How Much Should I Charge for Tutoring?
Tutors charge per session, usually 60 minutes. Your subject, your experience and the student's level make the biggest difference: elementary homework help, high school math and SAT or ACT prep are priced very differently.
Reference Rates: Tutoring
Based on a reference of $55 an hour for tutoring at an intermediate level, in a state with average living costs. These are starting points, before materials, travel and card fees.
| Experience | Per hour | 1-hour session | 8 sessions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Just Starting less than 1 year | $38.50 | $40 | $310 |
| Intermediate 1 to 3 years | $55 | $55 | $440 |
| Experienced 3 to 8 years | $74.25 | $75 | $600 |
| Expert top of your field | $99 | $100 | $800 |
By State (Intermediate Level)
| State | Per hour | 1-hour session | 8 sessions |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | $61.60 | $65 | $500 |
| New York | $59.40 | $60 | $480 |
| Texas | $53.35 | $55 | $430 |
| Florida | $56.10 | $60 | $450 |
| Illinois | $55 | $55 | $440 |
| Pennsylvania | $52.80 | $55 | $430 |
| Ohio | $49.50 | $50 | $400 |
| Georgia | $51.70 | $55 | $420 |
Working in a big city or its metro area, add about 8%. For your exact case, including any other state, use the calculator above.
Online or In Person?
In-person tutoring includes your drive, so it usually costs more than online. Online lets you see more students in a day, and many tutors charge a little less for it. If you go to the student's home, add your gas under "Travel".
Packages and Test Prep
Selling a package of sessions paid up front (for example 8 sessions) gives you steady income and keeps students coming back. A small discount is fair. Test prep (SAT, ACT, AP exams) and college-level subjects take more preparation and are usually priced at the top of the range.
What's Usually Included
- The session
- Explaining the material and practice problems
- A short update for parents
What to Charge Extra For
- Preparing custom worksheets or mock tests
- Grading homework between sessions
- Travel to the student
- Last-minute sessions before an exam
Common Pricing Mistakes
- Not counting prep time
- Not having a cancellation policy
- Charging the same for homework help and test prep
- Giving unlimited free messages between sessions
Frequently Asked Questions
How much should I charge for online tutoring?
Start from your in-person rate without travel costs. Many tutors charge 10% to 20% less online, but specialists often keep the same price.
Should I charge for a missed session?
Yes. A clear policy, like "cancel at least 24 hours ahead or the session is charged", protects your schedule.
How do I price test prep?
Use a higher experience level or the "Premium Price" option. Test prep takes more preparation and the results matter more to parents.