How much does a tutor cost?
How much does a tutor cost?
$30 – $80 average hourly rate for private tutoring
$25 – $75 average hourly rate for group-based tutoring
$20 – $100+ hourly rate for test prep tutoring
How much do tutors charge?
Tutoring costs $20 to $100+ per hour, depending on the location, subject, grade, format, and the tutor's experience level. Online tutor hourly rates are often lower than in-person tutoring prices. Private tutor rates average $30 to $80 per hour, while tutoring center prices range from $25 to $75 per hour.
| Tutoring type | Average hourly rate |
|---|---|
| Private tutoring | $30 – $80 |
| Group-based tutoring | $25 – $75 |
| Test prep | $20 – $100+ |
Tutoring rates by grade level
Tutoring rates are typically higher for more challenging grade levels. Tutoring rates per hour for elementary school students range from $15 to $75 per hour, while college-level tutoring rates can reach $100+ for a subject that requires a tutor with an advanced degree and extensive knowledge.
| Grade | Hourly tutoring rate |
|---|---|
| Elementary school | $15 – $75 |
| Middle school | $20 – $85 |
| High school | $25 – $95 |
| College level | $60 – $100+ |
Private tutor rates
Private tutors charge $30 to $80 per hour on average, depending on their location and experience level. With the exception of younger, high school student tutors, private tutors typically charge more than a local tutoring center. However, one-on-one tutors offer a more personalized and flexible approach.
| Tutor experience | Tutor hourly rate |
|---|---|
| High school student | $15 – $50 |
| College student / teacher's assistant | $25 – $75 |
| Teacher / professional degree-holding tutor | $50 – $100+ |
Tutoring center cost
Tutoring centers like Mathnasium and Kumon cost $25 to $100+ per hour and provide more structured, group-based tutoring. Some centers also offer one-on-one tutoring options, but most do not provide the personalized attention a private tutor can offer. Tutoring centers often cost less than a professional private tutor, but not always.
| Provider | Average hourly rate | Cost per month* |
|---|---|---|
| Kumon Math and Reading Center | $50 – $75 | $150 – $200 per month per subject |
| Mathnasium | $25 – $35 | $250 – $400+ per month |
| Huntington Learning Center | $40 – $80+ | $480 – $1,900+ per month |
| Sylvan Learning Center | $40 – $100+ | $320 – $1,600+ per month |
*Not including one-time enrollment, registration, or evaluation fees.
Factors that affect tutoring rates
When determining the cost of tutoring services, several factors come into play, including:
Location: Tutor rates vary by state and city. Tutors in urban areas or regions with a higher cost of living generally charge more.
Frequency: Tutors may offer discounted rates for students who commit to regular sessions or a package of multiple sessions.
Experience & reputation: Tutors with more experience, advanced degrees, or specialized certifications charge higher rates than those with less experience or qualifications.
Specialized needs: Students with special needs, such as learning challenges or language barriers, may require tutors with specialized training, which can increase the cost.
Session length: Tutors may offer different rates for longer or shorter sessions, with hourly rates being the most common.
Timing: Tutors charge higher rates during peak demand times, such as evenings or weekends, last-minute scheduling, or in the weeks leading up to an exam.
Additional costs: Tutors or tutoring centers may charge fees beyond the hourly rate, such as registration fees, material fees, or online service fees.
Test prep
The cost to hire a tutor to help you prepare for a test varies depending on the specific test, location, the tutor's experience level, and the time of year.
SAT tutoring costs $45 to $100+ per hour. Rates are typically higher in the weeks leading up to the test date.
GED tutoring costs $20 to $50 per hour for one-on-one instruction with customized study plans that focus on improving the student's areas of weakness.
Subject
Subjects that require more specialized knowledge, such as advanced physics or more challenging foreign languages like Mandarin and Japanese, typically command higher rates. While most math tutor prices range from $25 to $80 per hour, advanced mathematics tutoring can cost up to $125 per hour in some areas.
Online vs. in-person tutoring
While online tutoring is generally more cost-effective than in-person tutoring, some students may benefit more from one method than the other. The table below provides a side-by-side comparison of the key advantages and potential drawbacks associated with each method:
| Factor | Online private tutoring | In-person private tutoring |
|---|---|---|
| Average cost | $20 – $60 per hour | $30 – $80+ per hour |
| Pros |
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| Cons |
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FAQs about tutoring
What is a tutor?
A tutor is an individual who provides personalized instruction and academic support to students, helping them understand and master specific subjects or coursework or prepare for challenging exams. Tutors work with students of all ages and grade levels, privately or through tutoring centers or educational organizations.
How much does a home tutor cost?
Most home tutors charge $40 to $100+ per hour, with higher rates for more experienced tutors or specialized subjects. In-home private tutors typically charge higher than average rates to account for travel time and expenses.
Are there any free tutoring services?
While free tutoring services are relatively rare, some schools, community centers, and nonprofit organizations offer free or low-cost tutoring to students in need. Additionally, some colleges and universities provide free tutoring services to their enrolled students as part of their academic support programs.
How to find the best tutoring services near you
When searching for a tutor or tutoring service near you, don't focus solely on the price. Consider the tutor's qualifications, experience, and teaching style, as well as the compatibility with your or your child's learning needs. Here are some tips for finding the best tutoring services:
Ask for recommendations from teachers, school counselors, or other parents.
Check for positive reviews and ratings on sites like TrustedCare, Tutors, and Google.
Inquire about the tutor's educational background, teaching experience, and subject matter expertise.
Confirm they have the availability and flexibility to accommodate your scheduling needs.
Request a trial session or consultation to assess the tutor's teaching approach and personality fit.
Questions to ask a potential tutor
Asking the right questions can help you make an informed decision and feel confident you're choosing the best tutor or tutoring service for your needs and budget. Here are some important questions to include when evaluating potential tutors:
What is your educational background and teaching experience?
How do you assess a student's learning style and tailor your teaching approach?
What is your availability, and how flexible are your scheduling options?
Do you offer any discounts or package deals for multiple sessions?
How do you measure and communicate a student's progress?
What is your cancellation policy, and are there any additional fees or charges?
Using our proprietary cost database, in-depth research, and collaboration with industry experts, we deliver accurate, up-to-date pricing and insights you can trust, every time.