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What Is Online Tutoring?

Teach Remotely and Earn Flexible Income

The Definition

Online tutoring is teaching students remotely via video calls and earning money per session.

Think of it like being a a teacher without the classroom, dress code, or commute..
Students (or their parents) need help with math, English, test prep, or whatever subject you know well, and you meet them on Zoom to explain concepts, review homework, and help them actually understand the material.

You set your schedule, choose your subjects, and get paid by the hour or session.

Remote tutors provide personalized educational instruction to students through digital platforms.

Educators earn income by delivering one-on-one or small-group lessons via video conferencing.

Last Updated: 10/12/2025

Why would anyone choose to do Online Tutoring?

Online tutoring transforms your knowledge into premium income, it's one of the highest-paying remote side hustles because parents will pay serious money to help their kids succeed.

Who would make a good fit?

tutoring

Teachers wanting flexible income outside traditional school hours

College students monetizing their academic strengths

Subject matter experts seeking rewarding remote work

Key Benefits

Online tutoring pays $15-$80 per hour depending on subject and expertise level

Schedule flexibility allows tutors to work around existing commitments

Remote delivery eliminates commute time and geographical limitations

online tutor

How Do You Get Started?

Step #1 Aspiring tutors identify their strongest subjects and target student levels.

Pick subjects you actually know very well. Students (and parents) can smell uncertainty, and bad reviews will kill your tutoring career fast.

Step #2 New tutors create profiles on platforms like Wyzant, Tutor.com, or Chegg Tutors.

These marketplaces connect you with students actively seeking help. They handle payment processing and provide the initial student flow.

Step #3 Applicants complete subject tests and background checks to verify qualifications.

Expect to prove you know your stuff through assessments, and yes, background checks are standard (you're working with kids).

Step #4 Approved tutors set availability schedules and hourly rates based on experience.

Start with competitive rates to build reviews, then increase pricing as you gain testimonials and repeat students.

Step #5 Tutors conduct sessions using video conferencing and digital whiteboard tools.

You'll need to get comfortable explaining concepts through a screen.. it's a slightly different skill than in-person teaching.

Common Questions About Online Surveys

Q: How much can you earn from Online Tutoring?

A: Online tutoring rates range from $15-$80 per hour based on subject complexity and credentials. Average tutors earn $20-$40 hourly while specialized subjects command $50-$80 per hour. Entry-level tutors on platforms like Tutor.com start around $15-$20/hour for basic subjects. General subjects (elementary math, reading) typically pay $20-$30/hour.

Test prep tutoring for SAT, ACT, or GRE typically pays $40-$100 per hour. Here's where it gets interesting: specialized subjects (advanced math, sciences, test prep, languages) can hit $40-$80/hour.

Independent tutors setting their own rates often earn $50-$150 per hour with established client bases. Once you build a reputation and go independent (off platforms), you can charge whatever the market will bear. Some SAT tutors are pulling $100-$150/hour. Part-time tutors (10-15 hours/week) can realistically make $800-$1,500/month.

Q: What skills do you need for Online Tutoring?

A: Online tutoring requires deep subject knowledge and the ability to explain concepts clearly. Strong communication skills and patience are essential for effective teaching. You need to actually know your subject well enough to explain it multiple ways because your first explanation won't click for every student. Patience is huge; you'll repeat yourself a lot.

Technical comfort with video platforms and digital whiteboard tools is necessary.

You also need basic tech skills (Zoom, Google Meet, digital whiteboards, screen sharing) without fumbling around. Teaching credentials or degrees boost credibility but aren't always required for platform acceptance.

Some platforms require teaching credentials or degrees; others just want subject expertise.

Successful tutors adapt teaching styles to individual learning preferences and pacing.

The secret sauce? Reading when a student is lost and adjusting your approach on the fly as that's what separates okay tutors from great ones who get booked solid.

Q: Is Online Tutoring legitimate?

