Tutoring Income: How Much Can You Really Earn?
If you’re wondering whether tutoring can pay the bills, you’re not alone. Many teachers and graduates jump into private tutoring hoping to boost their cash flow, but the numbers can feel fuzzy. Let’s break down exactly how tutoring income is built, step by step, so you can see the real potential and avoid common pitfalls.
Setting Your Rate
The first decision that drives your income is the hourly rate. Start by checking local market rates – search for "private tutor rates" in your city or look at online platforms for a baseline. If you’re a university student, rates might sit between £15‑£25 an hour; seasoned teachers can charge £30‑£50 or more, especially for specialist subjects like maths or science.
Don’t forget experience, qualifications, and demand. A tutor with a PGCE or a strong track record can justify a higher fee. Also, consider the level you teach – GCSE and A‑Level students usually pay more than primary‑school pupils.
Once you pick a number, test it. Offer a short trial lesson at your chosen rate and ask for feedback. If students are happy and you’re booked solid, you’ve likely set a competitive price.
Boosting Your Earnings
Rate alone isn’t the whole story. Multiply that hourly fee by the number of lessons you can realistically deliver each week. Full‑time teachers often fit 10‑12 one‑hour sessions around their school duties. If you’re free evenings or weekends, you might squeeze in 15‑20 sessions.
Group tutoring is a hidden goldmine. Teaching three students at once lets you charge each £20‑£30 while earning £60‑£90 per hour. Just make sure the group size stays manageable so every student gets attention.
Online tutoring expands your reach. Platforms like Tutorful or MyTutor let you work with learners across the UK, often at higher rates because you save on travel time. A solid internet connection and a quiet space are all you need.
Don’t forget extras. Preparing personalized worksheets, offering revision packs, or charging a small fee for extended email support can add 10‑20% to your weekly take.
Finally, keep an eye on taxes. In the UK, tutoring income counts as self‑employment earnings, so you’ll need to register with HMRC, set aside around 20‑30% for tax and National Insurance, and file a self‑assessment return each year.
Putting it all together, a tutor charging £30 an hour, teaching 15 one‑on‑one sessions a week, and running two group lessons adds up to roughly £540 weekly before tax – about £2,000 a month. Add online work or premium subjects, and the numbers climb quickly.
The key is to track every session, adjust rates as you gain experience, and keep marketing yourself – word of mouth, local school bulletin boards, and a simple website go a long way. With clear pricing, a solid schedule, and a few smart upsells, tutoring can become a reliable income stream rather than a side‑hustle mystery.
