Tutoring is a great way for college students to stay on top of their subjects and revise important concepts while also making money.
Online tutoring jobs come with the added benefit of not having to spend time and money commuting, which opens up even more free time.
But which ones are legit and pay well? And most importantly, where can you find them?
In this article, we will look at the best online tutoring jobs for college students and where you can find them.
Types of Online Tutoring Jobs For College Students
Here are some of the different kinds of online jobs that a college student tutor can look for:
- Spoken English Teacher: Native English speakers or those fluent in the language can teach non-native speakers how to communicate better.
- Science or Math Tutor: Math and science are huge struggles for high school students. Those with a solid background in either subject can take advantage of the high demand.
- Music Teacher: Teaching isn't limited to academics. You can also tutor online if you know how to play an instrument and have a good grasp of music theory.
What You’ll Need to Take Up Online Tutoring Jobs
You will probably need a few skills and qualifications to become an online tutor and have some success with it, even though it’s an informal job.
Here is a brief overview of what you'll need:
- High School Diploma or Bachelor's Degree: A high school diploma is the minimum qualification to get hired as a tutor. Some platforms or parents prefer those pursuing a bachelor's or graduating as teachers.
- Teaching Experience: This isn't a must, but experienced tutors are always preferred. Having relevant experiences in a subject helps you get more students and a better hourly rate.
- Communication Skills: Being able to actively listen, instruct, and form a bond with students is a vital part of being a good tutor.
- Teaching and Learning Strategies: Understanding how students learn best can make all the difference in your journey as an online tutor.
- Ability to Prepare a Curriculum: You should know how to prepare a learning plan for your students since many tutoring websites leave it completely up to you.
- A Working Device and Internet Connection: You'll need a smartphone, laptop, or tablet in working condition and high-speed internet to provide tutoring sessions without interruption.
How Much Can You Make From Online Tutoring Jobs as a College Student?
According to Payscale, the median salary that an online tutoring job pays is around $18/hour.
Online tutors usually receive an hourly rate between $12 and $20, depending on their experience and the subjects that they are teaching.
Top Places To Find Online Tutoring Jobs
1. Chegg Tutors
Chegg was founded in 2001. The unusual name is a combination of the words 'chicken' and 'egg.'
Chegg Tutors are paid $20 per hour, rounded off to the minute. The minimum lesson length is five minutes, which means even if you answer a question quickly, you will be paid for at least five minutes.
You have the freedom to choose your own hours and subjects. But you must be a graduate or someone pursuing a four-year degree.
Pros
- Follow Your Own Schedule: There are no limitations to how much you can work, which can lead to decent earnings.
- Pay Per Question: You can also be hired per question and get paid for solving it at your convenience.
Cons
- CF Score: Your CF Score depends on the student, and an unsatisfactory response could lead to you getting your account access revoked.
- Down Time: There will be little work during semester breaks, which is why it is best to rely on Chegg only as a part-time job.
2. TutorMe
Like Chegg, you'll also need to be pursuing a four-year bachelor's degree to be eligible to teach at TutorMe. You'll need to clear a competency test and speak fluent English to be hired.
The hourly rate is set at $16 per hour. But you need to teach at least five hours per week.
Pros
- Great Interface: The TutorMe online interface has everything you need to teach online, including a whiteboard, screen sharing, and audio and video chat.
- Teach From Anywhere: Apart from the US, teachers from Brazil, Canada, Colombia, France, Germany, Italy, Mexico, Philippines, and Spain can submit an application.
Cons
- Minimum Hours: The five hours per week rule can be difficult to maintain when you have your own exams coming up.
- Experience Needed: You'll need at least two years of tutoring experience to sign up for TutorMe, disqualifying beginners.
3. Tutor.com
Tutor.com has ties with the Princeton Review and offers a wide variety of subjects for students to choose from. However, college students are assigned basic courses and students in lower grades.
Like TutorMe, you need to teach for at least five hours per week to keep your account up and running.
You also need to pass a competency test to qualify as a teacher. The hourly rate is not set and varies based on the subject that is being taught.
Pros
- Regular Payment: Tutor.com manages the payments so that you don't have to worry about anything other than teaching.
- Resource Center: Once you get recruited, you get to access their tutor resource center and get mentored by senior tutors.
Cons
- Maximum and Minimum Limit: You need to teach for a minimum of five hours a week, and can teach a maximum of 29 hours a week, even though you can pick up unscheduled hours.
- Low Payout: The amount you earn per hour is very low in comparison to the effort you put in.
4. Studypool
Studypool has a unique system where tutors bid to solve a question that a student asks.
There will be a time limit set for each question, and it is up to the student to choose the tutor that best suits their needs.
Although the maximum earnings have been reported to be around $7,500, it depends on the amount of time you can devote and the discretion of the student.
Pros
- No Set Schedule: You don't need to block out a certain amount of time for lessons. You only need to devote a small amount of time to solving questions and bidding for them.
- Potential to Earn More: There is no set hourly rate for Studypool questions, meaning you can bid more when the budget is higher.
Cons
- No Guarantee of Earnings: There is no guarantee that a student will choose your document, which means there's no guarantee that you'll get paid for your efforts.
- High Commission: The initial commission is 15% until the tutor withdraws from their account for the first time. After this, it rises to 32.5%.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it possible to be an Online Tutor as a Student?
Yes, it is possible. Parents even prefer students in some cases since they won’t have to pay as much. College students are also more likely to bond easily with high school students to help them with their studies.
What Are the Benefits of Providing Tutoring Services Online?
First, you get to follow your own schedule. You also save time, money, and energy that would have been spent on commuting. This helps college students devote time to their academics without having to exert themselves too much.
Final Thoughts
If you’re a college student looking for online tutoring jobs, you have more than a few options. But before you tutor students, remember to analyze their requirements to see if they’re a good fit for you before committing.
Teaching subjects that you’re currently studying can also be beneficial since you revise the concepts and are able to teach them at a deeper level.
If you liked this article, let us know what you found most helpful in the comments below, and feel free to share it with any college tutors you know.