Ask any parents with schooling children (primary to secondary) in Malaysia this question.
"Have you ever thought of sending your children to private tuition?"
We can guarantee that most of them will answer "YES" to your question.
Recent years have seen a spike in the demand for private tutors in Malaysia. This industry is continuing to grow as a result of an increasingly competitive job market which encourages parents to invest more in their children's education.
An investment in education always pays the highest returns. - Benjamin Franklin
As demand for private tuition grows, an increasing number of teachers, unsatisfied with their salaries and working hours, are turning to private tuition.
The flexibility of private tutoring is opening many opportunities to the general public to tutor and inspire.
With hourly rates generally ranging from and up to in the capital, tutoring jobs for ex-teachers and others alike (even students who are tutoring part-time) are an attractive and rewarding new job.
Qualified teachers are not alone in seeking an interesting and flexible way to make an income. Many artists often tutor alongside performance work in order to support their artistic pursuits.
Aside from that, university students also eagerly take up tutoring alongside their studies to earn a bit of extra cash and jazz up their resumes. It is killing two birds with one stone.
Most importantly, you get to enhance your interpersonal skills in the most natural way (meeting with future students/parents of students) and utilize your free time in the most resourceful manner.
What's The Right Way To Set Your Rates as a Tutor?
Being your own boss comes at a price.
Whether you're an artist, a teacher or a student, you'll face the same questions when it comes to creating your tutor profile: how much should I charge as a tutor?
Where do I fit into that RM20 - RM50 range, for example, if I want to teach English?
The tutoring rate that you include on your profile is more than just a number - it's the first impression that you give to your future students.
Too low and you won't be taken seriously, too high and you'll "scare away" potential students.
What makes this decision so difficult is that there is so much conflicting information out there about what to charge.
We have seen enough media coverage of tuition centres or even private tutors that take advantage of students by overcharging them.
It's almost tempting to randomly choose a figure for a beginning rate, although we recommend that you resist that impulse.
Unfortunately, we can't set your tutor rates for you. What we can do is advise you on what to consider when setting your rates and provide you with as much relevant information about tutoring charges in Malaysia as we can.
Continue reading this article to have an overview of how much to charge as a tutor.
Take Into Account The Preparation Time to your Tutor Jobs Rates
When we talk about an hourly tutoring rate, we don't really mean a flat, straightforward hourly rate.
Wait, what?
Okay, technically speaking you are being paid for the time that you spend with the student, but the higher rates that tutors charge compared to other professions encompass the work that takes place outside of the classroom.
Generally, you should factor in one hour of preparation for each hour of tuition.
'Preparation' varies depending on your subject. For example, a language tutor might prepare by:
- coming up with questions based on a passage,
- compiling grammar exercises,
- setting homework tasks,
- evaluating a student's progress and planning the lesson accordingly,
- grading any written work and providing feedback,
- sourcing resources for speaking or written exercises.
On Superprof, there is no intermediate between the tutor and the student, the tutor receives what they charge unless they choose to collect payment via Superprof without subscribing to the premium pass.
You don't have to worry about any hidden fees or additional administration fees.
As a tutor, you can personally liaise with your students on the payment method, payment date and the package for additional fees (if any).
This means that there's no need for incessant calculations and percentages, if you charge RM30 per hour, you'll receive RM30 per hour. All you need to work out is whether your tutoring rate is substantial when you take your planning into account.
Source: Photo by Karolina Grabowska from Pexels
Adjusting The Tutoring Rate According to Your Student's Learning Level
Apart from your own tutoring experience, you'll need to consider your student's level and requirements when setting your tutoring rates.
Another thing to take into account is the age range of your potential students. Depending on the subject you're teaching, you might have adult classes that are enrolling for a piano beginner's class, for instance.
Likewise, you could have a really young student (around 6 years old) who wants to learn the basic elements of tennis.
