Tutors

Tutors instruct students individually or in small groups to support formal class instruction or improve academic performance. Some tutors prepare students for standardized or admissions tests.

Duties

Tutors typically do the following:

• Set goals with students
• Assist students with homework or practice problems
• Teach students organizational and study skills
• Provide feedback to students
• Review learning materials with students
• Prepare session materials or practice questions
• Monitor student progress to discuss with students, parents, or teachers

Tutors work with students one-on-one or in groups to help them learn or to reinforce subject material. For example, they may help students with homework assignments or review worksheets, drills, or other academic exercises. They may create tools and activities, such as educational games, or find resources in textbooks or online.

Tutors structure their lessons based on a variety of factors, including their students’ needs and age. For example, some students may respond well to rapid-response or high-energy activities while other students, such as those with disabilities, may require a slower pace or less sensory stimulation.

Tutors also may help students improve their study and organizational skills. They may help students develop good habits through the use of tools, such as  flash cards, and strategies, including note-taking systems or calendars for managing time.

The following are examples of types of tutors:

Language and ESL tutors assist students who are learning a foreign language or English as a second language (ESL). They may help students develop fluency or literacy by focusing on grammar, pronunciation, reading, and writing in the target language.

Special education tutors work with students who have physical, mental, emotional, or behavioral disabilities. These tutors develop lesson plans and teaching methods based on the specific needs of each student. Special education tutors may help with life skills and social skills in addition to academic subjects.

Subject tutors typically help with homework or other coursework and with reteaching concepts. These tutors typically have a background in the subject that they tutor. For example, a math tutor may have a degree in mathematics or have completed numerous mathematics or related courses.

Test preparation tutors help students prepare for standardized examinations that measure knowledge or skills in a consistent, or “standard,” manner. These tutors may work with students on developing test-taking strategies, such as time management and question analysis, specific to their standardized test.

Tutors held about 215,500 jobs in 2024. The largest employers of tutors were as follows:

Tutors work in a variety of settings, such as schools and tutoring centers. Some tutors travel to students’ homes. 

Work Schedules

Most tutors work part time, and their schedules may vary. For example, they may work evenings and weekends and may have more hours during the school year or leading up to standardized test dates. Because such schedules are common, many of these workers hold other jobs or attend school outside of their tutoring hours.

Tutors typically need to have completed some college courses, specifically in subjects they want to teach. However, education requirements vary. Some employers do not require credentials; others prefer to hire tutors who have a bachelor's degree.

The median annual wage for tutors was $40,090 in May 2024.

Employment of tutors is projected to show little or no change from 2024 to 2034.

Despite limited employment growth, about 37,100 openings for tutors are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Most of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.