost more than other subjects.
For example, accounting is a complex subject and requires hours of preparation and research before teaching a class.
In this article, I will give you 5 tips to set your rates as a tutor. These tips will help you charge the right amount for your tutoring services.
Tips to set your rates
1. Determine the subject matter you want to teach first
The first thing that determines how much you need to charge as a tutor type of material or content you want to teach.
If you’re planning on tutoring students in math, then it would make sense to start at around $50/hour.
This number depends on several things including but not limited to:
- Your level of expertise with each topic.
- What types of materials you use in order to prepare lessons.
- Whether you have additional resources available to supplement your lesson plans.
2. Consider your experience levels when determining pricing
Another factor that influences your price tag is whether you have any prior experience tutoring children or adults.
If you have no previous experience, then you may decide to lower your price since many parents don’t expect their child’s teacher to know anything about them.
If you already work full time then charging a higher rate might seem unfair because people feel they deserve the best teachers.
However, remember that if you offer high prices, some students who cannot afford private tuition won’t get the quality education they deserve.
3. Understand the market value of different regions within your location
As mentioned earlier, one important aspect that determines your price range is where you live. If you live in a big city, then you likely shouldn’t charge less than $60/hr.
Also consider the size of the school district you serve.
School districts vary, so a larger town could mean paying a lot less compared to smaller towns.
You also need to take into consideration the competition in your area, which means understanding how well established tutors are in your region.
4. Price according to demand
One last tip that helps you calculate the fee for tutoring is knowing how many clients you currently have. This way, you wouldn’t overcharge someone just because he wants to learn something new.
If you see an enormous increase in tutoring requests after college graduation, then you probably should raise your fees accordingly.
5. Don’t forget to include extras like free sessions!
When calculating your hourly rate, you must always keep in mind that you aren’t getting paid solely based on the session itself.
Instead, add extra compensation, such as homework assignments and online tests.
To sum up:
- Determine what subjects you wish to teach.
- Consider your own lack of experience and the needs of your target audience.
- Understand the market value of different areas.
- Price yourself appropriately and provide discounts.
Can you make a living as a tutor?
Well, this really all comes down to what you’re willing to sacrifice for profit. If money isn’t an issue for you, then set whatever online tutoring rates you think will help you be successful.
But if you plan on having a family someday, then I suggest starting off slower by only working part time until you’ve gained more form of teaching experience under your belt.
That’s ultimately going to depend on several factors, including but not limited to; your current situation, your local market values, and how much effort you put into marketing yourself.
Some sources say it takes anywhere from 6 months to 2 years before you can make decent profits with tutoring.
So while you might actually enjoy teaching others, there’s still plenty of room for improvement.
Different tutoring services
The first thing you want to ask yourself when choosing between being a harp teacher or learning something is whether you prefer learning things through books or hands-on activities.
This decision obviously depends on your personality type, since each person learns differently. It may even impact your career path too, depending on how long you choose to pursue a degree in certain fields.
There are many types of tutoring including:
1. One-to-one in-home tutoring
One-to-one in-home tutoring is an educational service where a subject-matter expert visits you at your location to provide personalized attention in your home.
These experts usually specialize in one specific field of study, but they do offer general education classes too. They charge around $50 per hour.
2. Group/in-class tutoring
Group tutoring involves meeting regularly with peers or small groups within school settings. The advantages of group tutoring include convenience and cost savings.
However, some students find them intimidating, especially those who struggle academically.
Some schools charge private tuition rates regardless of their success in higher order thinking skills, though most offer scholarships to encourage enrollment.
3. Online tutoring
Online tutoring typically requires no face-time interaction with the student. Instead, a virtual classroom provides a safe environment for both parties.
Online tutors often have a library full of resources that cover almost any topic imaginable. However, like traditional teachers, these specialists focus primarily on math and science. Their prices vary widely based on the number of hours required.
4. Home schooling
Home schooling refers to private tutoring centers with instruction provided inside a single household. This option is suitable for homeschooling families looking for additional guidance, besides public school courses.