Here is some information that you can bear in mind while you are planning your lessons and price range according to the below categories.
a) Beginners classes
The lessons usually cost no more than the subject average. Beginners are often looking to discover a new subject or learn a new skill. Their aim is to learn the absolute basics and it is best for the tutors to avoid going into too much detail.
b) Intermediate classes
These lessons are for students who have got the hang of the basics and are looking to develop their skills under the guidance of a more experienced teacher. The cost of these classes usually conforms to the average for the subject.
c) Advanced classes
Most students who enrol for these lessons are looking to perfect their current skills. These students will often be at an advanced level in the subject, so tutors must also be highly qualified and experienced.
These classes are all about the details. Teachers should be experts in the field and the lessons will generally require more preparation and generate more marking, which accounts for their higher price tag.
Online Tutoring Jobs
Online tuition is a growing trend in the tuition industry as it is simple to set up. Many new tutors, especially students, also prefer the convenience of this interactive and web-based learning style.
What makes online tutoring so attractive?
By tutoring online, you are casting a wider net for potential students, geographically speaking, and can work more flexibly as you are not tied to a particular location.
While most online classes are generally 20% cheaper than face-to-face private tutoring, it does not mean that you can't earn a good amount from full-time online tutoring.
The major benefit of online tuition is this.
It effectively eliminates travel time and cost (super helpful for newbies and more convenient in the long run), so you may wish to set a rate which reflects this.
For sports and music tutors, remember that your subjects can also be taught online via webcam at Superprof - all you need is a computer!
Source: Photo by Max Fischer from Pexels
Face-to Face Private Tutoring
You can sign up as a private tutor that offers both face-to-face tutoring and online tutoring at Superprof!
We get that face-to-face learning is tutoring in its most traditional form. Advocates of this format insist that the physical presence of a tutor cannot be substituted by a webcam, as tutors can pick up on non-verbal signals.
There are also students or even tutors that prefer home tutoring (it could be the student's home/tutor's home) because it is more comfortable and convenient.
This especially rings true ever since we have experienced global lockdowns and major movement control orders.
People generally want to avoid crowded places and prefer a quieter and hygienic place to study and work.
That being said, this format has its restrictions. If you are preparing to be solely face-to-face tutor, you have to ask yourself whether it will be a fixed constant - a geographical limit in the long run?
You'll have to think of the best way to maximize your schedule according to your location and time flexibility and set a budget for your travelling costs (petrol and accepted distance range).
Some home tutors choose to charge their students for their travel whilst others prefer to encompass their commuting costs in their tutoring rates.
Whatever you decide, ensure that you set your face-to-face tuition rates with commuting in mind (it's your right!).
Don't worry, as you can list all these details clearly at your Superprof tutor profile.
Source: Photo by Karolina Grabowska from Pexels
Small-Group Tutoring Classes
Small-group tutoring sessions usually come with a lower price tag per student, but a higher hourly income for the tutor - it's a win-win!
Whilst groups sessions provide children with an enjoyable shared learning environment, it's important that you pay equal attention to each student and that everyone's learning needs are being met.
What you need to take note of: These sessions may also generate more marking for the teacher.
Checking out the Tutoring Jobs market: Private Tuition Rates by Subject
To set you apart from the rest, what better than sticking an irresistible price tag on your tutoring services?
It's tempting to undercut the competition in order to attract as many students as possible, but setting a tutoring rate is not quite so simple.
In reality, your hourly rate should be reasonable and affordable, without seeming cheap. Accordingly, your tutoring rate should fall within the same range as other rates on the market for your subject.
When it comes to offering school support the marketplace can be fairly competitive.
Keeping an eye on the competition
Imagine that you are a language teacher. In your area, there are probably dozens of language teachers with similar qualifications and experience. If you charge RM20 per hour when the average is RM50 per hour, you'll sell yourself short and come across as unprofessional.
On the other end of the spectrum, if you charge RM80 per hour, your students will expect you to have out-of-this-world qualifications and experience, which you may not necessarily have!
