Considerations

• Tutors are usually self-employed and must charge enough to compensate themselves for nonbillable time spent running their business and to reserve tax funds.
  
  

Location

• Tutoring fees vary depending on location. Generally, higher cost of living and average salary produces higher tutoring fees. As of summer 2009, a tutor with 5 years experience charges $22.25 in California but only $16.90 in Kansas.
  
  

Market Rates

• Rates may start at $10 per hour for common subjects in competitive locations, such as English 101 instruction near a university with a glut of English PhDs.
  
  Experienced tutors can charge over $75 per hour for specialized subjects, especially in highly compensated professions like MBA-level finance.
  
  

Exam Preparation

• Exam preparation companies like Kaplan employ tutors to teach small classes for 1 to 2 months. These may pay from $15 to $30 per hour.
  
  

Alternatives

• Some universities provide free tutoring services to their students. The tutor is often another student on a work/study plan and is compensated with reduced tuition.