13 Online Tutoring Jobs for Beginners: How to Make Some Cash Teaching Others

Ever thought about making some cash with online tutoring jobs? Since the great pivot of 2020, many aspects of our lives have gone virtual. Meetings, workouts, grocery shopping, and yes, even school. A quick Google search will return more than a handful of companies offering online tutoring in every subject imaginable. The trend of online tutoring jobs has only gone up in demand and isn’t projected to slow down anytime soon, making it the perfect job if you’re looking to make a career change and are passionate about certain topics.

Maybe you’re a teacher looking to make some cash on the side, a college student who wants to kick-start your teaching career, or a math whiz who wants to help struggling students. Not only is it surprisingly easy to get started, but we’ll break down the pros, cons, qualifications, and potential payouts of the top 13 companies out there. The process for many of these companies is fairly straightforward — you’ll submit an application and sign off on a background check, complete a profile, set a rate, and wait for sign-ups.

As far as tech goes, many of the following companies have their own platforms and will train tutors on how to use them; the only things you’ll need are a computer with a webcam, headphones, and reliable internet access. And don’t worry if you’re not good with kids — depending on the site you sign up with, you can opt to help college students or even adults. Read on for our list of the best tutoring sites to hop onto to start making a difference (and some extra cash!).

For more side hustle ideas, download the KCL app.

 

Benefits of online tutoring jobs

You can reap the benefits of teaching online in a couple of different ways — you can opt for a site that enables you to step in when a student needs on demand help (homework or an upcoming test) or when they want to learn something new or fine-tune their skills and go for more of an online course route. Online tutoring enables you to set your own hours, teaching schedule, and sometimes, your own rate. And since you’re sharing resources and meeting online, you can work from anywhere in the U.S. (and in some cases, the world!).

 

13 Online Tutoring Jobs

1. Outschool online tutoring jobs

• Sign Up Info: Outschool encourages prospective tutors to check out their Outschool Educator Library as a first step. From there, you’ll submit the application, create a profile, and complete Outschool training sessions. You can then create and submit your first class.
• Qualifications: Outschool doesn’t require formal teaching credentials to become a tutor. You do have to be over 18, reside full-time in the U.S., Canada, Australia, New Zealand, England, or Wales, have expertise in the class you’re teaching, and pass a criminal background check and ID verification.
• What do you need to start working? A tablet, smartphone, or computer with internet, microphone, and camera access, although a computer is recommended.
• Potential Payout: Outschool takes 30% of the family’s payment, and educators receive 70%. The typical price is $18 – $21 per learner, but some tutors can go beyond this range, depending on the class. Outschool teachers set their own class prices, and there are no lower or upper limits. Class pricing typically varies based on the size, duration, and topic of the class, with longer classes priced higher than one-time or ongoing classes.
• Grades/Subjects: K – 12th grade. Outschool offers classes on various subjects, depending on what tutors have a specialty in. They suggest offering a range of classes, including short form introductory classes that meet one to four times, as well as longer form semester-long classes.
• Platforms: Outschool is Zoom-based.
• Fun Fact/Good to Know: You can teach unique classes and attract motivated learners who seek out your class. They also have an educator Facebook group where you can swap tips and ask questions of other tutors.

 

2. Sylvan (mySylvan Marketplace+) online tutoring jobs

• Sign Up Info: At Sylvan, the entire process — from application to a tutoring session — can take about one to two weeks. Sign up at SylvanLearning.com and create an account and fill out the application. Sylvan conducts phone interviews and background checks before hiring online tutors.
• Qualifications: Sylvan looks for teachers with proven classroom or tutoring experience, state-certified teachers, and professionals who have completed college degrees and/or subject matter expertise in their fields of study.
• What do you need to start working? A tablet or computer with internet, microphone, and webcam access. If you opt for the SylvanSync training, you’ll need an iPad too.
• Potential Payout: Sylvan lets tutors set their own rates for classes and claims to have one of the lowest commission fees out there when it comes to online tutoring.
• Grades/Subjects: K – 12th grade. Subjects include math, reading/language arts, science, history, foreign language, test prep, and homework support.
• Platforms: SylvanSync is Sylvan’s digital adaptive learning platform in reading and math.
• Fun Fact/Good to Know: Sylvan has been around for over 40 years and is a well-known name in the education world. They’ll reimburse you for the cost of the background check — a perk for tutors. They also give tutors the option to become certified in the Sylvan Method, where they send you everything you need to access and complete a 2-hour training. You’ll receive a badge on your profile showing parents that you’re certified and receive credentials to access SylvanSync, their digital learning platform.

