What does a tutor cost, and what should you charge if you're the tutor? Rates depend mainly on the level being taught, the subject, whether lessons are online or in person, and where you live. This guide gives typical 2026 rates for the UK and the US, then covers how tutors should work out their own pricing.
| Level | Online | In person (outside London) | In person (London) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Primary / KS1–KS2 | £20–£30 | £22–£35 | £30–£45 |
| 11+ / entrance exams | £30–£50 | £35–£55 | £45–£80 |
| KS3 | £22–£32 | £25–£38 | £30–£45 |
| GCSE | £25–£40 | £28–£42 | £32–£55 |
| A-Level / IB | £30–£50 | £32–£55 | £40–£70 |
| University / Oxbridge admissions | £40–£70 | £45–£80 | £55–£100+ |
| Adult learners / languages | £20–£40 | £25–£45 | £30–£55 |
Maths, sciences and Further Maths usually sit at the top of each range because of demand and the shortage of specialist tutors. Qualified teachers and examiners also tend to charge more than students or recent graduates.
| Level / type | Online | In person |
|---|---|---|
| Elementary (K–5) | $25–$45 | $30–$60 |
| Middle and high school core subjects | $30–$55 | $35–$70 |
| AP / honors, advanced STEM | $45–$90 | $55–$110 |
| SAT / ACT test prep | $50–$100 | $60–$150+ |
| College subjects | $40–$80 | $50–$100 |
| Specialist (e.g. reading intervention, special ed) | $60–$120 | $75–$185 |
Location matters a lot in the US. Tutors in the Northeast (New York, Boston) and on the West Coast typically charge the most, often $50–$100 an hour for general subjects. Rates in the Midwest and South are usually lower, often $25–$70.
| Option | Typical cost to parent | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Independent private tutor | Lowest for the same tutor | Direct relationship, flexible | You do the vetting yourself |
| Tutoring agency | Highest | Vetted tutors, safeguarding checks, replacements | Agency fee built into the rate |
| Online marketplace | Varies widely | Big choice, reviews, easy booking | Platform commission (often 15–33%) may push tutors' rates up |
Most private tutors set a rate in their first month and never revisit it, even as their experience, results and demand grow. Meanwhile the real cost of delivering a good lesson (planning, marking, admin and travel) rarely gets counted at all. The hourly rate ends up disconnected from both the market and the work involved.
Pay-per-lesson feels simple but leaves your income exposed to cancellations, half-terms and families who quietly stop booking. Term-based packages solve this: a set number of sessions, booked and paid for up front. Done well, they also suit parents, who can budget for the term rather than face weekly invoices. A small discount, around 5–10%, for paying a block in advance is common. Attach a clear cancellation policy to the package, for example 24 hours' notice or the session is still charged, to protect the time you've held open.
Raise rates for new students first. Give existing families at least a term's notice, and time increases for September or January. A rise of 5–15% a year is normal as your experience and results grow. Tutors with a waiting list are usually undercharging.
Per-subject package pricing, one-click term scheduling, student progress notes, and invoices generated automatically from completed sessions. Offline, no subscription.
See TutorTrack Pro: £19 →Typically £20–£35 an hour for primary, £25–£42 for GCSE and £30–£55 for A-Level outside London. London rates are higher, often £32–£55 for GCSE and £40–£70 for A-Level. Online lessons are usually slightly cheaper than in person.
Typically $30–$70 an hour for K–12 core subjects, $45–$110 for AP and advanced STEM, and $50–$150 or more for SAT and ACT prep. Rates are highest in the Northeast and on the West Coast.
Usually, by around 10–25%, because the tutor has no travel time or costs. Experienced specialist tutors often charge the same rate online as in person.
Start around the lower-middle of the market range for your level and subject, not the bottom, then review after a term. Undergraduates tutoring GCSE in the UK commonly start around £20–£30 an hour, and US college students tutoring K–12 commonly start at $20–$35.
Agencies typically charge parents 20–50% more than the tutor receives. UK agency GCSE rates commonly run about £35–£60 an hour, and premium London agencies can charge £80–£150 or more.