How much should I charge for private English lessons?
Table of Contents
How much should a newly-qualified TEFL teacher charge?
How much can I charge once I have some experience?
General tips for setting your hourly rates
How much should a newly-qualified TEFL teacher charge?
For TEFL teachers new to the profession, especially those with a TEFL certification, starting rates are typically in the $15 to $20 range per lesson, which usually lasts 45 minutes to an hour. These new teachers bring a fresh, modern approach to language teaching, which can be very appealing to students. While they may not command the higher fees of more experienced tutors, they should still value their services fairly. Offering an initial free or discounted lesson can be a smart strategy to attract new students and build a client base while gaining valuable teaching experience. The primary focus for new educators should be on establishing their reputation and building a solid teaching portfolio, as much as on their earnings.
What about online lessons?
Online TEFL teaching platforms often set their own pay rates, but many allow educators to set their own fees, and some teachers choose to offer lessons independently of these platforms. Setting a high rate initially can be tempting, but without significant experience and positive reviews, it can be challenging to attract clients. Given the competitive nature of online teaching, maintaining realistic expectations is crucial, especially when starting out. New online teachers typically earn between $10 and $20 per hour through established companies, but those offering lessons independently can often charge a bit more to reflect their additional services and flexibility.
How much can I charge once I have some experience?
With experience, you have the freedom to set your own rates, which can range from $20 to $50 or more per lesson. Your location and the type of lessons you provide should guide your pricing. For example, teaching advanced business English in a city like Berlin could justify a higher rate compared to teaching basic conversational English to young learners in a city like Bangkok.
What about group lessons?
Teaching group classes involves creating one lesson plan for multiple students, but it also requires managing diverse skill levels and ensuring each student is engaged. Group lessons should generally be more affordable per student than individual lessons. A good rule of thumb is to set the rate for each student at about two-thirds of your individual lesson rate. So, if you charge $25 for an individual session, you might set your group lesson rate at around $15 per student.
General tips for setting your hourly rates
- Offer discounts for bulk lesson purchases, such as a free session for every ten lessons booked, to encourage long-term commitments.
- Maintain a strong online presence and ask satisfied clients to leave positive reviews to build your reputation.
- Factor in any additional expenses like teaching materials and travel when setting your rates.
- Implement a clear cancellation policy to protect against last-minute cancellations or no-shows.
- Review and adjust your pricing annually to account for increased experience and inflation.
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