Tutoring Question

Anoble17
Anoble17 Posts: 37 Member
edited October 1 in Chit-Chat
I'm a 22 year old college student. I have been presented with the opportunity to tutor a few high school students from my gym in science and math. Being a broke college student, obviously I could use any form of income, but when asked what I charge I never know what to say. I think $15 an hour is a very reasonable price for both parties, but I'm being told by others I'm not asking for enough. I'm not looking to gain a lot of money here, just enough to help with my share of utilities, gas, and grocery. I also know that this family isn't very well off, the mother busts her butt working crummy jobs, and her kids are just trying to get through school so they can go to college.

Does anyone have any input or experience with this?

Replies

  • torregro
    torregro Posts: 307
    I think the amount is reasonable if both parties are satisfied. You are making $15.00 an hour (I assume under the table), and if you took a regular job that paid $25.00 an hour, you'd still only end up with $15.
    I've done a lot of volunteer tutoring through my adult education program locally, and know that most of my students would have to scrape pretty hard to come up with that kind of money. Great thing that you're doing!
  • AlannaPie
    AlannaPie Posts: 349 Member
    I'm a teacher in NY and most teachers charge $100 actually. I charge $40 for my music lessons
  • morganhccstudent724
    morganhccstudent724 Posts: 1,261 Member
    When I was looking to get tutored, 20-25 an hour was the going rate. If your doing group session, I think 15 is going to get you more in the long run. Maybe 3 or 4 students instead of 1or 2.



    PS - I wish I could have found you last year...15 bucks IS a bargain :-)
  • rthompson81
    rthompson81 Posts: 305 Member
    I'm a graduate student, and I charge $25 minimum for tutoring. Think about the time you spend getting there and home and the preparation (even if it's just mental) for the tutoring lesson. Good luck!

    Although, if there is more than one in the tutoring session, I'll charge less per person, just as long as I get my $25/hr. Maybe you could work out a deal with them so they're not spending their savings on tutoring and you're still getting paid what you're worth.
  • RebelliousRibbons
    RebelliousRibbons Posts: 391 Member
    I charged $20 when I tutored, but the way I saw it... I was an undergrad, so he (a Master's student) wasn't paying someone with a degree.

    $15 is pretty fair when you're an undergrad, especially if the family might not have a whole lot to give you. You don't want to scare away potential tutees because they feel they can't afford you.

    Some money is better than none. :)
  • ceschwartz
    ceschwartz Posts: 240 Member
    I think 15 is reasonable with a minimum of hours (say at least 3 a week) and if the parents bring the kids to you. I have heard of teachers charging more, but they have full time jobs, licenses, and experience.
  • BeautyFromWithin
    BeautyFromWithin Posts: 290 Member
    When I tutored (granted, I was a senior in high school tutoring 8th graders and almost freshmen), I charged $17 dollars an hour and it was really nice! Just a little cushion to help out with expenses too and I so enjoyed tutoring the kids too! It was a blast!
  • reeldancer
    reeldancer Posts: 156 Member
    The tutors I use for my kids are teachers in a neighboring school district I pay one 50/hr for reading and the other I pay 30/half hour for math. I also pay 40/half hour for music. I think where you are located plays a roll in the equasion. Ask around to see what others charge. You might be able to charge more than you are but should be ess than someone with a degree.
  • Anoble17
    Anoble17 Posts: 37 Member
    In West Virginia the cost of living is considerably lower than most states. At $15 an hour under the table 4 hours a week would give me $240 a month, which is a little more than what I spend now on all my fore mentioned expenses. I'm not a big fan of group tutoring just because I feel like students lose out if they're less vocal or have difficulty putting their questions into words.

    Maybe if I was tutoring both daughters at the same time I could get away with charging $20-25 per hour. I'm a Civil Engineering major, so my time is rather valuable to me but I don't think money should hinder people from gaining knowledge.
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