Tutor Salary 2025: Median $43,350, Top States Pay Over $80,000
The median annual wage for tutors in the U.S. was $43,350 as of May 2023, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. That works out to about $21 per hour, or a mean wage of $48,050. The middle 80% of tutors earn between $29,430 and $75,990, meaning experienced tutors in high-paying states can earn well above the median.
How much Tutors earn
Typical pay ranges from $29,430 at the 10th percentile to $75,990 at the 90th percentile. The mean hourly wage is $23.10. Pay depends heavily on subject specialization, experience, and geographic location. College-level math and science tutors generally earn more than elementary reading tutors.
About 175,070 people work as tutors nationwide. Because many are part-time or self-employed, actual earnings vary widely. Employers include tutoring centers, school districts, and online platforms.
Pay by state
Wyoming pays tutors the most, with an average of $82,290. Rhode Island ($77,850), Massachusetts ($60,900), Vermont ($53,920), and New Hampshire ($53,790) also rank high.
At the other end, the lowest-paying states are Missouri ($32,270), Arkansas ($30,830), and Nevada ($30,420). Relocation or remote tutoring for clients in high-wage states can boost income.
How to become a Tutor
- Get a bachelor's degree in the subject you want to tutor. Many employers prefer a teaching certificate or tutoring certification (e.g., from the College Reading & Learning Association).
- Gain experience through volunteer tutoring, substitute teaching, or working at a tutoring center.
- For advanced subjects (e.g., SAT prep, AP courses), consider a master's degree or specialized training.
- Apply to schools, tutoring franchises, or online platforms. You may need a background check and to pass a subject-knowledge test.
- Self-employed tutors can market directly to local families or use sites like Wyzant and Care.com.
Job outlook
The BLS projects only 0.6% employment growth for tutors from 2024 to 2034, which is slower than the average for all occupations. However, about 37,100 job openings per year are expected, mostly due to workers leaving the occupation. Demand for math, science, and English-as-a-second-language tutors should remain steady.
Frequently asked questions
Do tutors need a teaching license?
Not typically, but many employers prefer or require a bachelor's degree and teaching certificate. Some states require background checks.
How much do tutors make per hour?
The BLS reports a mean hourly wage of $23.10. Private tutors can earn $30–$60 per hour depending on subject and location.
What is the best state to be a tutor?
Wyoming, Rhode Island, and Massachusetts have the highest average tutor salaries, each above $60,000 per year.
Is tutoring a growing field?
Employment growth is slow (0.6% through 2034), but with 37,100 annual openings, new tutors can still find opportunities.
What subjects pay the most for tutors?
Advanced math (calculus, statistics), sciences (chemistry, physics), and test prep (SAT, ACT, GRE, MCAT) generally command higher rates.
Salary figures are U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates (OEWS / Employment Projections). For informational purposes only; not career or financial advice. See the full Tutors data.