Day in the life
A Day in the Life of a Tutor
What tutors actually do from the start of a shift to the end: the tasks, tools, schedule and realities of the job.
What is a typical day like for a tutor?
Review a student’s recent quiz before the session. From there, the day usually includes assess students’ strengths and gaps, explain concepts clearly, and guide practice and homework. Tutoring is often after school, evenings and weekends, with flexible part-time hours.
Hour by hour: a typical shift
No two days are identical, but this timeline reflects a realistic day for a tutor working full time.
- Review a student’s recent quiz before the session.
- Tutor algebra, reteaching solving equations.
- Run an online SAT reading session.
- Help a middle schooler organize homework.
- Tutor a college student in chemistry.
- Send progress notes to parents.
- Plan next week’s sessions.
Where tutors work
Tutors work in learning centers, schools, libraries, homes and online.
Hours and schedule
Tutoring is often after school, evenings and weekends, with flexible part-time hours.
Tasks you’ll do most often
- 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
Tools you’ll use every day
- Video conferencing tools
- Digital whiteboards
- Practice tests
- Learning apps
- Scheduling tools
- Progress tracking sheets
The best and hardest parts of the job
What people like
- Flexible hours
- Online options
- Meaningful one-on-one impact
- Start a business
What’s hard
- Irregular income
- After-school and evening hours
- Building a client base
- Seasonal demand
You’ll likely thrive if…
- I like explaining things
- I’m patient
- I know a subject well
- I want flexible work
- I enjoy one-on-one teaching
- I might want my own business
Not sure? Take the free Tutor fit quiz or the Career Match Quiz.
Staying safe on the job
- Follow child safety policies and background checks
- Meet in public or approved spaces
- Protect student privacy online
- Keep sessions professional