 

3. Online tutoring jobs at Stride Tutoring

• Sign Up Info: Create a Stride Tutoring account and profile to show off your talent and expertise and upload supporting documents to verify your certification. Stride will review your application and notify you if approved.
• Qualifications: Stride requires that you are a U.S. citizen, are eligible to work in the U.S., have strong oral and written communication skills, and are a state-certified teacher. To be certified, a teacher usually must achieve a bachelor’s degree or higher, complete a state-approved teacher preparation program, complete a student teaching experience, and pass a series of exams.
• What do you need to start working? A tablet or computer with internet, microphone, and webcam access.
• Potential Payout: Students are charged $65 per hour, the majority of which will be earned by the tutor. Tutors will have opportunities to earn more money over time. You’re paid every other week.
• Grades/Subjects: Stride offers more than 350 courses in grades K – 12.
• Platforms: Stride uses D2L/Brightspace and their own online learning system.
• Fun Fact/Good to Know: There is no minimum amount of hours, and the course list is extensive, offering tutoring in subject areas that other tutoring services don’t.

 

4. Wyzant online tutoring jobs

• Sign Up Info: Your Wyzant application will be reviewed within 48 hours. Then you’ll choose the subjects you’d like to tutor and write your profile.
• Qualifications: Wyzant doesn’t require that tutors be certified teachers. You do have to be 18, live in the U.S., and have a valid social security number. In addition, they’ll ask that you either take a proficiency quiz (and pass it) in your subject area before you can list that subject on your profile or provide written qualification instead of the quiz.
• What do you need to start working? A tablet or computer with internet, microphone, and webcam access.
• Potential Payout: Tutors set their own fees on Wyzant depending on their qualifications and experience. All tutors will retain 75% of their posted hourly rate for lessons with students, and Wyzant will retain a 25% platform fee.
• Grades/Subjects: Kindergarten through College; Wyzant has over 250 subject areas for tutors to connect with students.
• Platforms: Wyzant’s Online Learning Tool provides real-time video chat for easy and direct communication and an interactive whiteboard for uploading documents, plotting functions, or working out equations.
• Fun Fact/Good to Know: Wyzant will only let tutors take the subject-area quizzes once (without many exceptions), so make sure you know your stuff before taking the proficiency quiz.

 

5. Online tutoring jobs at Tutor.com

• Sign Up Info: The process from application to class for a tutoring job at Tutor.com usually takes about one to three weeks.
• Qualifications: Live in the U.S. (excluding certain jurisdictions in Pennsylvania and U.S. Territories other than Puerto Rico) and able to work in the U.S.; commit to at least five hours per week; an expert in your subject area; college sophomore or higher pursuing a degree OR have a 4-year degree.
• What do you need to start working? A computer with internet, microphone, and webcam access; Microsoft Office or equivalent third-party software. Tutor.com prefers PC users but will consider Mac users with the right tech setup.
• Potential Payout: You’re paid a set hourly rate dictated by the subjects you tutor, and there are incentives available for high quality tutoring. Tutor pay varies based on a number of factors, including but not limited to tutor longevity, subject, and more.
• Grades/Subjects: K – Adult; Extensive list of subjects available for tutors to teach.
• Platforms: Tutor.com has its own platform they use for tutoring sessions.
• Fun Fact/Good to Know: Tutor.com especially loves to hire military spouses through their partnership with The Military Spouse Employment Partnership (MSEP). They also have extremely flexible schedules for their tutors, enabling them to create a schedule each week, log on unscheduled and pickup sessions, or set availability for scheduled appointments.

