Top Skills for This Career
BLS identifies these as the three highest-rated skills for this detailed occupation. TrustInEd adds the plain-language explanations so visitors understand what each skill means.
Working effectively with people by building relationships, understanding others, and responding appropriately.
Adjusting effectively when priorities, conditions, tools, or expectations change.
Understanding written information and communicating ideas clearly in writing.
How Do You Prepare for This Career?
BLS describes the typical preparation for this occupation. Requirements can vary by employer, state, licensing rules and individual circumstances.
How to Become One
How to Become a Tutor Tutors must find creative ways to keep students engaged in learning. Tutors typically need to have completed some college courses, specifically in the subjects that they want to teach. However,
Education
requirements vary. Some employers do not require credentials; others prefer to hire tutors who have a bachelor's degree. Education and
Training
Tutors typically need to have some college education, specifically in subjects that they want to teach. Some tutors, such as those still in high school, may not have completed college courses but have a strong knowledge or background in a specific subject. Some employers require that tutors have a bachelor's degree in a field such as education. Other employers may prefer to hire tutors whose degree relates closely to their tutoring subject, such as mathematics or a foreign language. Depending on the position, tutors may receive training on the job. Other Experience Test preparation tutors usually need to have scored highly on the standardized tests for which they help students prepare. Student tutors, such as those in college, may need a minimum grade point average (GPA) or must have high grades in the subjects that they tutor. Some employers prefer to hire tutors who have teaching experience or who have a state-issued teaching certification or license.
Your Next Step
Review training, certifications, apprenticeships, or employer-based preparation that may support entry into this career.
Pay
the median annual wage for all workers was $50,980.
Job Outlook
Job Outlook Employment of tutors is projected to decline 0 percent from 2025 to 2035. Despite declining employment, about 34,200 openings for tutors are projected each year, on average, over the decade. All of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to other occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. Employment Employment growth for tutors will depend on the size of the student population requiring additional academic assistance. Demand for private tutoring services is projected to continue as students preparing for college strive to differentiate themselves from other applicants through academic achievement. Also, some applicants to graduate school programs will hire tutors to help them prepare for entrance exams. The ability of schools, students, and families to pay for tutoring services will impact future demand for these workers. The introduction of generative artificial intelligence (AI) will somewhat reduce the need for tutors, since many of their regular activities can be completed by online software. Companies with large inventories of practice tests, assessments, and assignments for various academic subjects and standardized tests will be able to provide digital services that were previously only available with a personal or private tutor. Tutors Percent change in employment, projected 2025–35 Total, all occupations 3% Other teachers and instructors 1% Tutors 0% Note: All Occupations includes all occupations in the U.S. Economy.
What They Do
What Tutors Do
Tutors instruct students individually or in small groups to support formal class instruction or improve academic performance. Some tutors prepare students for standardized or admissions tests.
Duties
Tutors typically do the following:
- Set goals with students
- Assist students with homework or practice problems
- Teach students organizational and study skills
- Provide feedback to students
- Review learning materials with students
- Prepare session materials or practice questions
- Monitor student progress to discuss with students, parents, or teachers
Tutors work with students one-on-one or in groups to help them learn or to reinforce subject material. For example, they may help students with homework assignments or review worksheets, drills, or other academic exercises. They may create tools and activities, such as educational games, or find resources in textbooks or online.
Tutors structure their lessons based on a variety of factors, including their students’ needs and age. For example, some students may respond well to rapid-response or high-energy activities while other students, such as those with disabilities, may require a slower pace or less sensory stimulation.
Tutors also may help students improve their study and organizational skills. They may help students develop good habits through the use of tools, such as flash cards, and strategies, including note-taking systems or calendars for managing time.
The following are examples of types of tutors:
Language and ESL tutors assist students who are learning a foreign language or English as a second language (ESL). They may help students develop fluency or literacy by focusing on grammar, pronunciation, reading, and writing in the target language.
Special education tutors work with students who have physical, mental, emotional, or behavioral disabilities. These tutors develop lesson plans and teaching methods based on the specific needs of each student. Special education tutors may help with life skills and social skills in addition to academic subjects.
Subject tutors typically help with homework or other coursework and with reteaching concepts. These tutors typically have a background in the subject that they tutor. For example, a math tutor may have a degree in mathematics or have completed numerous mathematics or related courses.
Test preparation tutors help students prepare for standardized examinations that measure knowledge or skills in a consistent, or “standard,” manner. These tutors may work with students on developing test-taking strategies, such as time management and question analysis, specific to their standardized test.
Work Environment
Work Environment
Tutors held about 208,400 jobs in 2025. The largest employers of tutors were as follows:
| Other schools and instruction; private | 31% |
| Elementary and secondary schools; local | 14 |
| Self-employed workers | 12 |
| Educational support services; private | 9 |
| Colleges, universities, and professional schools; state | 5 |
Tutors work in a variety of settings, such as schools and tutoring centers. Some tutors travel to students’ homes.
Work Schedules
Most tutors work part time, and their schedules may vary. For example, they may work evenings and weekends and may have more hours during the school year or leading up to standardized test dates. Because such schedules are common, many of these workers hold other jobs or attend school outside of their tutoring hours.
Important Qualities
The following are examples of qualities that are important for these workers to perform their duties. For more information, visit the Employment Projections (EP) skills data page. Communication skills. Tutors must explain concepts in terms that students can understand. They may need to discuss student progress with parents or teachers. Creativity. Tutors must be able to keep students engaged in learning. They may have to change their methods of instruction to address the needs of different students. Instructional skills. Tutors must understand the fundamentals of teaching and lesson planning. They must adjust their teaching style and lessons to meet the needs of each student. Organizational skills. Tutors must coordinate schedules with students, parents, or employers. They must prepare lesson plans and instructional materials for tutoring sessions. Patience. Working with students of different abilities and backgrounds can be difficult. Tutors must be patient, especially with students who may become distracted or who struggle to master the material.
More Information
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about tutors by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
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Start with ED →Career data and occupational profile text are sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook and Employment Projections program. Education requirements are typical entry-level requirements and may vary by employer, state, occupation or individual circumstance. View the official BLS profile.