Before considering your experience you should take stock of the average rate for your subject. To help you determine your hourly rate, we have made a table of the average tutoring hourly rates for each subject on Superprof:
| Subjects | Rate |
|---|---|
| Mathematics | RM44/hour |
| English | RM53/hour |
| Mandarin | RM90/hour |
| Piano | RM98/hour |
| Physics | RM41/hour |
| Biology | RM40/hour |
| Malay | RM38/hour |
| Accounting | RM34/hour |
| Chemistry | RM46/hour |
| Dancing | RM52/hour |
| Singing | RM71/hour |
| Acting | Rm81/hour |
| Tennis | RM85/hour |
| Badminton | RM36/hour |
| History | RM47/hour |
| Guitar | RM76/hour |
| Drawing | RM48/hour |
| Photography | RM61/hour |
| Cooking | RM46/hour |
| Karate | RM43/hour |
Bear in mind that the rate you charge for tutoring depends on several variables, so you can adjust your price according to your location, experience, the student's learning level, and lesson format.
Another point to take note of is to list down the subjects/sub-fields that you can teach as a tutor. At Superprof, you can offer tutoring for more than one subject.
For instance, if you can play and teach a few musical instruments as a music tutor, you can even list down different rates for different instruments (according to demand, classes structure and other factors).
Let's say, if you're the only drum teacher in your area you could charge more for a lesson, whereas guitar teachers may need to set more competitive rates.
Source: Photo by Pavel Danilyuk from Pexels
Here is an example of the average music tutoring rates found on Superprof Malaysia:
| Musical Instruments Lessons | Rate |
|---|---|
| Guitar | RM76/hour |
| Piano | RM98/hour |
| Violin | RM116/hour |
| Trumpet | RM118/hour |
| Drum | RM93/hour |
In addition, lessons that require the tutor to provide more equipment may carry a higher price tag.
How Does Your Location Influence your Rates for Home Tutoring Jobs?
It's all about supply and demand, or so we've heard anyway.
When we talk about private tutors, it's easy to assume that all tutors are in the same boat when it comes to finalizing their rates.
It turns out that this is far from the truth!
Private tutors must take account of social inequalities when deciding how much to charge. Above all, it's essential to bear in mind that not all areas of Malaysia are on an even footing when it comes to tuition rates.
Rates in cities may not conform to regional prices, here are the rates charged by our Superprof tutors according to the city for Mathematics, for instance.
| Cities in Malaysia | Rate |
|---|---|
| Alor Setar | RM33/hour |
| Johor Bahru | RM38/hour |
| Kuala Lumpur | RM41/hour |
| Melaka | RM37/hour |
| Petaling Jaya | RM38/hour |
| Shah Alam | RM40/hour |
| Georgetown | RM37/hour |
| Kangar | RM25/hour |
| Kuching | RM37/hour |
| Miri | RM33/hour |
| Seberang Perai | RM30/hour |
| Subang Jaya | RM41/hour |
| Ipoh | RM36/hour |
| Kota Kinabalu | RM37/hour |
| Kulim | RM35/hour |
| Seremban | RM39/hour |
| Tanah Merah | RM30/hour |
| Online | RM44/hour |
| Average | RM36/hour |
Why Is Experience An Important Factor In Determining Your Rates as a Tutor?
Regardless of the subject that you are teaching, you must certainly ensure that the service that you provide merits the rate that you charge for it.
Dissecting The Role of A Tutor
Private tutors serve as a personal teacher and guide for their students.
When tutoring, it is vital that you know what you're talking about, that you make minimal mistakes, and that you are consistent and updated when you are giving corrections and feedback.
There are many tutors that are working at various education institutions, especially in colleges and universities. For instance, school support tutors play an important role in the academic success of a young person.
It's an opportunity to help students reach their potential, but bad tutoring practices can lead to academic failure.
The only source of knowledge is experience. - Albert Einstein
With regards to your tutoring rates: the more experience you have, the more you can charge.
