Tutoring Jobs: How to Become a Tutor and Start Your Home Tutoring Business

Are you looking to become a tutor in the United States? You've come to the right place!

Private one-on-one tutoring is widely recognized as one of the most effective ways to help students at all levels of academic or creative development. It boosts academic skills, confidence and enthusiasm in their subjects, leading to greater academic success!

If a child can't learn the way we teach, maybe we should teach the way they learn.

Ignacio Nacho Estrada, Ventriloquist

This is where people like you come in! Those who are passionate about education and believe in its power to change lives. There are a few things to consider when starting out as a private tutor. Our article will walk you through the essential steps to help you get started. Before you launch your home tutoring business, read through the following sections of the article!

Ready to dive in? Let’s explore how you can establish yourself as a tutor, build your business and simplify the logistics of your new career.

What Subjects Can You Tutor

Tutoring in academic subjects is the foundation of the tutoring industry—and for good reason! In-home tutoring has traditionally focused on math, science and English. This trend continues today in tutoring centers across the country and through private tutoring services. To tutor academic subjects, you’ll need to have acquired the said subject.

After all, no one will hire a French tutor who doesn’t speak the language or a yoga tutor who struggles with the workout.

This doesn’t mean you need a degree in every subject you tutor, but you should be knowledgeable in the subject at least one level higher than the student you’re teaching. While academic subjects are the most common, they aren’t the only areas students seek tutoring in. Today, learners are looking for tutors in areas like:

• Language learning: More and more people are realizing the benefits of being multilingual.
• Arts and crafts: From painting and photography to acting and singing, creative pursuits provide an outlet for stress relief and personal expression.
• Mindfulness, meditation, yoga and physical training: In busy cities, people are seeking ways to reduce stress and improve wellness through practices like meditation and yoga.

• Continuing education: Whether it’s financial literacy, communication skills, or professional development, many adults are seeking out personal tutors to enhance their career prospects.

In short, there’s a wide market for you to tutor!

What Qualities Make a Good Private Tutor?

Tutoring services typically look for:

Independent tutors should embody these qualities to help students succeed academically and emotionally.

Why Is Empathy Important?

Today’s students face intense pressure to succeed—both academically and socially. The best tutors reduce this pressure by focusing solely on the student’s success and personal growth. They also take into account the challenges each student faces, such as learning disabilities and provide the support they need in order to succeed.

As a tutor, you must have the experience and resources to provide personalized guidance tailored to each student’s individual learning needs. Whether you're helping with homework or preparing students for college entrance exams like the SAT or ACT, your teaching strategies must align with the student’s learning style and goals.

Tutors also need strong interpersonal skills and adaptability. Each student is different and your approach should be flexible and customized. Being able to motivate students, find creative ways to teach and adapt your instruction based on their learning styles is crucial to their success.

What Qualifications Are Needed to Become a Private Tutor?

In the United States, there are no specific legal requirements to become a private tutor. However, being skillful in your subject and a passion for teaching is essential. Generally, if you’re skilled in a subject at one level higher than your student, you’re qualified to tutor. For instance, if you’re in college, you can tutor high school students preparing for the SAT or other exams. If you’re a high school student, you might tutor middle schoolers.

Many tutors have a background in education or are certified teachers, but this isn’t required. Some students prefer working with tutors who have teaching experience, while others are more interested in working with recent graduates or professionals with practical experience in the field. For more specialized subjects like IT or media, industry experience is often more valuable than formal qualifications.

What Legalities Should You Consider as a Private Tutor?

There are no specific federal or state regulations governing private tutors in the US. However, if you’re self-employed, you’ll need to handle your own business affairs, including advertising your services and ensuring proper checks and balances are in place.

Do You Need a Background Check?

While not legally required, many parents feel more comfortable hiring a tutor who has undergone a background check. You can apply for a background check through services like GoodHire or other third-party background screening companies. Additionally, tutoring agencies and some school districts may require a background check if you wish to work with them.

How Do You Report Your Income as a Private Tutor?

As a private tutor, you’ll be considered self-employed, meaning you need to report your earnings and pay taxes. To report your earnings you will need to:

For more information, check the IRS website for guidance on self-employment taxes and filing requirements.

Do You Need Insurance to Become a Tutor?

Although it’s not legally required, many tutors opt for public liability insurance to protect themselves in case of injury or damage to their property during a tutoring session. If you tutor online, you won’t need a security measure for accidents, but you may want to consider business interruption insurance in case of illness or other factors that could prevent you from working.

Advertising Your Tutoring Services

Advertising is essential to growing your tutoring business. Here are a few ways to get your name out there:

• Classified ads: Websites like Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace and Nextdoor are great for advertising in your local community.
• Social media: Set up profiles on LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram to promote your home tutoring services. You might even consider creating a business page to keep your personal and professional lives separate.
• Word of mouth: Let family, friends and colleagues know about your tutoring services. Many tutors find clients through personal recommendations.
• Create a website: A professional website adds credibility to your business and gives potential clients a way to learn more about you. Include success stories and testimonials from past students to showcase your skills.

How Much Can You Earn as a Tutor?

Tutoring rates in the US vary widely based on factors such as:

In major cities like New York or Los Angeles, tutors can charge upwards of $50 to $100 per hour, especially for subjects like math, science, or test prep. Tutors in smaller towns or rural areas may charge less, with rates starting around $25 per hour. Here's a chart with the average hourly rates in the United States.

How to Set Your Rates

To set your tutoring rates, consider:

How to Increase Your Tutoring Income

To boost your earnings, consider:

The key to building a successful tutoring business is marketing yourself effectively. Whether through word of mouth, social media or paid ads, making sure potential clients know about your services is crucial.

Do you need advice on finding prospective tutees? Here's a YouTube video with a few tips on how to keep your students once you find them!

Tutoring with Superprof: Unlock Your Full Potential as a Tutor

Superprof is the ideal platform for tutors looking to connect with students nationwide and build a thriving tutoring business. Whether you specialize in academic subjects, languages, creative skills or fitness training, Superprof offers a streamlined way to showcase your expertise and start tutoring with minimal hassle.

Why Choose Superprof?

Superprof takes the stress out of finding students and advertising your services. It’s designed for independent tutors who want full control over their business without the burden of high commission fees or restrictive policies. Unlike other platforms, Superprof does not take any commission from your earnings, meaning every dollar you make goes directly into your pocket.

By signing up with Superprof, you can start tutoring in just a few simple steps:

Why Superprof Stands Out

Superprof allows you to not only teach in your local community but also reach students from across the globe through online tutoring. The platform’s reach is enormous, providing tutors the opportunity to teach students from various backgrounds and locations, including international learners who are eager to improve their skills.

With Superprof, you’re in control of your tutoring business from start to finish—whether you want to tutor a few hours a week or turn it into a full-time career. Superprof’s user-friendly platform, coupled with the freedom it offers, makes it an excellent choice for tutors of all experience levels.

Ready to grow your tutoring business?

Sign up with Superprof today and start connecting with eager students, building your reputation and expanding your tutoring career—on your own terms!