Alternative schooling has become more popular in the United States, especially after the pandemic has shown that students can still effectively learn outside of the classroom. But how much does a private teacher cost?
Private teachers for hire can charge anywhere from $10 to over $80 per hour, depending on their experience and level of expertise. Hirers may also have to pay for additional expenses to complete the homeschooling experience. At the end of the day, though, it’s all worth it for one-on-one, high-quality education.
The Cost of a Private Teacher
The cost of a private teacher varies. Some charge as low as $10 hourly, while others go up to over $80 an hour. On average, the price ranges from $26 to $40 per hour.
A student teacher or new college graduate with little to no teaching experience will command an hourly wage of $10 to $20, with an annual salary of $20,000 to $35,000. A private teacher with a bachelor’s degree and several years of teaching experience may charge $20 to $60 an hour, amounting to $35,000 to $70,000 a year. A private teacher who has obtained a master’s degree and has raked in extensive teaching hours may cost $60 to more than $80 an hour or between $70,000 to over $95,000 annually.
Private teachers may also charge differently if they’re offering their services online or are tutoring for specific subjects or tests only (e.g. SAT prep).
Factors That Affect the Cost of a Private Teacher
How much a private teacher charges will depend on several factors. Let’s break down the most common ones:
Experience
The more teaching hours the private teacher has worked, the higher they’ll usually charge for their services.
Setting and Location
Private teachers often charge more if they’re in a bigger city, like New York or Los Angeles. They may also cost more if their classes are done in person.
Number of Students
One-on-one classes are often more expensive than group classes. If you want to save a little bit, consider holding sessions with a couple of other kids.
Subject Matter
Private teachers focusing on math and science often command higher prices because the subjects are more technical. The same is true for those who teach test prep.
Specialized Needs
Some private teachers are certified to teach children with special needs. Those with this expertise are often more expensive.
Additional Costs to Private Teaching
Aside from the cost of the private teacher, parents will often have to shoulder additional expenses that come with homeschooling. These include the following:
Curriculum
The homeschooling curriculum is probably the most considerable expense that comes with private teaching. You can expect to pay $300 to $600 annually per child on curriculum and programs, which can either be a thirty-six-week, all-subject package or a variety of courses you can pick and choose.
Supplies and Equipment
Parents need to set up an environment conducive to learning at home, and this involves equipping rooms with certain school equipment. While these are typically one-time purchases that can be reused, they can cost a significant amount; plus, you’ll have to regularly spend on the usual school supplies.
Is Hiring a Private Teacher Worth It?
Hiring a private is definitely worth it as these professionals ensure that your child can get an education that’s at par with–or maybe even better than–programs offered in traditional classroom settings.
By leaving the homeschooling to a private teacher, you also save time on planning and instruction, while giving your child the opportunity to learn from someone other than yourself. Consequently, it also removes the frustration of being both a parent and a teacher, which could help you refocus your obligations.
Finding a Private Teacher
When it comes to hiring a private teacher, be sure to get referrals from trusted friends and teachers and to confirm the credentials of those you shortlist. Look for a teacher with a good amount of teaching experience, especially in the subject areas that your child needs the most help with. It’s best to interview your candidates before landing on a final one that fits your needs, schedule, and budget.
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