How much does a homeschool teacher cost?
How much does a homeschool teacher cost?
$20 – $80 cost per hour (part-time private teacher)
$35,000 – $68,000 average cost per year (full-time homeschool teacher)
Cost to hire a private homeschool teacher
The cost to hire a full-time private homeschool teacher is $3,900 to $7,600 per month or $35,000 to $68,000 total for a 9-month school year. A homeschool teacher costs $11,700 to $34,000 annually per family when splitting costs between multiple families. Private homeschool tutors charge $20 to $80 per hour.
| Factor | Monthly cost | Annual cost (for a 9-month school year) |
|---|---|---|
| Part-time private teacher or tutor | $250 – $2,000 | $2,300 – $18,000 |
| Full-time private homeschool teacher | $3,900 – $7,600 | $35,000 – $68,000 |
| Full-time homeschool teacher for a group | $1,300 – $3,800* | $11,700 – $34,000* |
*Cost per family when split between two or three families.
Private homeschool teacher salary
The average homeschool teacher salary is $35,000 to $68,000 annually, depending on the location. However, salaries range from as low as $22,000 for new college graduates with no prior teaching experience to $95,000+ for a private teacher with an advanced degree and over a decade of experience.
| Experience level | Annual salary (for a 9-month school year) |
|---|---|
| New college graduate with minimal or no teaching experience | $22,000 – $35,000 |
| Several years of teaching experience | $35,000 – $68,000 |
| Extensive teaching experience, with master's degree or higher | $68,000 – $95,000+ |
In comparison, private school tuition costs $3,000 to $70,000 per year, depending on the school type and location.
Homeschool teacher costs for a group
The cost to hire a homeschool teacher for a group is $1,300 to $3,800 per month or $11,700 to $34,000 per year after dividing the cost between 2 to 3 families. Creating a homeschooling group—also called a learning pod—also provides other cost-saving benefits:
Students can share curriculum, reducing one of the biggest homeschool expenses.
Kids share, recycle, and pass down books and supplies to younger students.
Students get more socialization by interacting with others in their small group.
Parents can teach some subjects while the homeschool teacher handles others.
Homeschool tutor cost
A homeschool tutor costs $25 to $80 per hour, depending on their experience and the subject. If a child is struggling in a particular subject, a tutor gives targeted instruction to help them overcome this hurdle.
| Tutoring type | Average cost |
|---|---|
| Private homeschool teacher | $20 – $80 per hour |
| Private home tutoring | $25 – $80 per hour |
| Online tutoring | $25 – $50 per hour |
| SAT and test prep tutoring | $45 – $100 per hour |
| Tutoring center | $100 – $200 per month |
A homeschool teacher or private tutor offers instruction in difficult subjects and areas that parents are less familiar with.
Additional costs of hiring a private teacher for homeschooling
Homeschooling costs $500 to $2,500+ per student each year for curriculum, supplies, field trips, and extracurricular activities. This cost is in addition to fees for a private teacher or tutor.
| Factor | Average cost per student |
|---|---|
| Curriculum and books | $200 – $800+ |
| School supplies | $100 – $450 |
| Field trips | $100 – $250 |
| Extracurricular activities and sports | $100 – $1,000+ |
| Total cost per year | $500 – $2,500+ |
Homeschooling costs include:
Curriculum and books – A homeschooling curriculum that meets state education requirements costs $200 to $800 or more. Fees depend on the child's age and the choice of a comprehensive all-subject package or individual subjects to suit a kid's needs.
School supplies – Children need supplies like lined notebooks, folders, pens and pencils, crayons and markers, construction paper, paint, and brushes. To save money on these items, shop during back-to-school sales or the state's annual tax-free week.
Field Trips – Outings cost $100 to $250 per year to visit local art and science museums, zoos and aquariums, state parks, and farms or nature centers.
Extracurricular activities and sports – Fees and equipment costs for sports training, music lessons, martial arts classes, and other extracurricular activities are up to $1,000 per year.
Additional costs – Parents often forget to budget for these extra hidden costs:
Gas money for field trips and activities
Increased grocery bills due to kids eating at home all day
A high-quality computer and printer
A high-speed internet plan
Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint) or other software
To save money on field trips and activities, look for free or discounted events and classes offered by local museums, parks, and public libraries.
Homeschool nanny cost
A nanny costs $15 to $25 per hour or more for homeschool tutoring with childcare and cleaning. Babysitter rates are $14 to $20 hourly for one child or $15 to $25 per hour for two or more children. A nanny provides long-term services while a babysitter is for temporary care.
A babysitter can provide additional backup childcare support when school is out, when the private teacher is sick, or if younger children need attention while the teacher works with older children.
Private homeschool teacher FAQs
What are the benefits of hiring a homeschool teacher?
Hiring a private homeschool teacher has many benefits:
Personal attention – Your child receives one-on-one attention with lessons tailored toward their needs and skills.
Improved grades – The extra help and targeted instruction often results in higher academic performance.
New perspective – Children benefit from being exposed to people with different teaching approaches and insights.
Special skills & expertise – A homeschool teacher can provide instruction in subjects you're not an expert in. An experienced teacher may also make more effective use of the homeschool curriculum.
Less family stress & frustration – Many children are willing to work harder and behave better for an outside teacher than a parent. Hiring a homeschool teacher can reduce your stress and pressure. Then your family time will feel more relaxing and less like school time again.
Do you have to be a certified teacher for homeschooling?
No, you do not have to be a certified teacher to homeschool your children, and no state in the U.S. requires parents or homeschool teachers to have a college degree.
The following states require a high school diploma or GED:
Georgia
New Mexico
North Carolina
North Dakota
Ohio
Pennsylvania
South Carolina
Tennessee
Virginia
Washington
West Virginia
Check your state's requirements for homeschooling qualifications before hiring a private teacher or purchasing a curriculum package.
How long does a homeschool teacher teach?
Homeschool teachers spend 2 to 4 hours per day with elementary school students and 4 to 6 hours per day with middle and high school students. Homeschool sessions are often shorter than public school classes because they are more efficient and personalized for your child's needs.
Homeschool students typically follow the same schedule as public schools, with lessons held 5 days per week. Most states require homeschoolers to attend a standard 180-day school year.
Can you get paid to homeschool your child?
No, there are no federal programs that pay you to homeschool your child. However, some states like Illinois, Minnesota, and Louisiana give variable income tax deductions for educational expenses when homeschooling.
How to find and hire a private teacher or tutor
Follow these guidelines when evaluating homeschool teachers near you:
Get referrals from friends, family, other teachers, or local homeschooling groups.
Look for a teacher who specializes in private homeschooling or tutoring.
Read reviews on TrustedCare and Google.
Interview at least 3 tutors to find one who is the best fit for your child, schedule, and budget.
Request references and confirm the teacher's credentials.
Create a contract outlining the job expectations, compensation, schedule, and payment terms.
Questions to ask
Ask these important questions to find the best private homeschool teacher for your children:
What teaching experience do you have?
Where did you receive your education?
What degrees and certificates do you have?
Can you provide references with contact information?
What is your teaching philosophy?
Do you provide the curriculum, or will I need to purchase it separately?
How will you personalize the lessons for my child's needs?
Which methods will you use to measure my child's progress?
How often will you update me about how my child is doing?
What is your preferred communication method?
When are you available, and how flexible is your schedule?
How long does each learning session last?
What additional fees or expenses should I plan for?