Tutors
SOC code 25-3041 · O*NET-SOC 25-3041.00 · Medium preparation needed · Education and library
Tutors pay
U.S. national figures, May 2025 BLS survey · How we got this number
Median pay
$43,350
a year
Hourly
$20.84
per hour
The solid band is the middle 50% of workers; the bar spans the 10th to 90th percentile.
Average pay
$48,050
$23.10 per hour
Middle 50%
$35,000 – $54,860
25th to 75th percentile
Full spread
$29,430 – $75,990
10th to 90th percentile
People employed
175,070
nationwide
National U.S. figure, May 2025. Local pay can be higher or lower.
- 10th percentile
- $29,430
- $14.15/hr
- 25th percentile
- $35,000
- $16.83/hr
- Median percentile
- $43,350
- $20.84/hr
- 75th percentile
- $54,860
- $26.38/hr
- 90th percentile
- $75,990
- $36.53/hr
Job outlook · federal projection 2024–34
+1%
Growing about as fast as average
215,500
jobs in 2024
216,800
projected for 2034
About 1,300 more jobs
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics employment projections, 2024–34. Projections describe the broader occupation group and are estimates, not guarantees.
What does a tutor do?
Instruct individual students or small groups of students in academic subjects to support formal class instruction or to prepare students for standardized or admissions tests.
The tasks that matter most day to day
- Provide feedback to students, using positive reinforcement techniques to encourage, motivate, or build confidence in students.
- Review class material with students by discussing text, working solutions to problems, or reviewing worksheets or other assignments.
- Assess students' progress throughout tutoring sessions.
- Teach students study skills, note-taking skills, and test-taking strategies.
- Provide private instruction to individual or small groups of students to improve academic performance, improve occupational skills, or prepare for academic or occupational tests.
- Participate in training and development sessions to improve tutoring practices or learn new tutoring techniques.
- Collaborate with students, parents, teachers, school administrators, or counselors to determine student needs, develop tutoring plans, or assess student progress.
- Monitor student performance or assist students in academic environments, such as classrooms, laboratories, or computing centers.
How to become a tutor
Most people in this role hold bachelor's degree — 41% of workers surveyed reported it as their level of education.
Preparation level: zone 3 — Medium preparation needed
- Education
- Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
- Experience
- Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
- Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
Education reported by people doing this job
- Bachelor's Degree41%
- Some College Courses36%
- High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)9%
- Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree9%
Common questions
How much does a tutor earn?
The national median is $43,350 a year. The full range runs from $29,430 at the 10th percentile to $75,990 at the 90th — entry pay sits closer to the lower figure, and experience, licensing and specialisation move you up the range.
Can you become a tutor without a degree?
Yes — this occupation sits in preparation zone 3, meaning the typical entry route is most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree. A four-year degree is not the standard requirement, though licensing or certification may still apply.
Is tutor in demand?
Federal projections expect employment to grow by about 1% between 2024 and 2034 — growing about as fast as average. Openings also come from people retiring or changing jobs, which the growth figure does not count.
Skills and knowledge you need
Core skills
- Reading Comprehension4.1/5
- Active Listening4.0/5
- Speaking4.0/5
- Learning Strategies4.0/5
- Critical Thinking3.8/5
- Writing3.6/5
- Active Learning3.6/5
Knowledge areas
- Customer and Personal Service4.5/5
- English Language4.2/5
- Education and Training4.1/5
- Mathematics3.7/5
- Computers and Electronics3.2/5
- Psychology3.1/5
- Administrative2.8/5
- Chemistry2.7/5
Transferable strengths: Instructing, Social Perceptiveness, Complex Problem Solving.