If you’re offering tutoring services, one of the first decisions you’ll need to make is how much to charge. Finding the right number can be a task in itself. Charge too little and you risk underselling your skills. Charge too much and you may struggle to attract new clients.
Setting the right tutoring price depends on several factors. Your experience, subject, location, and whether you’re offering online or in-person sessions. It is also helpful to know what other tutors charge. This way, you can show that your service is high quality and affordable.
In this guide, we’ll walk through:
- What factors influence private tutor costs
- The average hourly rates for tutors
- How to set competitive tutoring prices
- How to increase your rates over time
- Other things to consider as your business grows
How Much Should I Charge for Tutoring?
The short answer is that there is no fixed answer. However most private tutors in the U.S. charge between $25 and $80 per hour. This depends on the type of tutoring they offer and their level of experience.
Rates vary by:
- Subject and grade level
- Location and demand in your area
- Whether sessions are online or in person
- Your background, training, and results
We’ll explore each of these in more detail to help you set a fair and competitive rate.
Experience
Tutors with more experience typically charge more. If you’re just starting out, your hourly rate will likely be lower than most. For example, someone with formal teaching credentials or years of successful tutoring sessions under their belt.
General guide:
- Beginner or student tutor: $20–$40/hour
- 2–5 years of experience: $40–$60/hour
- Certified teacher or specialist: $60–$100+/hour
If you’ve helped students learn faster, pass exams, or achieve long-term academic improvements, that’s worth more—and your rates should reflect it.
Location
Where you’re based makes a difference, especially for in-person classes. In cities with a higher cost of living, rates tend to be higher. In rural areas, prices may be lower because of lack of demand and local affordability.
| Area Type | Average Hourly Rates |
| Major metro (e.g. NYC, SF) | $60–$100+ |
| Mid-size cities (e.g. Denver, Austin) | $40–$70 |
| Small towns or rural areas | $25–$50 |
Even if you’re offering online learning, your local market can still shape your starting rate. Parents and students often compare personal tutors in their area before booking.
Subject and Grade Level
The subject you teach and the level you teach it at can significantly influence your rate. Some subjects are in higher demand, and some require specialised knowledge.
| Subject or Level | Typical Hourly Rate |
| Elementary (K–5) | $25–$45/hr |
| Middle school (6–8) | $35–$60/hr |
| High school student tutoring | $50–$80/hr |
| College-level or test prep | $70–$120+/hr |
| Niche or technical subjects (e.g. coding, physics) | $60–$100+ |
Test prep tutors (SAT, ACT, GRE) often charge higher prices because of the high-stakes nature of the exams.
Online vs In-Person Tutoring
Tutoring sessions can happen anywhere, but the format you choose affects pricing and overhead.
In-person classes:
- Often allow for higher rates, especially if you travel to the student
- May include travel time or material prep in the fee
- Can be priced higher in high-demand areas
Online learning:
- Offers more flexibility and reach
- May be slightly cheaper for clients, depending on your niche
- Still commands strong rates when combined with personalised support
Online personal tutors who offer interactive tools, recorded sessions, or follow-up notes can still charge a premium. Especially for students who prefer learning at home.
What Is a Good Private Tutor Rate?
A good rate is one that reflects your experience, the value you bring, and the results you help students achieve. Remember to consider these while staying competitive in your area.
A solid tutoring rate should:
- Cover your time (including prep work)
- Reflect your qualifications and subject matter expertise
- Fit your target audience’s budget
- Position your service as high-quality and reliable
If you’re just starting, you might need to be slightly flexible. Aim to avoid pricing too low, especially if your sessions are custom-tailored to each student’s learning style and goals.
Average Private Tutor Rates (U.S.)
| Type of Tutor | Average Hourly Rate |
| Student/new tutor | $20–$35/hr |
| Experienced private tutor | $40–$70/hr |
| Certified/test prep tutor | $70–$120+/hr |
These are ballpark ranges. Use them as a reference point, then adjust based on you. Think about your format, experience, and the kind of learning environment you create.
How to Determine the Best Tutoring Service Rate
To find your ideal tutoring rate, consider these steps:
- Research the market
Look at what other personal tutors are charging in your city or online for the same grade level or subject. - Factor in prep time
Planning lessons, reviewing student work, and sourcing materials take time. Build that into your hourly rate. - Think about your audience
Are your clients paying out of pocket? Are they parents who are investing long term? Are you offering one-time help or full programs? - Test your pricing
Start with a rate you’re comfortable with. Gather feedback, and adjust if needed based on demand or response. - Consider packages
Bundling sessions (e.g. 5 or 10 at a time) can make your service more cost-effective for clients and easier to manage for you.
How Can I Increase My Tutoring Rates Over Time?
As your skills grow and your schedule fills, you can begin to increase your rates. This doesn’t need to be abrupt or awkward.
Raise rates by:
- Improving your credentials
Add certifications, get student testimonials, or share successful learning outcomes. - Offering more value
Include feedback reports, goal setting, or check-ins additional to your usual tutoring sessions. - Reviewing pricing annually
Set a time to reassess your pricing structure—once a year is a good benchmark. - Increasing for new clients only
Keep current students at their existing rate, and increase only for future bookings.
Clear communication helps. Let clients know that your rate will increase starting on a future date, and explain why. Reasons could include; demand, added services, or long-term business planning.
Other Things to Consider
- Cancellation policy
Set clear rules around rescheduling and no-shows to protect your time.
- Payment process
Offer online payments and clear receipts. This makes things easier for clients and helps you stay organised.
- Business admin
If you’re tutoring regularly, you’re running a business. That includes tracking your income, setting aside money for taxes, and keeping good records.
- Learning experience
Your job isn’t just to teach the subject. You’re specializing in helping students learn in a way that suits them. Make sure your pricing allows space for personalisation, flexibility, and high-quality support.
Make Admin Easier with Invoice Fly
Tutoring is more than just being present and teaching — it’s also running a business. Tools like Invoice Fly’s Invoice Maker can help you manage the financial side without spending hours on admin.
With Invoice Fly, you can:
- Send professional invoices in minutes
- Track payments in real time
- Offer recurring billing for regular clients
- Keep everything stored for tax season
Use tools like Invoice Fly to save time, get paid faster, and stay focused on the subject at hand (we couldn’t resist).
Best of luck!
FAQs about Tutoring Rates
Rates range from $25–$80 per hour on average. Beginners may charge less, while certified test prep tutors, often earn $100 or more.
Your experience, subject matter, location, and format (online or in-person) all play a role. The more value you provide, the more you can charge.
Often, yes. In-person tutoring sessions may include travel time and a more tailored learning environment, which can justify higher rates.
Yes. You can raise rates gradually. Especially as you gain experience, improve your service, or focus on long-term client results.
Use tools like Invoice Fly to handle payments, track tutoring sessions, and stay organised. It saves time and helps your tutoring business run more smoothly.
