If you’re thinking about providing private tutoring services, you’ll quickly realise that setting a fee is more complex than simply picking a number.

In Singapore’s tuition market, finding the right price involves careful calculation of your expertise, the student’s grade level, and the subject's specific complexity. 

By factoring in these elements alongside logistical considerations like travel and preparation time, you can determine how much to charge while highlighting the true value of your services.

Current Market Overview: Average Tuition Rates in Singapore

The local market for private tuition is highly sought-after, with rates varying widely based on expertise and student level. Generally, total hourly rates for this service range from S$25 to S$100.

The typical breakdown for upper levels (secondary to university level) includes:

• Part-time tutors, who are often undergraduates, usually charge between S$30 and S$45 per hour.
• Full-time tutors are career professionals who typically command rates ranging from S$45 to S$65 per hour.
• MOE-trained or former teachers often charge S$65 to S$100 per hour due to their deep knowledge of the syllabus and expertise in major examinations.

Key Variables Determining Hourly Tuition Fees

While the market offers a broad range of prices, several key factors typically determine how much tutoring costs per hour in Singapore.

1. Location

Although Singapore is geographically small, location remains a factor in how much tutors charge per hour for home-based sessions. When travelling to a student’s residence, tutors must account for travel time and transport costs. Since these logistical expenses often contribute to the final rate, physical home tuition tends to be more expensive than virtual lessons.

2. Subject

Subjects requiring specialised skills or having exceptionally high demand often command higher fees. For instance, working with a private maths tutor at the junior college level is typically more expensive than engaging one for general subjects. 

After all, private mathematics tutorials can fill up quickly and tend to be more expensive due to their complexity. 

Furthermore, tutoring for international curricula like IB or IGCSE requires specialists familiar with specific syllabuses.

3. Student's Grade

It’s also common for private tutoring rates per hour to increase as a student progresses through the academic system. Moreover, the reasonable price for tutoring per hour depends largely on the proximity to major examinations:

• Lower Primary (P1-P3): This level usually offers the most affordable starting point for families seeking general academic support.
• Upper Secondary/O-Level: Rates rise considerably as subject complexity increases and exam preparation becomes more intensive.
• Junior College (JC)/IB Diploma: These levels command the highest hourly fees, sometimes exceeding S$100 per hour for experienced specialists handling advanced curriculum demands.

4. Expertise

The tutor's qualifications and years of experience are the primary drivers of rate segmentation. When deciding how much they’ll charge, professionals consider their track record and specific skill sets.

Private tutors in Singapore generally fall under these categories:

• Part-Time Tutors: These individuals offer the most affordable rates and are generally suitable for basic academic coaching or general support.
• Full-Time Tutors: These are career professionals who specialise in syllabus mastery and proven exam strategies.
• MOE-Trained or Ex-Teachers: These experts possess deep knowledge of the local curriculum, making them highly sought after for critical exam preparation. 

Determining a Mutually Fair Rate

Establishing a fair rate is the foundation of a sustainable tutoring relationship for both parties. Moreover, learning how much to charge for tutoring ensures that you’re appropriately compensated not just for the contact hour, but for the intensive lesson preparation, curated resources, and the specialised pedagogical knowledge you bring to the table. 

To arrive at a professional hourly rate, you should evaluate the following variables:

• Qualifications and Experience: Rates should align with the inherent value of your educational background, years of active teaching, and credentials, such as MOE training or niche certifications.
• Student’s Level and Difficulty: Advanced levels require more complex preparation and deeper mastery of the content, justifying a higher price point given the increased intellectual demand.
• Subject and Complexity: Subjects like mathematics, physics, or economics typically command a premium compared to general language arts.
• Lesson Format and Logistics: 1-on-1 private sessions usually carry a premium over group rates. Additionally, ensure your base rate accounts for logistical overheads, such as travel time and transport expenses for home-based visits.

Launch Your Freelance Career with Confidence

Ready to turn your expertise into a rewarding career? Create a tutor profile on Connextion today to find your ideal hourly rate by comparing other tutors' fees with yours, based on similar credentials. Beyond academic coaching, we also support a diverse range of freelancers, from private piano tutors to tennis trainers. 

Join the growing Connextion community and start connecting with students who value your unique skills.