The three models
| Model | How it works | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Hourly | Rate × hours taught. A 90-minute lesson bills 1.5 hours. | Irregular lessons, exam prep, lessons that vary in length. |
| Per lesson | One flat price per lesson, whatever the length. | Fixed-length lessons. The most common model for weekly tutoring. |
| Monthly | One fixed amount per month for an agreed number of lessons. | Long-term students with a steady weekly schedule. |
Hourly
Hourly is the easiest to explain and the easiest to compare with other tutors. It also punishes you for being efficient: finish a topic in 45 minutes and you earn less.
It works well when lesson length changes from week to week. It works badly when parents start counting minutes.
Per lesson
Per lesson is hourly with the length fixed. Parents know the price, you know the income, and a lesson that runs five minutes over does not become a discussion.
If most of your lessons are the same length, this is the model to use. Set one price per subject, then adjust for a student when you need to.
Monthly
A monthly plan is a fixed price for a set number of lessons, paid at the start of the month. Income becomes predictable, and the family has already decided to keep going for the month.
The catch is missed lessons. Decide up front what happens: no refund, one make-up lesson per month, or a credit on the next invoice. Write it down. The no-show fee guide covers the wording.
How to choose
- New student, unsure how long they will stay: per lesson.
- Steady weekly student for three months or more: offer monthly, sometimes with a small discount.
- Lessons that vary in length, or exam prep in bursts: hourly.
You do not need one model for everyone. Most tutors end up with per lesson for most students and monthly for a few long-term ones.
Moving a family from per lesson to monthly
- Pick a month where attendance has been steady.
- Work out the total for a normal month, for example 4 lessons × your rate.
- Offer that total, or slightly less, as a fixed monthly fee paid at the start of the month.
- State the make-up rule for missed lessons.
- Send the first monthly invoice a few days before the month starts.
Setting rates in Tutitor
Tutitor supports all three models, plus free lessons. Each student has a rate type: hourly, per lesson, monthly or free. You can set a different price per subject and change it per student. Invoices then use the right rate for each lesson, so a per-lesson student and a monthly student can sit side by side on your calendar.
Invoices can go out after each lesson, weekly or monthly. Monthly is the default and works for all three rate types.
Common questions
How much should I charge for tutoring?
Start with what tutors in your subject and area charge, then adjust for your experience and results. Raise your rate for new students first, and tell existing families a month ahead.
Should I give a discount for monthly plans?
A small one, such as one free lesson per term, is common. A large discount turns the plan into a loss when a family stays for years. Predictable income is already the main benefit for you.
Can I charge different rates for different subjects?
Yes, and you should if one subject takes more preparation. In Tutitor you set a price per subject and can override it per student.
What about group lessons?
Charge per student, at a lower rate than one-to-one. In Tutitor a group lesson has several students, each with their own rate and attendance, so each family gets their own invoice.
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