Unlike normal classrooms, parents plan lessons and scheduling sessions. Private tutors usually work out of someone’s house, so they must also factor travel costs into their online tutoring pricing structure.
5. Virtual tutoring
Virtual tutoring allows students to interact online via webcam feed instead of physical meetings. Students can connect with students’ tutors using either audio or video chat software available from various companies such as Skype™ or Google Hangouts™.
The major advantage of this form of tutoring is its ability to reach geographically isolated areas without requiring costly airfare.
6. Pre-school tutoring
Pre-school tutoring focuses mainly on improving language skills. They designed these programs for children ages 3 – 5 and involve weekly classes taught by qualified professionals.
They usually range from 20 minutes to 1 hour every week, depending on age skill level. Some pre-school programs allow older siblings to join too.
7. Academic support centers
Academic support centers help students prepare for standardized tests and other high stakes exams. Tutors come from different backgrounds, ranging from college professors to professional test prep coaches.
8. Summer camps
Summer camps are short term academic programs offered during summer months. Most camp instructors hold degrees in teaching qualification and psychology, while others only need training through workshops.
9. Business consulting and coaching
Business consultants and business coaches assist people interested in starting up businesses or revamping existing ones. They tailored many of these services towards entrepreneurs, although there are more formalized versions involving corporate executives.
10. Career counseling
Career counselors provide career advice and help to individuals seeking job opportunities. Companies or universities may employ directly them.
11. School enrichment programs
School enrichment programs include activities that target specific needs within the curriculum. Examples include music, art, foreign languages, and sports.
12. Sports coaching
Sports coaches teach kids how to play team sports, including soccer, basketball, baseball, football, tennis, etc. Most times, the coach will also act as an athletic trainer, providing medical care when needed.
13. Homework help
Homework help aims at assisting students with homework assignments which require extra fees for travel time because of many factors.
14. Classroom tutoring usually involves a group of learners sitting together in a single class. It’s easy to understand why most schools choose this option since it allows them to better organize their curriculum.
It does, however, require additional resources, especially when dealing with multiple classes at once.
15. Individualized tutoring differs from classroom tutoring in that each student gets his/her own private tutoring arrangements lesson.
This type of service typically requires more preparation and planning. However, it gives students who want to get extra coaching our time limit without distractions.
16. Mentorships focus primarily on social skills, whereas fees for tutoring focuses mainly on academic content knowledge.
While mentorships also involve some sort of evaluation process, student tutors use standardized testing to measure progress throughout the term.
In addition, mentors rarely charge any online tuition, unlike excellent teacher. Another common misconception about occasional tutoring is that it s like mentorship. While both offer guidance and support, they differ significantly.
How much to charge for Online Tutoring
Online tutoring services are an emerging trend in the education industry. One of the main reasons is because of the convenience factor; students don’t need to commute.
However, the disadvantage is the lack of human interaction, which is essential in the learning process. You can charge $50 – $100 for one hour private tutoring cost.
Online quality tutors must be available during the same time zone as their student to create a schedule that both parties can accommodate.
What to charge for tutoring?
For most families, they considered tutoring an investment in their child’s future.
A typical sector tutoring prices will include the hourly rate of the popular tutor, the online tutoring cost of the books, the cost of the materials, and the distance you will travel to meet with the self-employed tutor each week.
The hourly rate for qualified tutors ranges from $15 to $40 or more an hour. Perfect tutor should charge more for business and computer tutoring, more on the coasts and less in the middle of the country.
The online tutoring agencies’ cost also depends on the subject, the location and the tutoring method.
School enrichment programs include activities that target specific needs within the curriculum, such as music, art, foreign language and sports.
Examples include:
1. Music lessons
2. Art lessons
3. Foreign Language
4. Drama & Dance
5. Math / Science
6. Technology
7. Computer Help
8. Home Study Coaching
9. Personal Training
10. Business Management
11. Writing Skills
12. English Classes
13. Accounting Classes
14. Marketing Courses
15. Social Media Classes
16.Test Preparation
17. College Counseling
18. Career Planning
19. Job Search Assistance
Should you charge your students for cancellations?
