Tutoring Online: Platforms Like Chegg and Tutor.com Reviewed

Chegg

Chegg connects students with tutors for on-demand help in over 30 subjects. Pay: Tutors earn a flat rate based on subject — typically $20-30/hour for most subjects, with higher rates for advanced STEM (calculus, physics, engineering) at $30-40/hour. You log in, mark yourself available, and accept chat-based sessions from students. Subjects in demand: Mathematics (calculus, statistics, algebra), sciences (chemistry, physics, biology), computer science, economics, and accounting. Application: Submit your credentials, take a subject-specific test, and complete a background check. Approval takes 1-3 weeks. Pros: Steady flow of students, no need to find your own clients, payment is reliable. Cons: Pay is fixed regardless of your experience level, sessions are chat-based (no video), and you are competing with many other tutors for sessions. Good for side income but limited earning ceiling. See earnings data for how tutoring compares to other online work.

Tutor.com

Tutor.com (owned by The Princeton Review) offers on-demand tutoring in K-12 and college subjects. Pay: Tutors earn $16-25/hour depending on subject and experience. Subjects: Math, science, English, social studies, test prep (SAT, ACT, AP exams). Application: Submit a resume, pass a subject assessment, and complete a background check. A teaching degree or significant coursework in the subject is preferred. Pros: Structured environment, scheduling flexibility (set your own hours), no marketing needed. Cons: Lower pay than some other platforms, the two-way video requirement means you need a professional setup, and sessions can be inconsistent during off-peak times. Best for: Certified teachers or education majors looking for a structured tutoring platform with steady work during school hours.

Wyzant

Wyzant operates differently — students search for and choose their tutor based on profiles, reviews, and rates. Pay: You set your own rate, typically $25-80/hour. Wyzant takes a 25% service fee on the first $1,000 earned per student, dropping to 12% after $1,000 and 9% after $2,500. Subjects: Everything from academic subjects to music, languages, coding, test prep, and professional skills. Application: Create a detailed profile, list your qualifications, set your rate. Wyzant vets your credentials. Pros: You control your rate, video-based sessions feel more personal, and repeat students provide consistent income. Cons: You must market yourself within the platform (profile optimization), and there is competition — students tend to choose tutors with more reviews. Best for: Experienced tutors or professionals in high-demand subjects who can command higher rates. For profile optimization tips, see freelance profile guide.

Preply

Preply specializes in language tutoring, connecting students with tutors in over 50 languages. Pay: You set your rate, typically $10-40/hour, and Preply takes a 100% commission on the first lesson and 33% (reducing to 18% as you complete more lessons). Subjects: Language instruction — English, Spanish, French, German, Chinese, Japanese, and many more. Application: Submit a video introduction, create a profile, set your availability. Approval is fast. Pros: Massive demand for English as a second language (ESL), high repeat student rate (many students take weekly lessons), and the ability to build a long-term relationship with students. Cons: Low starting pay after commission, and language tutoring requires engaging personality and patience. Best for: Native or near-native speakers of high-demand languages, especially ESL teachers. For related income opportunities, see online consulting.

Varsity Tutors

Varsity Tutors (owned by Nerdy Inc.) offers tutoring in academic subjects, test prep, and enrichment. Pay: Tutors earn $15-35/hour for 1-on-1 sessions, with occasional small-group or class sessions paying more. Subjects: Broad range including STEM, humanities, test prep, coding, and even hobbies. Application: Rigorous vetting — multiple subject tests, background check, and a simulated tutoring session. Pros: Reliable student matching (you do not need to find your own students), their platform handles scheduling and payments, and instant tutoring (on-demand via the platform) offers flexibility. Cons: Lower pay rates, some tutors report inconsistent scheduling, and the application process is more demanding than other platforms. Best for: Tutors who want a structured experience without managing their own client pipeline.

FAQs

Which tutoring platform pays the most?

Wyzant offers the highest earning potential because you set your own rate. Experienced tutors charging $60-80/hour on Wyzant can earn more than on any other platform. However, it takes time to build reviews and attract students.

Do I need a teaching degree to tutor online?

No. Most platforms require expertise in the subject (often demonstrated by college coursework or professional experience) rather than formal teaching credentials. Math and science proficiency is highly valued even without a teaching degree.

How much can a full-time online tutor earn?

Full-time tutors on Wyzant or Preply with a full schedule of students typically earn $30,000-60,000/year. Top tutors with premium rates and full schedules can earn $80,000+. It depends on your subject, rates, and ability to retain students long-term.