Most teachers have had that moment.
You hear another educator mention they are tutoring and earning more per month than their classroom salary.

You smile politely, but inside your mind is racing:
“Wait… how much?”

If you have ever wondered what tutors actually make, and whether it is realistic for you too, this post will give you the clarity you have been craving.
Today we break down real income tiers, what they look like in everyday life, and how each one aligns with the Thriving Tutor Success Path (you can download it here).

Let’s make the numbers make sense.

Why the Salary Grid Keeps You Stuck

Teachers are used to working within a system that decides their worth.
No matter how hard you work, your salary is capped by the grid.
Your income only increases when the system says it can.

Tutoring is the opposite.
Your income is not capped.
There is no ceiling.
You have complete control over how much you earn and how many lives you impact.

Even better, your income can finally reflect your experience, your teaching strengths, and the transformation you provide for your students.

This shift is powerful.
It is also possible for you.

How Much Should a Certified Teacher Charge?

Teachers ask me this all the time. Here is the clear answer:

Minimum rate for a certified teacher:
$60 per hour.

If you have specialized training, graduate degrees, literacy expertise, or years of experience, your rate increases.
You are not charging for a worksheet.
You are charging for growth, confidence, and long-term skill development.

Parents want the tutor who is confident, prepared, and professional.
Being the lowest priced tutor often leads to more cancellations, more no-shows, and more frustration. Higher rates encourage commitment from families and create a stronger working relationship.

For example, requiring families to pre-pay each month has saved me more than $4,000 over the past year and a half. One simple boundary protects your time and income.

The Real Income Tiers

Let’s look at the numbers teachers actually earn. No fluff.
Just realistic options that fit different seasons of life.

Tier 1: $500 to $800 per month

This tier is perfect for teachers who want to start slowly or add a little breathing room to their budget.

What this looks like

• 1 to 2 consistent students

• 1 to 3 sessions per week

• Rates of $60 to $75 per session

Realistic income

• One student at two sessions per week equals about $500 per month

• Two students at two sessions per week equals about $800 per month

What this can cover

Groceries, gas, kids’ activities, and a bit of savings
A small but powerful shift that brings relief

Success Path stage

Stage 2: The Prepared Explorer
Your first inquiries start arriving and you can see real momentum.

Tier 2: $2,000 to $2,500 per month

This tier works well for teachers who want part-time income or want to replace a second job.

What this looks like

• 5 to 6 students

• 6 to 10 sessions per week

• Rates of $60 to $85 per hour

Realistic income

• Six students at two sessions per week at $65 equals about $2,080 per month

• Eight sessions per week at $75 equals about $2,400 per month

What this can cover

Rent or a large portion of your mortgage
Daycare
Debt payments
Savings
More ease and stability

Success Path stage

Stage 3: The Confident Tutor
Your systems feel professional and your confidence grows with each session.

Tier 3: $4,000 to $5,000 or more per month

This tier is ideal for teachers who want full salary replacement with fewer hours and more impact.

What this looks like

• 10 to 15 or more students

• 12 to 20 sessions per week

• Premium rates of $70 to $100 per hour

Realistic income

• Twelve sessions per week at $75 equals about $3,600 per month

• Fifteen sessions per week at $80 equals about $4,800 per month

• Twenty sessions per week at $85 equals about $6,800 per month

What this can cover

A full-time salary
Travel
Retirement savings
A genuine feeling of financial control and confidence

Success Path stage

Stage 4: The Booked-Out Pro
You have predictable income, a waitlist, and calm, smooth systems.

Tier 4: $7,000 to $10,000 or more per month

This tier is for tutors stepping into a CEO mindset and exploring new possibilities for growth.

What this might include

• A blend of one-to-one and small-group tutoring

• Higher rates

• Clear boundaries

• Strong systems

• Optional support from contractors or team members

Success Path stage

Stage 5: The Thriving Educator CEO
You have choices and your business supports the life you want to live.

Why These Numbers Matter

The financial impact is real, but the emotional impact is even greater.

Tutoring brings:

• steady energy

• meaningful work

• respect for your time and expertise

• better boundaries

• a schedule that aligns with your life

• a return to the kind of teaching you always wanted to do

Tutoring is not “leaving education.”
It is reclaiming teaching at its best.

Your Next Step

If you are curious which tier you fit into right now, or what it would take to move to the next one, the Thriving Tutors Success Path will show you exactly where you are, what comes next and how to get there.

👉 Download the Thriving Tutors Success Path
https://stan.store/thrivingtutors/p/thriving-tutors-success-path