How much do online English teachers make?
The income of an online English teacher varies based on factors like qualifications, experience, and the specific teaching platform used. On average, teachers can expect to earn between $15 to $30 per hour. Entry-level teachers, especially those newly certified in TESOL, often start at the lower end of this range. Experienced educators or those with advanced qualifications can command higher rates. While some teachers operate on a freelance basis, many are employed through agencies. These agencies typically offer an hourly rate within this range but may deduct a portion as a service fee for connecting teachers with students and providing teaching materials.
Table of Contents
Can you teach English online full-time?
Can you make good money teaching English online?
How much can I earn working for an online ESL company?
How much can I earn teaching on an open marketplace?
How do I start my own online ESL business?
Can you teach English online full-time?
Yes, teaching English online full-time is entirely feasible. The flexibility offered by most online English teaching platforms allows educators to choose their working hours, making both part-time and full-time schedules possible. The number of hours you commit to can vary based on your personal preference and availability. Your earnings as a full-time online English teacher will depend on various factors, including the company you work for, your qualifications and experience, and your hourly rate, which may be a flat rate set by the company or a rate you determine yourself. Additionally, bonuses can supplement your base pay. This flexibility and control over working hours make online English teaching a viable option for those seeking a full-time career in this field.
Can you make good money teaching English online?
Yes, it is possible to make good money teaching English online, with hourly earnings typically ranging anywhere from $10 to $40 USD. For first-time teachers with TESOL certification, starting rates usually fall between $10 and $20 per hour. The income potential depends on various factors, including the teacher's qualifications, experience, and the teaching platform used. There are three main avenues for teaching English online:
- Working with an established online ESL company, which often provides a steady stream of students and a structured pay scale.
- Offering services on open marketplaces, where teachers have more control over their rates and student selection.
- Starting a personal online ESL business, which allows for maximum autonomy and potential for higher earnings, though it requires more effort in marketing and student acquisition.
Each of these pathways offers different potential for income, allowing teachers to choose the one that best suits their professional goals and financial expectations.
How much can I earn working for an online ESL company?
The most common and straightforward option for teaching English online is through an online ESL platform. This is a very convenient method as the company will usually supply you with all the lesson plans and teaching materials you need which removes a great deal of time and effort from your schedule. This type of company will also have a large network of students which means you should always have work available whenever you want it.
On the downside, you will be given a fixed hourly rate to charge your students based on your experience and qualifications, rather than the chance to decide your own hourly rate. However, many companies also include some form of incentive based program to encourage you to be productive. For example, you might get an extra $1 an hour if you teach over a certain number of classes per month.
How much can I earn teaching on an open marketplace?
An open marketplace is a type of teaching platform where English language students can connect with ESL teachers who have set up a profile that advertises their skills. When setting up a profile a teacher should emphasize their TESOL qualifications, teaching experience, and any other relevant training or certifications they have completed.
You will also need to produce a professional-looking video where you introduce yourself to potential students and their parents (if you are targeting young learners). Through the video you should highlight your accent, teaching abilities, and exactly why you believe you are the best teacher for the job. The video provides a great way to attract your first students, gain some good feedback, and begin building a client base to take your career forward.
One big difference between an open marketplace and a standard online teaching platform is you get to decide exactly how much to charge your clients. However, it is best to start out with a relatively low rate in order to attract plenty of students. Once you have built a solid reputation with good reviews and positive feedback, you can consider a small increase in rate. If you set a high rate from the start and have no reviews to back it up, you are unlikely to attract a great deal of interest.
How do I start my own online ESL business?
Starting your own online ESL business, though challenging, is a rewarding option for highly motivated teachers willing to invest plenty of effort. Here's how to begin:
- Identify Your Niche: Determine the age group and type of students you want to teach.
- Set Up a Website: Create an online presence where students can learn about your services.
- Develop a Teaching Platform: Choose or build a platform to conduct your lessons.
- Student Acquisition: Initially, you will be responsible for finding your own students, which can be done through marketing and networking.
- Lesson Planning and Administration: Prepare your curriculum and manage the administrative aspects of your business.
Once established, you will have complete control over your business, retaining all earnings without needing to share profits with a teaching company. This path offers independence and the potential for higher income, but requires dedication to building and maintaining your enterprise.
