Tutoring as a side job in Australia how to start and what to charge is one of those topics that many students consider but don’t know how to start. I’ve tutored while studying, and I’ve watched friends start tutoring. Some succeeded. Others didn’t. The difference was understanding how to start and what to charge.
Three years later, I’m finishing my Master’s at the University of Melbourne. I’ve tutored high school and university students, and I’ve learned what works and what doesn’t. Some things are straightforward. Others take time. The difference was understanding the basics.
So here’s everything I know about how to start tutoring and what to charge in Australia, based on what actually works.
Why Tutoring Works for Students
Let me start with this, because understanding why helps you see if it suits you.
Tutoring works because: you use your existing knowledge, you can set your own hours, there’s demand for tutors, and it pays well.
It fits study schedules: you can tutor around your classes, and it doesn’t conflict with study.
But here’s what I’ve learned: tutoring is one of the best side jobs for students. It uses your knowledge, fits your schedule, and pays well. If you’re good at a subject and can teach, tutoring can work well.
How to Start: The Practical Steps
This is the practical part, and here’s how to do it.
Decide what to tutor: choose subjects you’re good at and confident teaching. This could be high school subjects, university subjects, or English.
Set your rates: research what tutors charge, and set rates accordingly. Don’t charge too low, but don’t charge too high when starting.
Find students: advertise on university noticeboards, Facebook groups, or tutoring platforms. You can also get referrals from friends.
But here’s what I’ve learned: starting tutoring takes effort, but it’s straightforward. Decide what to tutor, set rates, and find students. It takes time to build clients, but it’s achievable.
What to Charge: Setting Your Rates
This is important, because rates affect your income.
Research rates: check what other tutors charge for similar subjects and levels. Rates vary by subject, level, and location.
Set competitive rates: when starting, you might need to charge slightly lower rates to get clients. But don’t charge too low.
Increase over time: as you build experience and reviews, you can increase rates.
But here’s what I’ve learned: rates vary, but generally tutors charge $30 to $50 per hour for high school, and $40 to $70 per hour for university. Set rates that are competitive but fair.
Finding Students: Where to Look
This is important, because finding students is the hardest part.
University noticeboards: many universities have noticeboards where you can advertise.
Facebook groups: there are Facebook groups for tutoring in most cities. Join them and advertise.
Tutoring platforms: platforms like Tutor Finder or Superprof connect tutors with students.
Referrals: ask friends and classmates if they know anyone who needs tutoring.
But here’s what I’ve learned: finding students takes time. Don’t expect immediate clients. Advertise in multiple places, and be patient. It takes time to build clients.
Preparing for Sessions: What to Do
This is important, because preparation helps you deliver good sessions.
Review material: before sessions, review what you’ll teach. Make sure you understand it well.
Prepare examples: have examples ready to explain concepts. Examples help students understand.
But here’s what I’ve learned: preparation is important. Don’t wing it. Review material, prepare examples, and be ready to explain concepts clearly. It helps you deliver good sessions.
Managing Your Time: Balance with Study
This is important, because tutoring takes time.
Set boundaries: don’t take on too many students. Focus on study first, and use tutoring to supplement income.
Schedule sessions: schedule sessions around your classes, and don’t let tutoring interfere with study.
But here’s what I’ve learned: balancing tutoring with study is manageable if you set boundaries. Don’t take on too many students. Focus on study first, and use tutoring to supplement income.
I’ve written about balancing side gigs with study and mental health if you want more detail.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need qualifications to tutor?
Not necessarily, but qualifications help. If you’re tutoring university subjects, being a university student helps. If you’re tutoring high school, good grades help.
How much can I earn tutoring?
It varies by subject and level. High school tutoring might earn $30 to $50 per hour. University tutoring might earn $40 to $70 per hour. Don’t expect huge income immediately, but tutoring can generate decent income.
How do I find my first student?
Advertise on university noticeboards, Facebook groups, or tutoring platforms. You can also ask friends if they know anyone who needs tutoring. It takes time to find your first student.
Do I need to pay tax on tutoring income?
Yes. You need to report tutoring income and pay tax. Keep records, and report it to the ATO.
Can I tutor online?
Yes. Many tutors tutor online via video calls. It’s convenient and allows you to tutor students anywhere.
What if a student cancels?
Set a cancellation policy. Many tutors require 24 hours notice for cancellations, or charge a fee for late cancellations.
Final Thoughts
Tutoring as a side job in Australia involves deciding what to tutor, setting rates, finding students, preparing for sessions, and managing time. Tutoring is one of the best side jobs for students because it uses your knowledge, fits your schedule, and pays well. It takes time to build clients, but it’s achievable.
Don’t expect immediate clients. Tutoring takes time to build clients and income. But if you’re good at a subject and can teach, tutoring can work well. Focus on quality, and be patient.
I’ve made plenty of mistakes since landing in Melbourne, but each one taught me something. The biggest lesson? Be patient. Tutoring takes time to build clients. Don’t give up after a few weeks. Keep advertising, deliver good sessions, and build your reputation. It takes time, but it can work.
If you’re still starting tutoring, decide what to tutor, set competitive rates, and advertise in multiple places. Be patient, and don’t expect immediate clients. Tutoring takes time to build clients, but it can generate decent income if you’re willing to put in the work.
