How much should I charge as a tutor?

There is no single number — rates vary widely by location, subject, level, format, and your experience and credentials. Rather than guess, decide on a rate, then use this calculator to see the income it produces and your true effective hourly rate after prep. Adjust until the number reflects the value you deliver and the market you serve.

What is an effective hourly rate?

Your effective hourly rate accounts for the unpaid time around each session — planning, materials, travel, and messaging parents. If you charge for an hour but spend 15 extra minutes preparing, your effective rate is lower than your posted rate. This calculator shows both.

How much should a self-employed tutor set aside for taxes?

Independent tutors are usually responsible for their own taxes, and a common rule of thumb is to set aside roughly 25 to 30 percent of income. This tool shows an estimate at the rate you choose. It is a planning aid, not tax advice — check with a professional for your situation.

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Tutor rate & earnings calculator

Pick a rate and see what it really adds up to — weekly, monthly, and yearly — plus your true effective hourly rate once prep and admin time are counted, and a rough tax set-aside. Adjust the numbers until they reflect the value you deliver.

Your numbers

Your hourly rate ($ per session hour)

Paid tutoring hours per week

Weeks you tutor per year (48 leaves room for breaks)

Prep + admin per session hour (minutes)

No-shows & cancellations (% of sessions)

Set aside for taxes (%)

Per week

Per month

Per year

Gross yearly (before no-shows)$0

After no-shows & cancellations$0

Your true effective hourly rate$0

Estimated set-aside for taxes$0

Estimated take-home$0

Estimates only, to help you plan — not tax or financial advice. Your effective rate counts the unpaid prep and admin time around each paid hour, so it is lower than your posted rate. All math runs in your browser.

What should you actually charge?

There is no universal number. What tutors charge swings widely with where they live, the subject, the level, the format, and their experience — so the honest answer is "test a rate, then look at what it produces." Use the calculator above for the math; use these factors to decide where you sit.

Experience & credentialsA credentialed teacher or subject specialist commands more than someone just starting out.

Subject & levelAdvanced, AP, and test-prep work usually pay more than general elementary support.

Format & travelIn-home visits carry travel time and cost; online lets you serve more students with less overhead.

Local market & demandRates in a major metro differ from a small town. Look at what comparable tutors near you charge.

Results & reputationReviews, referrals, and a track record of raising grades let you raise your rate over time.

Your true costsPrep, materials, no-shows, and self-employment taxes all lower your take-home — price with them in mind.

Prefer a steady stream of students to chasing them?

Elite matches you with families, handles scheduling, billing, and no-shows, and pays reliably — so your effective rate is your real rate. Bring the teaching; we'll bring the students.

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