Tutoring Rates

I charge $75 a session to tutor. Each session lasts 60-80 minutes. A woman called me this week to tutor middle school level in my subject area. She seemed a little miffed when I said my asking price and then asked what I would charge for 45 minutes. I said $55 thinking that maybe they just didn't have it (although it is in an affluent town). She still seemed put off.

I feel like I'm still being very reasonable.

Help me out with this! I don't want to come down any more. I still need to prep and prepare materials to work with this student.

Maybe it's just not worth my time?

Message edited 3/1/2008 4:28:58 PM.

Re: Tutoring Rates

Your rates sound reasonable to me. I charge $65 an hour to tutor and I am an elementary teacher. I know middle and high school teachers in my district charge $75 and up per hour.
It sounds like she just might not want to pay. I would go with your gut on this one. Personally, I wouldn't lower your rates. It is what it is. The parent needs to feel that your time is worth the money and if they don't it could lead to nothing but hassles for you and if you come down in price then you may feel slighted every time you go. Teachers go through a lot of training to be certified, our time is worth the money. Good luck.

Re: Tutoring Rates

OMG - I could have written this very same post!!

A mother of a 5th grader wanted one-on-one Spanish lessons (not even tutoring - actual TEACHING - they don't start with a language until 7th grade) for a half-hour after school once a week. I quoted her a price of $40.00 per session. I thought that was SO reasonable. She got back to me stating that she didn't want to pay my "exorbitant" fee and that the girl can wait until seventh grade to be taught "for free".


To me - going any lower than that would have not made it worth my time - so I think that you should stick firmly to your price.

Re: Tutoring Rates

Also, if you charge her less, and she tells someone else, you might start a chain reaction about something you don't want - people who want your services for much less!

Re: Tutoring Rates

Jen, you are a specialist in your area and your TIME and KNOWLEDGE should be compensated. Im sure this woman expected to pay like $25. I charge $60/hr to do friggin HW w/ kids bc they cant get their act together. You tutoring a subject specific thing should EASILY get what youre asking.

Re: Tutoring Rates

Re: Tutoring Rates

I charge 80 for an hour and I dont bend. If they miff which it has happened I just say that is the going rate in this district. If they call anyone else on the guidance list for our school all of us charge the same so we arent undercutting anyone....

but do what you feel comfortable with.

I bent ONCE and never again!

The woman begged me to do it for 70...she works two jobs and is struggling. SHe was like ooo you had her a few years ago she says you are her favorite BLAH BLAH so I was like ok...

(ps i really do like the girl just dislike mom)

I get there...you can fit like 3 of my house in hers, she has 2 nice SUVs. Owns her own business and works from home. Her husband is an accountant.

One day the girl went to get her mom to pay me and the girl was like "OMG" I thought something was wrong the girl was like "o my parents just hung a 50" plasma in their bedroom and I am not used to seeing it"



and everytime she pays me she is like $XX? I feel like going no it should be 80!

Never again will I bend.
That is just my experience so it is up to u