 

 

6. Skooli online tutoring jobs

• Sign Up Info: If you’re quick to create a profile at Skooli.com and upload all necessary docs, they’ll follow up with you within a few days.
• Qualifications: To become a tutor with Skooli, you must have one or more of the following qualifications: Bachelor’s degree and teaching certification; Master’s degree or Ph.D.; state or provincial teaching license; or ESL or other language qualification. Skooli will conduct a criminal background check and ask you to complete a profile and upload any necessary documents. After that, a rep will call you for an interview if you’re chosen to move forward in the process.
• What do you need to start working? A computer with internet, microphone, and webcam access.
• Potential Payout: Tutors are paid a competitive hourly rate based on qualifications and experience. Although hourly rates are set, tutors’ earnings are calculated per minute for all completed tutoring sessions. Once you reach $100 in earnings, you can request a payout.
• Grades/Subjects: K – College. Skooli mainly tutors in math, science, and English, but they do have over 1,700 other subjects listed on the site so tutors can find their specialty.
• Platforms: Skooli has its own platform with a whiteboard for tutors to use, and all sessions are recorded and available for parents to watch later.
• Fun Fact/Good to Know: Requests from students can come through your online portal or through email and text. Replying quickly ensures you get the job first. There’s also a demo classroom you can log into to get familiar with Skooli’s teaching tools.

 

7. Online tutoring jobs at TutorMe

• Sign Up Info: The process takes about a month. You’ll complete an online application first and demonstrate your knowledge with a skills assessment, choose your area of expertise, agree to a background check, and participate in the onboarding process before connecting to students.
• Qualifications: You must be 18 or older; possess two or more years of verifiable teaching or tutoring experience; enrolled in or have graduated from an accredited university; demonstrate mastery in your subject area.
• What do you need to start working? A computer with internet, Google Chrome, microphone, and webcam access.
• Potential Payout: TutorMe tutors make $16 per hour.
• Grades/Subjects: K – College; over 300 subjects are available.
• Platforms: TutorMe uses their Lesson Space, which is a virtual classroom where you can use tools to communicate with your student: audio/video chat, text-based chat, dynamic whiteboard, text editor, Google Doc upload, and screen sharing.
• Fun Fact/Good to Know: TutorMe pays their tutors weekly, as opposed to others that pay biweekly or monthly. You can also work from anywhere in the world. TutorMe is highly competitive, though, and only accepts 4% of applicants.

 

8. Learn to Be online tutoring jobs

• Sign Up Info: Learn to Be reviews applications every day, so you’ll know if you’re approved within 24 hours or so. After a background check, you’ll attend a virtual onboarding and then start your classes. Expect to get started in your first class in about a week or so.
• Qualifications: Age 14+ and be able to work in the U.S.
• What do you need to start working? A tablet or computer with internet, microphone, and webcam access.
• Potential Payout: Since LTB is on a volunteer basis, there’s no payout.
• Grades/Subjects: K – 12th grade; Core subjects including math, English, science, history, and writing.
• Platforms: Platforms include Zoom, Big Blue Button, and Group World.
• Fun Fact/Good to Know: LTB offers its tutors opportunities for skill and leadership development. Its mission is to “make the lives of underserved kids and their families easier, their opportunities greater, and their dreams bigger.”

 

9. Online tutoring jobs at Remind

• Sign Up Info: Fill out an application, take a subject-level assessment, and complete a mock tutoring evaluation.
• Qualifications: Have to be able to work in the U.S., be able to commit to at least five hours per week, be either a certified teacher with at least a year of teaching experience in the classroom or have several years of math tutoring experience.
• What do you need to start working? A tablet or computer with internet, microphone, and webcam access. You have to pass the subject-level assessments with a high score, complete a successful mock tutoring evaluation, and agree to a background check.
• Potential Payout: Tutors can make more than $2,000 per month. Once you’re accepted as a tutor, you can negotiate Remind’s percentage.
• Grades/Subjects: 1st – 6th grade math, Pre-Algebra, Algebra, Geometry, Trigonometry, Pre-Calculus, Calculus, AP Calculus AB & BC, AP Statistics, Statistics, and 1st – 6th grade English.
• Platforms: Remind uses the Limnu Whiteboard.
• Fun Fact/Good to Know: Remind takes pride in building rapport and relationships with their students instead of relying on “one-and-done” or single problem-focused sessions. Remind cannot currently hire tutors from California, Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, or Vermont.

