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Online Tutoring Jobs for College Students

For college students looking to make some money on the side, tutoring is one of the best gigs. Not only does it allow you to use the knowledge you’ve gained over the years, but it can also solidify your grasp of basic concepts that you’ll use in class. Many students also prefer online sessions, which means you can easily work from home. However, not all online tutoring jobs are created equal.

Before applying to be a tutor, you’ll want to think about what you’re looking for. Consider factors like availability, preferred subjects and hourly rate. Once you’ve figured out what you want in a job, you’ll be able to easily narrow down your options. Let’s talk about the top websites where you can find the right tutoring job for you.

Learn more: How to find online jobs for college students

Tutor.com

Founded in 1998, Tutor.com has been a leader in the online tutoring industry for over 20 years. The company has also expanded its reach into other areas of education, having acquired The Princeton Review in 2014. Tutor.com offers services in over 200 subjects to students from kindergarten through college. Their website also advertises that some clients are adult learners who want to learn more about a topic.

Application process

The process to become a tutor with Tutor.com is somewhat exhaustive, especially compared to some other websites. First, you need to fill out an application on the company website. If you’re approved to move forward, you’ll complete a timed subject test for the areas you’d like to teach. However, some tutors may qualify to skip the exam if they have the necessary certifications. Next, applicants will speak to a staff member in a virtual interview. Then, after logistical steps like application processing and profile creation, you’ll be able to start tutoring.

How it works

Tutors must tutor between 5-29 hours per week. Once approved, you can complete your hours through on-demand sessions, where you sign into the classroom and make yourself available to help students live. Tutors can also offer asynchronous review services, in which they go over students’ work and offer feedback.

Tutor.com doesn’t list a guaranteed rate on its website. However, online sources like Glassdoor say that tutors make about $13 per hour on average. Many tutors are appreciative of the flexibility and freedom to choose their own hours. However, some are frustrated at the limited number of hours, especially for new tutors.

Yup

If you pride yourself on your math skills, Yup could be the platform for you. The website offers tutoring in a variety of subjects, including early math, pre-algebra, geometry, calculus and standardized test prep.

Application process

In order to work at Yup, tutors can apply through a simple three-step process. First, you’ll need to submit a written application. After that, you’ll take a math proficiency exam to ensure that you meet the company’s standards. Finally, you’ll undergo a teaching exam designed to mimic a tutoring session. Once you’ve passed the last stage, you’ll be eligible to take on hours.

How it works

Yup’s structure is a little unconventional. Rather than scheduling general one-on-one tutoring sessions, students will take a photo of a math problem and submit it on the website. Then, a tutor will connect with them, and they’ll solve the problem together. Tutors are trained to follow a framework called UPSCR, which stands for Understand, Plan, Solve, Check and Reflect.

On average, tutors at Yup make about $11 per hour. However, you’ll be paid for every minute that you’re logged in, even if you’re not teaching. Therefore, if you have some busywork to do while waiting for a student, you can feel free to multitask.

Some tutors have complained about the low pay at Yup, especially considering their high caliber. Others have taken issue with how every session is reviewed and scored, which may stress out tutors by making them feel the need to double-check every message to their students. However, the flexible work schedule makes Yup a good fit for many employees.

Magic Ears

Unlike many academically-focused tutoring websites, Magic Ears is a tutoring platform specifically aimed at teaching English to Chinese kids ages 4-12. Tutors must be native English-speakers from the US and Canada. They also must be enrolled in a degree program or have already earned their Bachelor’s degree, which makes it a perfect fit for college students.

Application process

The application process for Magic Ears is likely the most intensive on this list. Before you even apply to be a Magic Ears tutor, you must first get a TEFL or TESOL certification. If you’ve gotten the credentials from previous English teaching experience, you can start the application right away. Otherwise, Magic Ears has created its own 120-hour online course, which costs $20 to enroll in.

If your application is approved, you’ll move onto the next step– a mini demo. In the mini demo, you’ll talk to a real employee to answer basic questions about previous experience and where you got (or are getting) your Bachelor’s degree. After that, you’ll undergo a training session with a current Magic Ears teacher to learn the ropes. If that goes well, you’ll just have to take care of logistics, like filling out a background check and signing a 6-month contract.

Once accepted, teachers are placed into tiers based on experience, ranging from bronze to platinum. These levels determine your base pay per class. While those with previous English teaching jobs may begin at a higher tier, others can work their way up over time. At the start, tutors are also only permitted to schedule a few classes per day. However, after a couple of months, the restrictions disappear.

How it works

Each class is a 25-minute, 1-on-4 teaching session. Because the hours are scheduled to fit students in Beijing, finding the right slots may be tricky if you’re a late riser. Teachers can sign up everyday from 5am to 9am EST, as well as 9pm to 9am EST on Saturday and Sunday.

