How much money you can earn teaching English online depends on a variety of factors, including your qualifications, prior experience, and the platform you work for. Online English teachers are paid on an hourly basis, typically ranging between $15 and $30. If you decide to work through an online platform, as most online teachers do, a fee for connecting you with students and providing materials is also deducted in the form of a commission.
Can you make a living by teaching English online?
There are different ways to earn a living as an online English teacher. Some teachers work for an online ESL company, some offer their lessons on an open marketplace, and others even start their own online ESL business.
Depending on your qualifications and the type of platform, online English teachers can typically earn between $10 and $40 US per hour. If you are a new teacher with a TEFL or TESOL certification, your hourly rate will most likely be around $10-$20.
What can I expect to earn working for an online ESL platform?
Teaching with an online ESL company is perfect for anyone who wants to avoid the majority of the grunt work. Lesson plans and teaching materials are usually provided by these types of online teaching platforms. They also tend to have a vast, global network of students looking for online ESL teachers, making it easy to find students.
However, most of these types of teaching platforms do not let you set your own hourly rate. Instead, they give you an hourly rate based on your experience and qualifications. These rates can range from $8 to $20 per hour, but they frequently include a benefits program. Bonuses such as an extra $1 per class if you teach more than 45 classes per month are common incentives.
How much money can I make teaching on the open market?
Online teaching marketplaces are a type of platform that connect English learners with ESL teachers. On this type of platform you set up a teacher profile showcasing your credentials, experience, and any additional training or certifications you have and then students can browse your profile and book a lesson with you.
To introduce yourself to prospective students you should also create an eye-catching introduction video. This video highlights your accent, skills, and why you believe you are a great ESL teacher. Use this video to sell yourself and your skills in order to attract your first students, receive solid, positive feedback, and start building your client base.
An open market platform enables you to set your own fee per class, in contrast to structured ESL platforms with fixed hourly rates. It is typical to start with a cheaper rate before raising it in order to draw in more students and establish a solid reputation through good feedback and reviews. A modest increase in your fees shouldn't be a problem if your students enjoy the lessons you offer. Do not start out with a pay rate that is too high. It will be far more effective if you get into it gradually rather than charging a high rate with no reviews to support it.
How can I launch my own online ESL business?
The most challenging of the three online teaching options is to start your own online teaching business. However, this option is best if you are a real go-getter with the passion and motivation to see it through.
You will need to work hard not simply to find your own students but also to run the business from the ground up. This includes tasks like making your own website, selecting the right platform for your lessons, selecting the age category or demography you wish to teach, and making your own lesson plans.
It can be a lot of work but it is totally worth it in the end.
Can you work as a full-time online English teacher?
As you can see, there are a lot of options when it comes to teaching English online. Your online English teaching job can range from a part-time side gig to a full-time profession. Another great benefit of teaching English online is that the majority of online English organizations let you work as much or as little as you like. You can even establish your own online English teaching business. The sky really is the limit.
