Math tutors are one of the more requested instructors. A number of high schools struggle with the increasing complexity of their math coursework and require additional help. This is especially true with classes with a higher number of students where children can struggle to get assistance from their teachers.
So, how much do high school math tutors charge on average? Well, costs can vary quite a bit from one tutor to another. This can be due to a number of factors including, but not limited to geographical location, type of tutoring, and experience level of tutor and more.
Here is a closer look at how much it would cost to hire a high school math tutor:
The Average Cost
As mentioned, it is quite difficult to narrow down what the average cost for such a tutor is. Based on available information, though, it can be estimated that a high school math tutor will charge around $50 to $60 an hour.
On the lower end, you can expect to pay around $25 to $40 an hour and on the upper end of this estimate, a tutoring session could potentially cost you $80 an hour.
Here is a breakdown of why the cost of a tutor can vary so much:
High School Math Tutors Cost More
The reality of the situation is that high school math is more complex. You are often dealing with topics such as abstract algebra and advanced calculus. Therefore, the average tutor can’t help high school students. Instead, they require someone who has the knowledge and experience to teach them.
In some instances, you may actually have to hire more than one math tutor for a high school student. This is because some tutors prefer to stick with a particular specialty. They are most comfortable with that subject matter and can offer students more in-depth instruction in these specialties.
Teachers Cost More
When selecting a tutor, you can choose an instructor from college student or graduates, high school teachers, and college professors. Typically, you will end up spending far less on a student or someone who has just graduated.
With high school and college math teachers, though, the cost automatically goes up. This is because not only are these individuals more experienced, but they also have an additional benefit. Such instructors understand the curriculum a lot more quickly and are aware of how exams are set. Due to this, their teaching methods can often be more effective or can provide high school teachers with an edge.
You Pay More in Urban Areas
The cost of living tends to be a great deal higher in urban areas. As such, this incentivizes tutors to charge more for their services. After all, many of these instructors are attempting to create a second income from these services.
There is also the fact that parents in such areas are used to paying higher costs and fees for everything. Due to this, they are more likely to pay the fees that are requested from tutors.
Fees can be especially high in areas that have high academic competition. Here, students may be competing for scholarships, top spots in colleges, and more. Therefore, the demand for tutors are quite high. In turn, tutors are able to fees at their discretion.
Private vs. Group Tutoring
The cost will often depend on whether you are receiving private or group tutoring. With private tutoring, tutors have to make up for the fact that they are receiving just one fee for that tutoring period. Therefore, they tend to charge more.
There is also the fact that private tutors are able to give all of their attention to one student at a time. Not only does this result in a higher quality of tutoring, but can also mean that students don’t need to spend as much time with the tutor. Thus, the tutoring sessions may be shorter.
With group tutoring, though, the tutor’s attention is split which means that they request a lower fee for this. If you have two or more children in high school, then the teacher may agree to a lower price or for non-related students, may split the cost between each child.
Tutoring Services Charge More
If you get a tutor from a tutoring service instead of hiring an independent contractor, then you can expect to pay a considerably higher fee. This is because tutors associated with services are required to pay a commission.
This commission can be anywhere from 40% to 70%. As a result, tutors have to increase the cost of each session as they don’t get to keep their full amount. This is especially true for high school math tutors who tend to be in great demand.
Tutor Reputation
There are some teachers, professors, or tutors who have gained quite the reputation over the years. This could be due to the fact that they have helped numerous students – even entire classes – pass their math classes or tests. As such, they are known to have a high efficiency rate.
This also puts them in greater demand, particularly during specific times of the year. These tutors also feel confident in increasing their rates as they are able to produce results. Not to mention, they are aware that parents will pay the requested fees as well.
Location and Traveling
If you are having in-person tutoring sessions, then it means that either you will be traveling to your tutor, meeting in a public place, or the tutor will be coming to your home. The greater the distance that your tutor has to travel, the greater the fee. This is because you will be expected to cover the cost of traveling at least to a certain degree.
In case you are meeting your tutor at their office or place of residence, then this fee is removed. As such, you will end up with a lower cost per hour. The cost may be lower still for classes that are conducted online via video conferencing.
Not only is the tutor not required to leave their home, but you may not be receiving the same level of tutoring as you would with in-person tutoring. Due to this, the charges may be discounted quite a bit.
Tutoring Packages
Some tutors and most tutoring services will offer you packages. This allows you to sign up for a block of lessons – perhaps a month, maybe longer. In doing so, you are offered a discounted rate. The exact rate can vary from one person or service to another.
In many cases, though, the discount can cut down on the overall costs quite a bit. However, packages only make sense if you truly trust the tutor or tutoring service. They are also only suitable for high school students that require extended assistance rather than only needing to be tutored in certain subject topics.
This is a breakdown of how much a high school math tutor can cost. And, with the explanations above, you will also be able to see why there is so much of variation. This information should help you to decide which path is best for your academic needs as well as your budget. In turn, you are more likely to get the results that you are hoping for from your tutoring sessions.