What Does a Tutor Do? Duties, Pay & Outlook

What does a tutor do?

Tutors help students learn subjects and skills, prepare for tests and build study habits, working one-on-one or in small groups in person or online. The median pay is $43,350 per year (BLS, May 2025), most people train for about Weeks to months, and employment is projected to grow -0.2% from 2025–35.

Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026

Median pay
$43,350
$20.84/hour · May 2025
Job growth
-0.2%
2025–35, little or no change
Openings per year
34,200
Average, 2025–35
Typical entry education
Some college, no degree
BLS classification
Time to train
Weeks to months
Typical program length
U.S. jobs
208,400
Employment, 2025

What tutors do

Tutors give students personalized help. They assess where students struggle, explain concepts in new ways, practice skills, help with homework, prepare students for tests such as the SAT or state exams and build confidence. They work for tutoring companies, schools, colleges and as independent tutors online or in person.

No license is required. Strong subject knowledge and teaching skills matter most; many tutors are college students, teachers or professionals. Tutoring can be a flexible side job or a full business.

Typical duties

Assess students’ strengths and gaps
Explain concepts clearly
Guide practice and homework
Prepare students for tests
Teach study and organization skills
Track progress
Communicate with parents and teachers

Work environment and schedule

Tutors work in learning centers, schools, libraries, homes and online.

Schedule: Tutoring is often after school, evenings and weekends, with flexible part-time hours.

A day in the life

3:30 PMReview a student’s recent quiz before the session.
4:00 PMTutor algebra, reteaching solving equations.
5:00 PMRun an online SAT reading session.
6:00 PMHelp a middle schooler organize homework.

See a full day in the life of a tutor →

Tutor salary

Half of tutors earned more than $43,350 and half earned less in May 2025. Pay ranged from about $29,430 for the lowest 10% to $75,990 for the top 10%.

$29,43010th$43,350Median$75,99090th

Full tutor pay scale and hourly rates →

How to become a tutor

Choose subjects
Build teaching skills
Get certified or trained
Find students
Grow

No license is required. Many tutors have some college or a degree in their subject. Tutoring companies may require tests of subject knowledge.

Step-by-step guide to becoming a tutor →

Skills and tools

Technical skills

Subject expertise
Explaining concepts
Assessment
Test preparation
Online teaching tools

People skills

Patience
Encouragement
Communication
Adaptability

All tutor skills and tools →

Pros and cons

Pros

Flexible hours
Online options
Meaningful one-on-one impact
Start a business

Cons

Irregular income
After-school and evening hours
Building a client base
Seasonal demand

Certifications and licenses

CRLA tutor certification: College Reading and Learning Association tutor training.
National Tutoring Association certification: Professional tutor credential.
Test prep training: Company training for SAT, ACT or other exams.
Teaching license: Helpful but not required.

Career path

Tutor: Help students individually.
Lead Tutor or Specialist: Specialize in test prep or subjects.
Center Director: Manage a learning center.
Tutoring Business Owner: Run your own business.

Learn the job before day one

Our Tutor training (10 hours, $89.99) covers the role, 15+ key terms, step-by-step procedures such as run a first tutoring session and explain a concept a different way, safety and how to land your first job.

View Tutor training Is this career right for me?

Teacher Assistant

Support teachers and help students learn in classrooms.

$36,780
Weeks to 2 years depending on the district

Substitute Teacher

Step in for absent teachers and keep classrooms learning.

$41,670
Days to weeks for a substitute permit

Adult Education Teacher

Teach adults to read, earn a GED and learn English.

$61,540
4 years plus certificates

High School Teacher

Teach teenagers a subject and prepare them for college, careers and life.

$72,040
4 years plus licensing

Compare: Tutor vs. Teacher Assistant · Tutor vs. Substitute Teacher · Tutor vs. Adult Education Teacher · Tutor vs. High School Teacher

Tutor FAQ

Do tutors need a license?

No, but subject expertise is important.

Can tutors work online?

Yes. Online tutoring is common.

How do tutors find students?

Through companies, schools, referrals and marketing.

How much does a tutor make?

The median annual wage for tutors was $43,350 ($20.84 per hour) in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $29,430 and the highest 10% earned more than $75,990.

How long does it take to become a tutor?

Most people need about Weeks to months of training. No license is required. Many tutors have some college or a degree in their subject. Tutoring companies may require tests of subject knowledge.

Do you need a degree to be a tutor?

No four-year degree is typically required. BLS lists “some college, no degree” as the typical entry-level education.

Sources

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025, SOC 25-3041 (Tutors).
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Employment Projections, Table 1.2 (2025–35).
O*NET OnLine summary for Tutors (U.S. Department of Labor).
BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.

Reviewed by the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team. Pay figures are national estimates; local pay varies. See our editorial policy.

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