A: Online tutoring is a legitimate and rapidly growing educational services industry. Online education exploded during COVID and never went back. Established platforms like Wyzant, Tutor.com, and VIPKid serve millions of students globally.

Major platforms have been around for years and process millions in payments. Schools and parents increasingly prefer online tutoring for its convenience and access to specialized expertise.

Verified platforms handle payment processing and provide protection for both tutors and students.

Red flags: any company asking you to pay for "mandatory training materials" or special certifications upfront is likely a scam. Legit platforms are free to join (though they take a commission).

Background checks are standard practice for platforms working with minors. Expect background checks if you're working with kids as that's normal and actually a good sign the platform is responsible.

Q: How quickly will I get paid?

A: Payment schedules vary by platform from weekly to monthly disbursements. Most tutoring platforms pay 5-14 days after session completion via PayPal or direct deposit. Platform timing varies: Wyzant pays 2 business days after a session, Tutor.com pays monthly, Chegg pays weekly.

Independent tutors typically collect payment immediately after sessions or weekly for regular clients. If you're working independently (off platforms), you can get paid immediately via Venmo/PayPal, or set up weekly/monthly billing for regular students.

Platforms often hold initial payments for 7-30 days as a fraud prevention measure. The annoying part: new tutors often face a holding period (7-30 days) on their first few payments while the platform verifies everything's legit.

Setting up direct deposit accelerates payment processing compared to check delivery.

Pro tip: set up direct deposit or PayPal, it's way faster than waiting for checks in the mail.

Q: Do I need to invest money to start?

A: Online tutoring requires minimal investment in basic video conferencing equipment. You probably have 80% of what you need already. A computer with a webcam, reliable internet, and a quiet space are essential requirements.

Optional investments include digital writing tablets, headsets, and subject-specific software. A decent headset ($20-$40) helps with audio quality, and a drawing tablet ($30-$100) is clutch for math/science tutoring but not mandatory.

Most platforms provide free access to virtual whiteboard and screen-sharing tools. The platforms typically provide virtual whiteboards and teaching tools for free.

Teaching materials and resources can be sourced free through educational websites. You don't need to buy a curriculum as there are tons of free resources online (Khan Academy, YouTube, educational sites).

A: Payment processing typically takes 1-7 business days after reaching minimum cashout thresholds. Most platforms require $5-$25 accumulated before allowing withdrawals.

This is not instant gratification, think of it as something you can do in your spare time that will pay off down the road.

You'll need to hit the minimum payout (usually $5-$25), then wait a few days for processing. PayPal transfers process fastest while physical gift cards may take 2-3 weeks. PayPal is your quickest route as gift cards can take weeks to arrive by mail. Some platforms offer instant e-gift cards, which are really handy if you're trying to grab something specific.

The Real Truth..

Requires actual expertise - Can't fake it; students and parents will know immediately

Emotionally draining - Dealing with frustrated students and demanding parents

Irregular income - Summer slumps, holiday gaps, inconsistent booking patterns

Platform dependency - Building off-platform takes time; platforms take 15-30% cuts

High earning potential - $25-$80/hour for specialized subjects

Genuinely rewarding - Helping students succeed feels meaningful

Flexible scheduling - Set your own hours around your life

Recession-resistant - Parents always prioritize their kids' education

Ready to turn your knowledge into income?

Online tutoring is one of those rare side hustles that pays well AND feels meaningful.

You're actually helping people while making money! Win Win

Start with a platform to build experience and reviews, then consider going independent once you've got testimonials.

→ Download our Guide Below

Start an Online Tutoring Business

→ Browse verified

Tutoring Platforms in our Directory

→ See our recommended tools

Tools for Online Tutorers

→ ASCCC's guide

Effective Practices for Online Tutoring

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Sarah James

Hi, I’m Sarah James, content creator at Online Income Directory. I test the side hustles, affiliate programs, and online tools so you don’t have to.

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