As an example, let's look at foreign language tutoring. Generally speaking, there are three types of language teachers:
a) Native Speaking Tutors
Tutors that fall under this category are from the country whose language they are teaching. These teachers are particularly sought-after as they know the idioms and subtleties of the target language and culture without even thinking.
Students can learn naturally and quickly with native speakers, so these tutors tend to charge top dollar for their tutoring services.
b) Qualified Language Teachers
Most tutors belong to this category. They have studied languages extensively and have usually lived and worked in the country where the language is spoken. They are at an advanced level in the target language and have experienced the country's culture.
While their knowledge of the language and culture may not be as profound as that of a native speaker, their qualifications (degree, certificate of proficiencies) serve as proof of their linguistic excellence. These teachers can therefore charge a substantial tutoring rate.
Source: Photo by Kindel Media from Pexels
c) Students Tutors
Student tutors often offer private tuition while they are still studying or during their semester breaks. Although these student tutors are less qualified and experienced, they are often highly motivated and enthusiastic about their subjects.
Their greatest flex?
They have recent experience of studying in school themselves and have a good understanding of the curriculum and exam formats. However, due to their lack of experience, students cannot charge such extravagant tutoring rates and often attract learners on a budget.
In fact, most of their students could be their fellow classmates or even their own friends.
Do Qualifications Matter A Lot As a Tutor?
For most students, qualifications are evidence of your knowledge and having a university degree will certainly increase your hourly earning potential. It is after all a sign of credibility.
As such, an English tutor with a PhD in TESOL will be able to charge more than a fresh graduate with a bachelors degree.
Similarly, a musician who has completed his/her diploma will earn more per hour than an unqualified musician.
On the other hand, it's not just the 'what' that matters, the 'where' is important too. Graduates from Russell Group universities (overseas) or branch campuses in Malaysia (Australia/UK) can expect to charge more for tutoring than their non-Russell Group counterparts.
But this should not be the ultimate consideration for you to start off as a tutor at Superprof! There are many student tutors who have more teaching experience than fresh graduates who want to start tutoring.
You can still stand out by highlighting your X factor as a tutor!
For instance, if you intend to teach dancing and you have had many competition experiences since your primary school days till today, make sure you list all of your achievements on your profile!
How To Attract More Students As A Tutor?
As mentioned earlier, competition is very real in the world of tutoring. What are some tips to have more students?
Activating The Ripple Effect: Word of Mouth
Word of mouth is more effective than other forms of marketing according to expert Jonah Berger. The better your track record as a tutor, the more you can charge.
Word of mouth on the world wide web comes in the form of reviews. Just take a look at the profiles of Superprof tutors that are doing well. They have many reviews and recommendations from their previous students.
The golden rule is this. The more positive reviews you have, the more students will trust in your capacities, and the more they'll be willing to pay for your time.
If you are just starting out, you can ask your family and friends to help you out by naturally recommending you on social media or casual conversations with others.
Keep it simple with your tutor profile and lesson conduct
Be flexible with your students but don't let your prices get too complicated! Offering options such as half-hour lessons, fortnightly classes, or group tutoring sessions is a great way to generate interest among students on a budget.
That being said, should you charge your students for cancellations?
It can be very frustrating when your student cancels a lesson, especially at the last minute.
When you set up your tutoring profile it is wise to consider what your cancellation policy is. Whilst some tutors don't charge a cancellation fee, others impose a 24 or 12-hour time limit on cancellations after which the student will be required to pay a full or reduced price for the lesson.
Whatever you decide for your cancellation policy, remember to be flexible (within reason) if your students have a valid excuse. This helps to build a strong teacher-student relationship, which means your pupils are more likely to spread the word about their excellent teacher.
Teaching kids to count is fine, but teaching them what counts is best. - Bob Talbert
Likewise, as you learn to set your tutoring rates, it is important to really take into account what really count and matter.
If you are looking for a simple and flexible way to become a tutor, you can always begin your tutoring journey with Superprof anytime and anywhere.
See you soon!
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