 

10. TutorEye online tutoring jobs

• Sign Up Info: The process takes an average of five days. Submit an application, and if you’re chosen to move forward, you’ll have to take a subject test consisting of 30 multiple choice questions, or you need to write an essay if you’re applying as an English tutor. TutorEye will conduct internal checks of your qualifications, certifications, teaching experience, proof of education, address proof, and ID credentials. Once cleared, you’ll set up a video profile and schedule, and then you can begin tutoring.
• Qualifications: You don’t have to be located in the U.S. to tutor. TutorEye wants their tutors to be friendly, professional, and supportive teachers from top-tier colleges who can understand student psychology. TutorEye tutors must have a bachelor’s degree, but many have anything up to a doctorate in a particular subject.
• What do you need to start working? A tablet or computer with internet, microphone, and webcam access. Headphones are beneficial as well for their platform.
• Potential Payout: Tutors earn more money the more hours they teach. Earnings are also dependent on what country you are in and your review feedback from students.
• Grades/Subjects: Middle and high school. Subjects include math, English, physics, chemistry, biology, and test prep.
• Platforms: TutorEye has their own platform which runs from an internet browser and will provide you with whiteboard training using classroom tools to conduct your live sessions.
• Fun Fact/Good to Know: You can replay tutoring sessions, since they’re saved after the session is finished. TutorEye relies on their digital whiteboard, which is equipped with screen sharing, file uploading, and audio-video tools that enhance learning. You can access their platform on desktop and mobile devices.

 

11. Online tutoring jobs at Preply

• Sign Up Info: Applying for a tutoring job at Preply is simple. You’ll provide some basic information about yourself, choose availability, upload a headshot photo, describe your strengths as a tutor, and record a short video introduction.
• Qualifications: Preply doesn’t require you to have any specific certifications or teaching experience. They just want people with excellent communication skills who enjoy sharing their knowledge and making a difference in students’ lives.
• What do you need to start working? A computer with internet, microphone, and webcam access.
• Potential Payout: Preply lets you choose your hourly rate and change it anytime. On average, English tutors charge $15 – $25 per hour. Preply charges a commission for the lessons that you teach. The commission for a trial lesson with a new student is 100%. The commission for the subsequent lessons starts at 33% and decreases to 18%; the more hours you teach on Preply, the lower the rate of commission.
• Grades/Subjects: Preply focuses on both children and adults, and there are over 100 subjects to choose from on their site.
• Platforms: Preply Classroom is used for lessons that can be accessed through their mobile platform as well.
• Fun Fact/Good to Know: There’s no minimum time commitment or fixed schedule, and Preply offers extensive support from their team through training webinars, live chat, and email.

12. Online tutoring jobs at Paper

• Sign Up Info: Paper requires an online application, skill test, interview with screening, and training before beginning tutoring sessions.
• Qualifications: You must live in the U.S. or Canada and be able to commit to at least 10 hours per week.
• What do you need to start working? A tablet or computer with internet, microphone, and webcam access.
• Potential Payout: Tutor pay is around $15 per hour, with the ability to earn more as you gain experience.
• Grades/Subjects: K – 12; core subjects including STEM and Humanities, English, Spanish, French, and Mandarin.
• Platforms: Paper has their own platform which includes features such as a whiteboard and chat function.
• Fun Fact/Good to Know: Paper partners with some school districts to offer on demand, unlimited homework help and tutoring for free, which means there may be more hours for tutors during the school year. Paper tutors are also permanent employees, not independent contractors, enjoying more income stability than other services.

13. Online tutoring jobs at Varsity Tutors

• Sign Up Info: Once approved, tutors can start working immediately. To be approved, applicants must go through a vetting process that involves several steps, including phone and face-to-face interviews, an academic and prior experience check, a background check, and mock tutoring sessions.
• Qualifications: Many of their tutors have a higher-level degree, and you must demonstrate expertise in the subject you’re interested in tutoring in.
• What do you need to start working? A phone, tablet, or computer with internet, microphone, and webcam access.
• Potential Payout: A tutor’s rate varies based on their experience, background, and subject they’re teaching. It’s possible to make up to $3,000 or more in a month, depending on how much time you want to spend tutoring.
• Grades/Subjects: PreK – Adult. Varsity Tutors offers tutoring in core subjects, test prep, and even enrichment (classes like STEM, music, and coding).
• Platforms: Varsity Tutors has its own platform with all the various tools necessary for learning, such as online whiteboards, video chat, document collaboration, graphing, and integrated practice problems.
• Fun Fact/Good to Know: Varsity Tutors are available at the push of a button for instant help and pride themselves on hiring only the top experts for tutoring, resulting in high quality instruction.