Pay varies based on your tier. Bronze teachers earn a base pay of $7.50 for a class, or $15 per hour. Gold teachers earn $8.50 per class, and platinum teachers earn $10. However, they can also earn bonus incentives on top of that. For example, if you open at least 60 classes per month during peak time slots, you can earn an extra $1 per class. Additionally, if you arrive at your first class 3-10 minutes early, you can earn another $1 per class. Most teachers end up making about $20-26 per hour.

Wyzant

Wyzant is more of a tutoring job board than its own service. Rather than equipping tutors with their own teaching materials and strategies, they focus more on matching them with students. Even though signing up with Wyzant doesn’t guarantee clients, many tutors have reported getting a significant boost to business using it.

Application process

Since Wyzant doesn’t employ its own tutors, the sign-up process is relatively simple. All you have to do to be listed on the site is to create a profile. You’ll be prompted to select the subjects you’d like to tutor, write up a Free Response, list any certifications, upload a photo and read over the agreement. It may take a few days to process your submission. Then, once you’ve signed up, it’s your job to land your clients. Fortunately, Wyzant offers some resources and tips to get more jobs and grow your tutoring business.

How it works

All sessions offered on Wyzant are private one-on-one lessons. They can be online or in-person, depending on student’s and tutor’s availability. Tutors on Wyzant set their own rates, typically ranging from $30 to $60. If you’re just starting out, it can help to set lower prices initially in order to draw in clients. It’s also important to note that Wyzant takes 25% of the tutor’s hourly rate. Therefore, if you charge a client $30, you’re only taking home $22.50 at the end of the day.

As a tutor, you’re also responsible for completing paperwork for each session within five days. Wyzant will process all of your payments via direct deposit so you can receive them on the 1st and 15th of each month.

See also: Top financial tips for college students

Varsity Tutors

Similar to Wyzant, Varsity Tutors operates by connecting tutors with students. It offers tutoring in a wide variety of subjects for students K-12, from math and science to grammar and test prep. The website disclaims that tutors are independent contractors using their own teaching styles, methods and materials.

Application process

The initial application for Varsity Tutors only takes a few minutes to complete. You’ll answer some basic personal information and select subject areas to tutor. If you move onto the next stage, you’ll be asked to schedule a phone interview and complete some online testing. After that, you’ll be added to the roster.

How it works

Varsity Tutors offers online and in-person tutoring on an as needed basis. Students will reach out with their academic goals and needs, and Varsity Tutors will match them to a tutor who meets their specifications. Then, the tutor will contact the student to arrange a session online using the Live Learning Platform.

Tutors can also offer on-demand services, which means they have to accept requests from students as they arise. However, those who want to take those jobs have to act fast. Some report that the “instant session” link often disappears within 10 seconds.

While Varsity Tutor instructors can technically make $15-40 per hour, the average tutor makes around $17. Many tutors have complained about the rate, especially because it’s a small fraction of what clients pay. It can also be frustrating when tutors spend extra time outside of the session that they’re not compensated for. However, many still appreciate the freedom and flexibility of being able to choose which clients to accept.

TutaPoint

TutaPoint is an online tutoring service that offers a variety of subjects, including standardized test prep. Students can sign up for live, on-demand sessions at any time around the clock. They’ll also get access to the website’s Worksheet Library and Resource Center.

Application process

The process to become a tutor at TutaPoint is relatively straightforward. Once applicants create an account on the website, they’ll submit an online application. If that’s approved, they can submit references, complete a test and sign up for an online interview. Once you’ve become a tutor on the platform, the administrative team will continue monitoring tutoring sessions to ensure quality.

How it works

Sessions on TutaPoint range from one to two hours in duration. Tutors must keep their video on during the session. They’re also encouraged to use some of the features on the video conferencing platform, including a virtual whiteboard and file-sharing tools.

Tutors at TutaPoint typically make $15-17 per hour. Many have expressed dissatisfaction with this rate, especially since clients pay a consistent $50 per hour. However, others have found it to be a fun, flexible way to earn some extra money.

Becoming a tutor can be a great way to make some extra money in college. However, it can be difficult to find a position that fits your strengths. Hopefully, this list can give you a good start. Good luck finding your next online tutoring job!

Advantages of a tutoring job

Tutoring jobs are a great opportunity for college students for a myriad of reasons. Let’s get into a few of the reasons why a tutoring job might be ideal for you:

• Flexible hours allow you to work around your school schedule
• Relatively higher pay than many other jobs for college students
• Great boost to your resume and can prepare you for future academic positions such as a teaching assistant
• Valuable work experience that can help you decide whether you’d like to pursue teaching

See also:

• How to make money in college
• How to save money in college
• Making a budget for college students