Starting out as a student tutor is a fantastic way to share what you’ve learned, help others succeed, and earn extra income along the way. With millions of people searching for ways to get started, it’s clear that tutoring is in demand. If you’ve been asking, “How can I become a tutor as a student?” you’re not alone.

 A friend of mine recently said, “I’ve thought about tutoring, but it feels like there’s so much competition.” 

This got me thinking about how students can break into tutoring and succeed. In this article, I’ll guide you through the steps to get started, the challenges you might face, and a straightforward approach to make tutoring stress-free and effective.

8 Tutoring Methods to Help You Find Your Teaching Sweet Spot

Whether you’re looking for a flexible part-time gig or a full-time career, there are various ways you can apply your skills to help others. Below, I’ll list some of the most common tutoring options, so you can decide which one fits you best.

Tutoring Method	Description	Average Earning per month
Online Tutoring	Teaching through platforms like Zoom or Skype, perfect for flexibility.	$1000 – $3000
In-Person Tutoring	Meeting students in person for more personalized lessons.	$2000 – $4000
Group Tutoring	Teaching small groups, often at a lower rate per student but more efficient.	Up to $3000 (If Part-time) and $5000 (If Full-time)
Freelance Tutoring	Setting up your own business and finding students independently.	$1000 to $5000 depends on client base
Homework Assistance	Helping students with their daily home-work assignments	$1200 – $2000
Test Preparation	Focusing on helping students prepare for exams like SATs or final exams	$4000 – $8000
Subject Specific Tutoring	Specializing in subjects like Math, English, or Science	$2000 – $4500
Language Tutoring	Teaching foreign languages or helping students with language proficiency	$1000 – $4000

The Eligibility Criteria You Need to Know Before Finalizing Tutoring Method

When it comes to becoming a tutor as a student, understanding the eligibility criteria for different tutoring methods is key to getting started. Here’s what you need to know about the eligibility requirements for each method:

1. Online Tutoring

Teach your way, make a difference, and keep it cozy!  Online tutoring is your chance to teach from anywhere, but it’s not as simple as opening your laptop. You need more than just knowledge—you’ll need tech savvy, a good internet connection, and the ability to create engaging lessons virtually.

 Eligibility Criteria:  

• Most online platforms require a high school diploma.
• Having a degree or certifications in education or a specific subject can help boost your credibility. 
• You’ll also need strong communication skills and reliable technology—like a computer, camera, and good internet connection. 

2. In-person Tutoring

In-person tutoring is where you literally step into the student’s world, bringing your lessons to life right in front of them. It’s about walking into their space—whether it’s a cozy room, a quiet corner at the library, or even their favorite coffee shop—and creating a learning environment that feels uniquely tailored to them. 

In-person tutoring is all about creating personal connections. It’s not just about teaching—it’s about relating to your student and adjusting to their pace. If you can read the room and motivate students face-to-face, this method is a solid choice!

Eligibility Criteria: 

• Many local tutoring centers only ask for a high school diploma
• Having a degree or a specialized skill (like in Math or English) can give you a competitive edge. 
• A friendly attitude and patience are key when working with students directly.  

3. Group Tutoring

More students, more opportunities!  Think of group tutoring as running a mini classroom. It’s all about keeping everyone involved and making sure each student gets what they need. If you’ve got the skills for handling multiple students and keeping the energy high, group tutoring can be both rewarding and profitable.

Eligibility Criteria:

•  Group tutoring usually requires a good grasp of classroom management.
•  Having teaching experience, certifications, or a teaching degree is a bonus.
• You’ll also need to be able to engage multiple students at once.  

4. Freelance Tutoring

Want to be your own boss? Then this teaching method is for you! 

Freelance tutoring gives you the freedom to set your schedule and rates, but with great freedom comes great responsibility. You’ll need a solid client base, excellent self-discipline, and the drive to promote yourself. The hustle is real, but so is the flexibility.

Eligibility Criteria:

• As a freelancer, there are no strict requirements.
• However, you will need a solid track record in the subject you’re teaching, as well as a professional attitude
• Excellent time management skills to keep things running smoothly on your own.  

5. Homework Assistance

Helping students tackle homework is about more than just solving problems—it’s about teaching them how to solve them on their own. 

Help them get the right answers—every time!

Eligibility Criteria: 

• This type of tutoring usually requires a strong academic background in the subjects you’re helping with.
• Plus the ability to explain complex concepts in a simple way. 
• Most centers prefer candidates with teaching or tutoring experience.  

6. Test Preparation

Test prep tutoring (especially for standardized exams like the SAT, ACT, or GRE) requires more than just knowledge—it demands strategic thinking. Knowing the material is important, but teaching students how to approach tricky questions, manage time, and stay calm under pressure is what truly sets a great tutor apart.

Eligibility Criteria:

•  For test prep, most tutors need a solid understanding of the test taking startegies.
• Along with a degree or certification in the subject.

7. Subject-Specific Tutoring

Are you the go-to expert for your favorite subject?  Then you can count on this teaching mode.

Specializing in a subject like Math or Chemistry can make you the go-to tutor for students in need. With your deep knowledge and passion for the subject, you’ll help students not only improve but thrive.

