Tutoring costs $18 to $100 per hour in 2026
Tutoring costs $18 to $100 per hour in 2026. Care.com says rates start near $18 to $21 and can reach $100 or more. Wyzant says its average is $35 to $60 an hour. Superprof lists private tutors at $25 to $80. The grade, the subject, and online or in person all move the price. Tutoring centers cost more, at $150 to $200 an hour at Superprof.
What price guides say
We checked 3 price guides and read every number on their pages on October 7, 2026. They do not all measure the same thing, so read each line for what it counts.
| Source | What it found |
|---|---|
| Care.com | Care.com lists $24.22 to $24.40 an hour for grades K to 12, $60 for college, $100 for test prep, and a low end of $18 to $21. |
| Wyzant | Wyzant says its average tutoring price is $35 to $60 an hour, with algebra at $30 to $150. |
| Superprof | Superprof lists private tuition at $25 to $80 an hour, online tutoring at $25 to $50, and tutoring centers at $150 to $200. |
Tutoring cost per hour by type
| Type | Cost per hour | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Elementary school | $24.40 average | Care.com |
| College | $60 average | Care.com |
| Test prep | $100 average | Care.com |
| Algebra | $30 to $150 | Wyzant |
| Wyzant average | $35 to $60 | Wyzant |
| Private tutor | $25 to $80 | Superprof |
| Online tutor | $25 to $50 | Superprof |
| Tutoring center | $150 to $200 | Superprof |
Every number in this table was read on one of the source pages listed at the bottom of this page.
What pushes the price up
| What | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Grade level | Care.com lists about $24 an hour for grades K to 12, $60 for college, and $100 for test prep. Higher levels cost more. |
| Subject | Wyzant lists algebra at $30 to $150 and calculus at $35 to $100. Physics runs $40 to $100 and chemistry $30 to $100. |
| Online or in person | Care.com says online tutoring costs about $10 less per hour. Superprof lists online at $25 to $50 and private lessons at $25 to $80. |
| Tutor experience | Wyzant says prices run from $10 to several hundred dollars an hour. A certified teacher or test expert often charges more. |
| Center or private tutor | Superprof lists tutoring centers at $150 to $200 an hour, compared with $25 to $80 for a private tutor. |
What the price includes
An hourly rate usually pays for one-on-one time with the tutor. Planning time, travel, and materials may cost extra, and some tutors charge a fee to cancel late. Test prep tutors may add practice tests. Centers may bundle lessons into packages. Ask what the price covers and how to cancel before you book. It does not include tax or extras the provider adds on the day.
Who charges this and how it is billed
Tutors work on their own, through websites like Wyzant, or at tutoring centers. Most bill by the hour. Some sell packages of several lessons for one price. Centers may bill a flat fee for a block of sessions. Care.com lists about $24 an hour for school grades, and Superprof lists centers at $150 to $200 an hour. Ask how billing works, when payment is due, and what happens if you cancel. Get the rate and the cancel rules in writing before the first lesson.
When you need this
You may need a tutor when grades drop, a topic stays hard, or a test is coming. Some students want a tutor to keep up, and others want to get ahead. Look for a tutor when homework help at home is not enough. Talk with the teacher first, since they can tell you which skills need work.
How to judge your quote
- Is the rate per hour, per session, or per package?
- What is the cancel policy for missed lessons?
- Does the tutor have experience with your subject or test?
- Can you try one lesson before you pay for more?
- Compare the total with the range above: $18 to $100 per hour for most people in 2026.
Ways to pay less
- Choose online tutoring. Care.com says it costs about $10 less per hour than in person, and Superprof lists online tutors at $25 to $50.
- Match the tutor to the need. Care.com lists about $24 an hour for school grades, so skip test prep rates near $100 unless you need them.
- Ask for a trial lesson or a package price. Some tutors cut the rate if you book many hours at once.
- Try group sessions with a friend. Splitting an hour with one other student can cut the cost for each family.
- Set a clear goal and end date. A short plan, like six weeks before a test, keeps hours and costs under control.
How we got these numbers
The range on this page comes from Care.com, Wyzant and Superprof. We opened each source page and read every number on it on October 7, 2026. Where the sources disagree, the table above shows each one so you can see the spread. These are planning ranges, not quotes. The written price you are given is the real price.
Common questions
How much does tutoring cost per hour in 2026?
Care.com lists a low end near $18 to $21 and up to $100 or more. Wyzant says its average is $35 to $60 an hour.
How much does online tutoring cost?
Superprof lists $25 to $50 an hour. Care.com says online costs about $10 less than in person.
How much does test prep tutoring cost?
Care.com lists an average of $100 an hour. Superprof lists SAT and test prep at $45 to $100.
How much do tutoring centers charge?
Superprof lists $150 to $200 an hour. Private tutors cost $25 to $80 at the same site.
How much does a math tutor cost?
Wyzant lists algebra at $30 to $150 an hour and calculus at $35 to $100. Superprof lists experienced math teachers near $65.