Updated May 29, 2025.
Tutor.com is a site that hires people as independent contractors to tutor students who need help with their homework via a secured online environment.
While the most lucrative route to go as a paid tutor is starting your own business, this may offer an opportunity to earn some money if you don’t have the means, or the desire, to do that.
If you’re interested, read on for all the details!
How much does Tutor.com pay?
They no longer list exact pay rates on the website. In the past, pay varied depending on the state you lived in, but today, tutors are paid a set hourly rate based on the subjects they tutor, with additional incentives for high-quality tutoring. Specific pay details are shared with applicants after they pass the initial application and subject exam stage.
You are paid on a set schedule directly from Tutor.com, eliminating the delays you might encounter with private clients.
As far as I can tell, this is probably just good for side income. Most of the reviews say that the pay is nothing you can depend on due to the difficulty of getting hours in.
Tutoring for Tutor.com may be a good way to earn a little extra money if you’re a college student.
What are the requirements to become a tutor for Tutor.com?
You must be a U.S. resident with knowledge in the subject you plan to tutor. You must also be able to demonstrate your ability to explain things to students within their online environment. Skills tests are given to determine your competency in various subjects.
Additionally, Tutor.com requires that you either be enrolled in (at least at the sophomore level) or graduated from an accredited U.S. college or university.
Note: Applicants must have a valid Social Security Number and be eligible to work in the U.S. Tutor.com is currently unable to accept applications from those requiring employment visa sponsorship (like H-1B or F-1 status).
What is the application process like for Tutor.com?
You have to fill out an application online and then take subject exams in whatever subjects you’ve signed up to tutor in.
Applying in one of their high-demand subjects (such as Calculus, Organic Chemistry, Physics, Accounting, Nursing, or Computer Science) can help speed up your application.
If you pass those, you go through a mock session with another online tutor.
If you pass that, they do a background check on you (which you do NOT have to pay for, from what I understand), and if your background check comes back OK, you can start tutoring immediately.
The full application process typically takes 1–3 weeks, depending on how quickly you complete each step.
If you take the exams and they don’t happen to need tutors in your subject at the moment, you’ll go on a wait list before they do the background check and officially hire you.
We do have a list of companies that, as far as our research has determined, do not do background checks prior to hiring you if that is something you’re looking for.
How does the tutoring process go?
Once hired, simply log in to their system and wait for students who need tutoring. You can log in unscheduled to pick up sessions, set availability for appointments, or create a weekly schedule — the system is flexible to match your needs.
The wait time is paid, although it’s only $5.50 an hour. Still, that’s not bad for doing nothing! (Note: this specific wait pay may no longer apply; updated pay details are provided after onboarding.)
You have exactly ten seconds to respond once you receive an alert that there is a student online waiting to be tutored.
If you are fast enough and get a student to tutor before another tutor logged on at the same time as you, you enter an online “classroom” and begin chatting with them to help with whatever homework advice they need. You can apparently tutor via a chat or voice interface.
The student you are tutoring has the opportunity to rate your performance once the session is over.
Are there any specific hours you have to schedule yourself to work?
For the most part, you set your own schedule and work whenever you want. Tutor.com’s service is available 24/7, allowing you to create a flexible schedule week to week. You can also log in without a set schedule to pick up available sessions.
Demand is highest during the times of year when school is in session. It’s supposedly much slower around Christmas break and through the summer. The need for tutors also tends to increase between the hours of 4 p.m. to 11 p.m. (when school has let out).
We do have a list of full-time work-at-home jobs if you absolutely must have 40 hours per week.
Is Tutor.com legit?
Absolutely. I see no reason to think it is a scam.
I also believe this would be a good opportunity for anyone who meets the qualifications and has a knack for teaching/explaining things. The research I’ve done indicates that they pay their tutors.
Some say the job is very rewarding when you know you’ve helped a student. Others say that it can get frustrating at times because you occasionally end up with students who don’t care to be rude to you, say harsh things, and give you poor ratings — particularly if you can’t help them.
How do you register?
Just click here to go ahead and get started applying at Tutor.com if you’re interested. Good luck to you!
Want Even More Remote Tutoring Opportunities?
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It’s a smart, low-risk way to expand your search and find even more legit tutoring work online, as well as other types of remote jobs.
Go here to try out FlexJobs and see if you think it's for you.
Anna Thurman is a work at home blogger and mom of two. She has been researching and reviewing remote jobs for over 14 years. Her findings are published weekly here at Real Ways to Earn.