Eligibility Criteria: 

• Tutors specializing in subjects like Math or Science typically need a strong academic background.
• Often supported by a relevant degree or certification. 
•  Passion for the subject is a must!  

9. Language Tutoring   

Language tutoring opens the door to a world of communication. You don’t have to be a native speaker to teach, but fluency is non-negotiable. The ability to explain grammar, pronunciation, and conversation skills in a way that’s easy to understand will make you a sought-after tutor in no time.

Eligibility Criteria:

• You don’t always need to be a native speaker to teach a language, but fluency is essential. 
• Certification in TESOL or TEFL can help establish your credibility.
•  Experience with students who are non-native speakers is a plus.  

Ready to Teach? Here’s How to Jumpstart Your Tutoring Journey 

Now that you’ve figured out which tutoring method suits you best, it’s time to dive into the “how-to” of getting started. Let’s break it down:

1. Pick Your Niche

Think of this as choosing your superhero power. Are you the Math Whiz who can turn algebra into art, or are you the English guru who can make Shakespeare less of a nightmare? Pick a subject or age group that gets you excited, because teaching something you love is way more fun than teaching just to earn. 

2. Choose Your Platform

Whether you’re a fan of teaching from your cozy couch (hello, online platforms!) or you like face-to-face interaction with students, this decision will set the tone. Online tutoring platforms like Tutor.com or Chegg are great if you love working from your PJs.

Following are some of the online platforms where you can register and start teaching immediately:

Platform	Subjects	Average Pay/ Hour
Tutor.com	K-12, College, Test Prep, Adult Learning	$10 – $50
Chegg Tutors	Math, Science, Language, Test Prep	$20+
Wyzant	K12, College, Professional Skills	$30 – $60
Preply	Languages	$15 – $40
VIPKid	English	$14 – $22
Skooli	Math, Science, Humanities, Test Prep	$25+
Cambly	English	$10 – $12
Brainfuse	K12, College	$12 – $15

However, if you prefer in-person interactions, start Googling local tutoring centers or post your availability on community boards. It’s like shopping for your tutoring “home” – pick one that matches your style.

3. Set Your Rates  

 Charge too little, and you’ll feel like you’re working for pennies. Charge too much, and you might scare off potential students. It’s all about finding that sweet spot. Look at what other tutors are charging, and factor in your experience. Build your reputation first, and the dollars will follow.

 Following are some of tips on setting the rates:

• Start by researching the going rates on tutoring platforms like Wyzant and Tutor.com to understand the average charges for your subject and location.
• If you’re just starting, consider offering introductory or discounted rates to attract your first few clients.
•  Factor in your qualifications—if you have specialized certifications or years of experience, you can justify charging a higher rate, much like SAT prep tutors who charge $80+ per hour.
•  High-demand subjects such as advanced math or coding typically warrant higher prices.
• For in-person tutoring, consider adding a travel fee if you’re commuting long distances.
• Offering discounts for group lessons can help increase the number of clients and students while still providing value.
• Always adjust your rate as you gain experience and positive reviews.
• Make sure your rates reflect your value by showcasing success stories, as parents and students will pay more if they see tangible results, like improved grades or test scores.
• Increase their rates during peak times, like back-to-school or exam seasons, when students are actively seeking help.
• Regularly reassess your rates, especially as you gain testimonials and build a loyal student base, similar to how successful freelance tutors gradually increase their hourly charges on platforms like Upwork.

4. Market Yourself

You can’t just sit there and wait for students to knock on your door. Use social media to flaunt your teaching skills—create a fun Instagram post about your latest tutoring victory or share a TikTok tip on acing a test. A good bio on tutoring websites can work wonders too, but remember, no one’s impressed by a generic “I’m a tutor” line.

Following are some of the profiles where you can take inspiration to start your own:

Before You Start Teaching, Let’s Get Real About the Challenges

• So, first things first, Finding students. You might think they’ll just fall from the sky, but nope! You’ll need to do some heavy lifting. 
• Then comes the Commute, if you’re tutoring in-person, don’t forget about the extra gas money, public transport delays. Suddenly, your “earning money” feels more like “paying for gas.”
• Next, brace yourself for Competition. You’re not the only one in town trying to help students. And Time Management! You’ll find yourself juggling so many students and schedules, you’ll need a second calendar just to track your life. 
• Oh, and let’s not forget about Fulfilling Expectations.
• And last but definitely not least, Payment Issues. You might get the occasional “I’ll pay you next week” or “Can I pay in installments?”

Earn Upto $50/m Without Doing Anything Right Now with PassiveApp

So, tutoring can feel like a non-stop marathon where you’re constantly running around prepping lessons, managing your schedule, and making sure everyone’s happy—your students, their parents, and, of course, your bank account (which is usually on a diet). You’re trading your time for money, and let’s face it, it’s a little exhausting! 

But imagine this: what if you could make money while binge-watching your favorite show or sipping on coffee without lifting a finger?

PassiveApp offers you this opportunity to earn up to $50 by simply:

• Downloading the app
• Installing the app
• Running it in the background

So whether you are sleeping, watching movies, or going out for a walk, PassiveApp will automatically make a passive income without anything.