Online tutoring platforms are typically an hourly service, so they charged the student for sessions that are not completed. Tutoring session that are canceled or rescheduled does not affect the hourly rate.
You should charge your students for cancellations to motivate them to make plans and show up. If you charge a cancellation fee, it should be a modest amount that you do not lose money from.
Students have a right to have a tutor present during a session if they choose. However, if a potential student cancels a session less than a day in advance before an academic tutor arrives, a high level tutor can charge a cancellation fee.
How do tutors get clients?
One way to make sure you land a client is to advertise. But advertising alone won’t guarantee success because sometimes people just need someone to show them the right direction.
You should always have a specific goal in mind when thinking of ways to increase business and the people you’re looking for.
Once you know these two important pieces of information, you’ll find it easier to decide which method works best for you.
Here are different ways to get clients as an individual tutor:
1. Advertising
Advertising doesn’t mean putting up flyers everywhere all over town. Instead, try posting ads online such as Craigslist and Facebook groups.
2. Word of mouth
It has proven word of mouth to be one of the strongest forms of advertisement. If you’re good at what you do, then chances are other people will recommend you to friends and family.
3. Referrals
If you already have an established network, consider asking for referrals if possible. Although not everyone can refer to others directly, there’s still a chance that somebody might.
4. Networking events
Networking events help build relationships while getting fresh faces acquainted with yours. You could hold parties, mixers and happy hours.
But remember to keep the conversation focused on your topic rather than chatting away. This helps prevent cliques from forming.
5. Social media
Social media sites like Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn and Pinterest allow you to reach out to potential customers 24-7. The trick here is to create interesting posts that resonate with potential clients.
6. Online communities
Online forums are another great place to connect with potential clients. By joining relevant discussion boards, you can learn how to present yourself effectively and gain valuable feedback.
Remember though, it takes time and effort before you become part of community, so avoid jumping into things too quickly.
7. Paid advertisements
Paid advertisements include banner ads, sponsored links, paid search results and display advertising. These methods work better only if you’ve got enough money or professional experience level of marketing products/services.
8. Search engines
Search engine optimization involves many factors but essentially means making sure your website shows up high in Google searches. Getting higher rankings allows visitors locate you via popular search terms.
9. Email lists
Email list services provide subscribers with daily emails filled with helpful tips and resources. They usually come free of cost but require commitment.
Tips to become a great tutor
Here are some tips on how to become a great tutor:
- Get training
Tutors typically receive formalized training during their undergraduate studies. But most qualified teachers don’t continue studying throughout their careers due to time constraints. It’s therefore advisable to learn early.
While attending school may seem impractical, you’d be surprised by how much knowledge you pick up just from reading books and watching videos.
- Take classes
Many colleges offer tutoring sessions during regular class times. Take advantage of this opportunity.
You’ll likely meet students who need extra help and can give suggestions about topics you want to cover. Many schools also offer evening courses through local universities.
- Invest in equipment
Having proper tools makes teaching more efficient. Investing in computer software or specialized materials ensures that both students and parents feel comfortable.
Besides providing material support, investing in technology gives you access to useful programs whenever you need them.
- Stay organized
Make sure that all activities are recorded properly. Keep track of assignments, student progress and any other information related to the course.
- Be consistent
It’s important for tutors to remain consistent regardless of what they’re doing. If one week you teach math at night and the next day you do science, students will notice.
- Learn to communicate clearly
Effective communication skills are key to becoming an effective teacher. Even when communicating over email, use clear language and make every word count.
- Practice patience
They required patience even as a professional tutor. Students have different levels of understanding and comprehension, which requires patience and persistence.
- Don’t expect instant success.
If you get frustrated while trying to help others learn, take a break and remind yourself why you became a tutor.
The bottom line
If you have enough passion for education and a desire to share valuable information with others, tutoring may be right for you.
However, it’s important to realize that not everyone has the same level of talent required to become an excellent teacher.
Therefore, it pays to do thorough research beforehand so that you know exactly what kind of tutoring services you need.
I hope this article helped you understand how much to charge for teaching others.