Tutoring is becoming increasingly prevalent as a popular side hustle for students seeking to earn money while improving their academic skills. This flexible job allows tutors to work independently and focus on areas that match their skill set.
Many students can choose to tutor independently or through a local business. Junior Harjeevan Singh, who tutors math, shared that he began tutoring during his freshman year and loves doing it as a side hustle. “Tutoring helped me connect with students who struggled and it improved my understanding of math topics I thought I already mastered,” Singh said.
Many students, like Singh, enjoy the flexibility of tutoring. Tutoring hours can be scheduled around extracurriculars, school and family commitments. While tutoring rates vary depending on the hours and what is behind taught, most tutors charge between $10 to $20 per hour. Singh earns $11 per hour and explains that he uses the money to save for college.
Junior Dillon Kraus recently started tutoring at Bettendorf’s local Mathnasium and now tutors in his free time. “The extra cash is great, but I love when I’m able to help students gain confidence in solving math problems they couldn’t previously.” Kraus also noted that the job can be challenging, such as explaining concepts in multiple ways and building patience working with students.
While tutoring is beneficial for students seeking academic help, some tutors mentioned potential drawbacks that are often overlooked, such as balancing tutoring with other commitments. “It’s definitely a time commitment, but good planning makes it manageable,” said Kraus. Singh agreed, explaining that he sometimes needs to take a step back when his workload is too high to prioritize his studies. Still, tutoring can be a commitment some students are unwilling to make.
The rise of free virtual platforms, like Zoom and Google Meet, has further boosted the accessibility of tutoring as a side hustle. Online tools allow students to reach clients outside just their community. This opens up additional flexibility in scheduling. “I’ve worked with students outside my city, which would have never happened without online tutoring,” Singh said.
Whether in-person or online, tutoring continues to grow in popularity. It is not only to make money but also for the personal and academic growth of both learners and tutors.
