Your tutoring hourly rate should reflect your subject expertise, experience level, delivery format, and local market rates. Undercharging signals lack of confidence; overcharging loses clients to cheaper alternatives. This calculator helps you find the right range.
Your Tutoring Profile
Your Recommended Rate Range
Adjust inputs and click Calculate
| Subject | Beginner | Experienced | Expert |
|---|---|---|---|
| K-12 General | $20-30 | $40-60 | $60-85 |
| SAT/ACT Prep | $45-65 | $70-100 | $100-150 |
| College STEM | $40-60 | $65-95 | $90-140 |
| GRE/GMAT/LSAT | $60-80 | $90-130 | $130-200 |
| Coding | $40-65 | $70-110 | $100-160 |
How to Use the Tutoring Rate Calculator
Setting the right tutoring hourly rate is a balance between market rates, your credentials, and the premium clients associate with your reputation. This calculator factors in subject difficulty, experience, credentials, format, and geography to suggest a realistic starting range.
Step 1: Select your subject area
Subject drives the base rate more than anything else. Test prep (SAT/ACT) commands the highest rates because outcomes are measurable — a 150-point SAT improvement is worth thousands to families. K-12 general tutoring has the most competition and lowest floor. College STEM and professional certification subjects split the difference.
Step 2: Assess your experience and credentials
Years of tutoring experience and formal credentials independently affect rates. A licensed teacher with 2 years of tutoring experience may charge more than someone with 5 years of informal experience. Advanced degrees add credibility in academic subjects. Certifications (like teaching licenses or SAT prep credentials) justify premium rates to parents.
Step 3: Consider format and location
In-person tutoring in a major metro commands the highest rates — 15-25% above online, and another 20-30% above suburban or rural rates. Online tutoring gives you access to a national market but means you compete with tutors everywhere. Many tutors start online to build reviews, then transition high-value clients to in-person at a premium.
When to raise your rate
Raise rates when you have a consistent waitlist, when you've added credentials or success stories, or simply on an annual schedule. Current clients should get 30 days' notice. Most clients who value your work will stay — those who leave over a $5-10 increase were price-sensitive anyway.
FAQ
How much should I charge for tutoring?
K-12 general subjects typically run $20-45/hour for beginner tutors and $40-80/hour for experienced ones. Test prep (SAT/ACT) commands $50-120/hour. College-level subjects and professional certifications typically run $60-150/hour. In-person rates run 15-25% higher than online due to commute time.
Is this tutoring rate calculator free?
Yes, completely free. No signup or account needed.
Should I charge more for in-person vs. online tutoring?
Yes. In-person tutoring typically commands a 15-25% premium over online tutoring for the same subject and experience level. You're investing travel time and the client values the face-to-face interaction. For online tutoring, you can reach more clients but face national competition on platforms like Wyzant, Tutor.com, and Varsity Tutors.
How do tutoring platforms affect my rate?
Platforms like Wyzant take 25-40% of your rate. If you charge $60/hour on Wyzant, you keep $36-45. Independent tutors keep 100% but must handle their own marketing, scheduling, and payment processing. Once established, most serious tutors move clients off-platform to save the commission.
When should I raise my tutoring rates?
Raise rates when you're fully booked (waitlist forming), when you add credentials (degree, certification), after student successes (college admissions, score increases), or simply annually to keep pace with inflation. Announce rate increases to current clients 30 days in advance — most will stay if you've delivered results.