How to Set Private Tutoring Prices

Private tutorials are a good option for any age of learner. Whether you are taking lessons as a school or university student, to be better at your job, or in preparation for changing a job, everyone is eligible for private tuition.

Having said that, there are many permeations when it comes to private tutoring prices. So before you find out where to find homework or academic support, start by researching the private tutoring hourly rate for the subject with which you need help. Remember that if you are asking the question: how much do private tutors charge, it will also depend on your skills and qualifications.

To make the most of your search for private tutor rates South Africa, you will need to make sure that you have taken several factors into account. Of course, some tutors will charge more than others but there is usually a fair reason for this.

The question is, as someone who is researching private tutoring prices to advertise private tutoring, how do you know what the correct price is? How much do private tutors charge?

In this article, you will find out the answers to:

• How to set a private tutoring hourly rate
• How to advertise private tutoring fairly
• How much do private tutors charge

Analyse Your Location to Advertise Private Tutoring

Regardless of whether you live in the countryside, city or the suburbs, it can be easy to advertise your private tutoring hourly rate without considering where you live. You will need to question the size of your area, the demand for tutoring and the level of competition you have.

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For example, consider that there are not the same number of private violin tutors in Emalahleni as there are in Cape Town. In a big city, there are heaps of tutors and students are spoilt for search when looking for the right person to help them.

All this means is that tutors need to try and make their offerings as attractive as possible so that they appeal to as many students as possible. Furthermore, private tutoring prices must always be fair.

To do this, find out where to position yourself in the market in terms of what other tutors are offering. Regardless of whether you are teaching Spanish, guitar, maths or providing homework help, every student (and parent) has a budget in terms of what they are able to spend.  

In order to help them while you also earn the money that you deserve, take a careful look at what your competition is offering.

When asking how much tutors charge, remember that tutoring is a great way for students to earn extra income, but it can also be a rewarding and stimulating career for both experienced teachers, or for someone who is just getting started.

Check the Market: Advertise Private Tutoring at Certain Rates   

If you are starting out a tutoring career where you are offering private tutorials from your home, you are bound to make a few mistakes, at first.

Until you get it right, you can learn from these mistakes.

While it may seem tricky to get around at first setting an accurate private tutoring hourly rate is essential for the longevity of your business. In a nutshell, rates should vary according to the subject, your teaching level and the level of the student. You would not charge the same rate to teach primary school maths as you would to teach a matric, or even university student.

You should also keep a constant check on the market to see how your service stacks up with similar tutors in the area. Regular searches for private tutor rates in South Africa is always a good idea if you are wondering: how much do private tutors charge?

As someone who is self-employed, remember that every part of your business is probably going to be run by you.

Setting a price that is in line with what students in your area will pay is key.

How Much Do Private Tutors Charge in Other Areas?  

In trying to answer the question of what private tutors charge, it may be useful to look outside of your own area too. This can be helpful when trying to determine where to position yourself in the market. You will find that even in big cities, rates can vary according to neighbourhoods.

You will also notice that rates vary per subject. For instance, the cost of a French tutor is not necessarily the same as a maths tutor.

The bottom line is that if your rates line up with those of the tutors in your area or town, you will be perceived as competitive in the eyes of the students who are seeking tutoring help.

One of the best ways to do market research when it comes to searching private tutor rates South Africa is to consult websites like Superprof to easily compare what other tutors are charging. In fact, you could use the platform’s location tool to scrutinise tutoring prices per subject in areas all over South Africa.

Remember to differentiate between tutors who offer lessons online or in-person. Online lessons are usually offered at a lower price than  lessons outdoors or in public locations, in your home, or in students’ homes.

Talk to Students to Help Determine Your Rate

Speaking to your target market can also be extremely useful in setting the right rate. Take the time to talk to a few students to find out about:

• Their expectations regarding the services of private tutors.
• The quality of teaching that is offered in local educational institutions.
• The typical budget that is allowed for private tutorials.
• How much time is required for academic support and private tutorials?
• The most sought-after types of tutorials: one-on-one, online, exam preparation, languages, maths etc.
• Any other criteria that the students deem important.

There are plenty of pertinent questions worth asking that will be helpful in setting up your tutoring business. In addition, aim to be aware of any current trends in education, or with students that could be included in your offering.

Tutoring Rates According to Subject  

Even though you can get tutoring in just about any subject these days, it’s important to note that one of the benefits of private tutoring is that no two tutorials are alike.

Like most things in life, supply and demand affect cost. In other words, the more unusual the subject, the more difficult it will be to find a tutor. This means that the tutor is likely to charge more.

Typical subjects or student requirements for tutoring include:

• Afrikaans
• Mathematics (this includes algebra, geometry, trigonometry, calculus, statistics etc).
• Economics
• Biology
• Foreign languages like German, Italian, Spanish or French (this includes every level from conversational to advanced levels.)
• Psychology
• Study skills
• Test prep, essay writing, help with an assignment, etc.

When there are plenty of tutors in one given subject, they will either have to have advanced experience or qualifications to demand higher rates than their competitors. This is why, like on Superprof, many tutors offer their first lesson for free to give potential students a good idea of what they have to offer in relation to their price.

In doing your research and setting up your business, do not forget that home tutoring is not the only option. For instance, an English teacher has the ability to offer tutoring to students all over the world thanks to the internet. While students are not being taught in the same room, with the help of a computer, internet connection, webcam and microphone, anyone can have access to the best tutors in the world.

But then, how much do private tutors charge for online lessons?

Simply, if you do not have to travel, you will not have to pay for travel. Online tutors generally charge less than tutors who have to travel to a student’s house or ensure that their own homes are set up with adequate space for tutoring.  

Finally, as you can see, private tutoring is a wonderful job that rewards both student and tutor. While it can be challenging to set fair rates, taking the time to do the research will help you determine where you fit in the market. Once you have done this, why not think out of the box and consider the different locations you could use to offer private lessons?