How much should you pay a tutor?
For those who are unaccustomed to getting tutoring, it can be tricky to know how much you should be aiming to pay a tutor. This article will break down the average prices for tutoring and some of the traps which could await you if you are less informed.
Let’s break down some common assumptions about pay: how true are they?
‘You pay for experience’
The assumption that you pay for experience tends to be accurate. The least experienced tutors who are straight out of VCE generally will charge anywhere from $20 to $50 per hour. However, the more experienced that they become, you will most likely notice that their rates will increase. On the other hand, if you are looking to find a teacher to tutor you, they will probably charge over $70 for an hour, and subject examiners may charge even more. Keep in mind that these prices are just a generalisation, however, and the rate charged varies drastically from tutor to tutor.
‘You pay for what you get’
This can be a common assumption: that the more you pay, the better your tutor will be. However, this is not always the case. If you are a student, you know that not every teacher is a great fit for every student, so you may come across a very expensive tutor who is less helpful than someone straight out of school who understands the position that you are in!
It’s most important to find a tutor who understands your specific needs and is ready to meet these needs. Look into trial lessons – many tutors offer discounted or even free trial sessions. Use these to investigate your options and find the best value for money! Tutoring is a long-term investment, after all.
‘Tutoring is always expensive’
Tutoring is a massive market in Australia. If you are in a big city, you should always be able to find options for tutoring at any pay rate – and if not, you can always look into online tutoring.
A popular method of getting tutored at a cheaper rate is to do group tutoring. There are many tutors who accept and even prefer tutoring small groups of two or three students. The rates for group tutoring tend to be far cheaper (around $15 to $35 per hour, per student), and the learning outcomes can be even better when you’re working with peers or friends who help motivate you to study.
Online tutoring, as mentioned above, is another option usually less pricy than in-person tutoring. Because the tutor will not need to travel, they will usually reduce their set rate, and you reap the benefits of tutoring at the most convenient time, in your own home.
Additionally, keep in mind that tutoring does not have to be weekly, which is one of the factors that can make it so expensive! Most tutors are open to helping out every now and then when needed, which can be a better return for money if you don’t feel you need a weekly lesson.
If you loved this article, you will LOVE all of our other articles, such as: 3 Facts You Should Know About Your ATAR, Tips for Supporting Your Child in Year 11 and 12! and Will anyone care about your ATAR in a year?
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About Learnmate
Learnmate is a trusted Australian community platform that connects students who want 1:1 or small group study support, with tutors who are looking to share their knowledge and earn an income. From primary school to high school subjects — from science and maths to niche subjects like visual communication — Learnmate can help you improve academic performance or boost confidence, at your pace with the tutor that you choose.
We pride ourselves in offering a reliable and positive experience for both our students and tutors. Every tutor that joins the platform is vetted to meet a level of academic excellence, teaching qualification or relevant experience. All tutors are provided the opportunity to complete professional training.
Students and parents can easily find and screen for tutors based on their location, their subject results or skill level, and whether they provide in-person or online sessions. Learnmate is proud to provide tutors in Melbourne, Sydney, Geelong, Brisbane, Hobart, Canberra, Perth & Adelaide, and other locations.
Learnmate also has tutors for all curriculums: HSC, IB, QCE, BSSS, SACE, TASC, WACE, VCE and UMAT