Understanding the Cost of Private Tutoring Services in Canada
The cost of private tutoring in Canada varies widely and depends on several factors. These include the tutor’s qualifications, the subject matter’s complexity, the tutoring company’s brand and reputation, and whether the sessions are online or in-home. By breaking down the costs associated with different tutoring providers, platforms, delivery methods, and subject areas, you can make a more informed decision that best fits your child’s educational needs and your budget.
Costs by Established Tutoring Companies
Several well-known tutoring companies operate across Canada. While their pricing structures differ, they often consider factors like the number of hours booked, the tutor’s qualifications, and the subject’s difficulty level.
Average Hourly Rates by Established Tutoring Companies
| Company | Pricing Structure | Hourly Rate Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tutor Doctor | Tiered based on pre-purchase | $60–$100/hour | Discounts for multiple hours purchased in advance |
| TutorBright | Flat fee | $67/hour | Billed monthly based on sessions |
| Prep Academy Tutors | Variable (qualifications/exp.) | Up to $95/hour (senior math) | Ontario-certified teachers available |
| Scholars Ed | Location-dependent | $65–$75/hour (Toronto) | Rates vary by city; may have Ph.D. tutors |
| TutorOne | Monthly plans | $52–$72/hour | Rate depends on hours/week (e.g., 5 hrs/week = $55/hr) |
- Pricing Structure: Varies based on the number of hours purchased in advance.
- General Range: $60–$100/hour.
- Booking more hours up front generally reduces the hourly rate.
2. TutorBright
- Pricing Structure: Flat fee.
- General Rate: $67/hour.
- Billed monthly, based on the number of sessions used.
- Pricing Structure: Rates vary based on tutor qualifications, teaching experience, and tenure with the company.
- General Range: Can reach up to $95/hour for a senior-level math tutor.
- Tutors may be Ontario-certified teachers.
4. Scholars Education Centre (Scholars Ed)
- Pricing Structure: Varies by location.
- Example (Toronto): $65–$75/hour.
- Other cities, like Vancouver, BC, may have different rates.
- Some tutors hold advanced degrees (e.g., Ph.D. holders).
5. TutorOne
- Pricing Structure: Monthly payment plans; rates vary depending on weekly hours.
- General Range: $52–$72/hour.
- Example: 5 hours/week at $55/hour.
- Primarily offering online tutoring due to COVID-19 considerations.
The Costs of Private Tutoring Services in Canada depend on numerous factors that are usually coupled together to determine a set hourly rate for the student in question.
Private tutoring rates by Individual Tutors
Average Hourly Rates by Independent Tutoring Platforms
| Platform | Hourly Rate Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Kijiji | $25–$70/hour | Cheapest option, no vetting, must verify credentials |
| University Tutor | $35–$70/hour | Tutor qualifications easier to review, no company vetting |
| First Tutors Canada | $50–$100/hour | Background checks, higher-quality tutors |
| Varsity Tutors | ~$45–$100/hour | Good-quality, vetted tutors, often specialized subjects |
| Superprof | ~$20–$100/hour | Wide range of tutors; pricing highly variable by individual |
| Wyzant | ~$30–$300/hour | Large marketplace, varied tutor backgrounds and qualifications |
Note: The ranges for Varsity Tutors, Superprof, and Wyzant are approximate and can vary significantly depending on the tutor’s qualifications, location, and subject matter.
If you rather wish to reach out to different individual tutors and find out about their expertise on your own, you can do so using the following websites below. It is advised that you ask for proof of whatever they claim to have (their university transcripts, references, police checks etc.) since you it is the first time you are making contact with this individual and they have not been checked by a private company.
Kijiji – If you have all the time on your hands and want to save money, you can probably find the cheapest tutors on Kijiji. Expect to pay anywhere from $25-50/hour depending on the confidence, experience level of the tutor, and the subject difficulty.
Note that Kijiji does not check the background of their tutors. It is even possible to see ads from students who are not enrolled in any post-secondary institution. Anyone with a computer/phone or internet access can post ads on Kijiji.
Costs by Tutoring Format (Online vs. In-Home)
In-Home Tutoring (Pre-COVID)
- Traditionally, in-home tutoring sessions ranged from $45 to $75/hour.
- Higher costs often reflect travel, personalized attention, and reputation.
- COVID-19 restrictions have largely suspended or reduced in-home services.
Online Tutoring (Post-COVID Shift)
- Although one might expect online rates to drop (due to no travel cost), they often remain similar.
- Reasons include investments in online technology, specialized software, and the added complexity of teaching remotely.
- General Range: $45–$75/hour, depending on the company and subject matter.
Costs by Subject Area
The subject being tutored can significantly impact the rate—more complex, advanced, or specialized subjects typically cost more.
1. Math, Science, and Engineering (University Level)
- Often the most expensive subjects due to complexity and required expertise.
- Rates can exceed $65–$100/hour, depending on the tutor’s specialization and qualifications.
2. High School STEM Subjects (Math, Physics, Chemistry, Biology)
- Generally more expensive than tutoring in English or ESL.
- Typical Range: $54–$64/hour for advanced high school courses, especially AP/IB level.
3. English, ESL, Reading, and Writing
- Usually less expensive than advanced STEM subjects.
- Typical Range: $45–$60/hour for elementary and high school levels.
4. Elementary School Tutoring (All Subjects)
- More uniform pricing, reflecting less specialized requirements.
- Typical Range: $45–$55/hour.
Costs by Difficulty Level
As the student’s educational level and the material’s complexity increase, so does the cost. More advanced subjects require tutors with higher academic qualifications, specialized training, and greater teaching experience.
1. Elementary Level
- Lower complexity and wider availability of qualified tutors.
- Rates around $45–$55/hour.
2. High School Level
- More advanced coursework often costs more, especially at senior levels (Grade 11–12, AP/IB courses).
- Rates may climb to $54–$64/hour, especially for intensive STEM subjects.
3. University Level
- Requires tutors with deep subject mastery, often at or above a bachelor’s or master’s level.
- Rates start around $49/hour at some providers (e.g., TutorOne) but can range from $65 up to $175/hour, depending on the subject and tutor’s qualifications.
Special Needs Tutoring
Tutoring students with special needs requires highly trained, patient, and experienced educators. Due to the specialized skill set:
- Rates can be higher than general subject tutoring.
- Costs are dependent on the level of support, accommodations, and expertise the tutor must provide.
Private Tutoring Rates by Type (Online vs In-Home Tutoring)
Firstly, on average, you usually pay more than Kijiji tutors for anyone on one tutoring session. This is not set in stone, but if they’re a reputable company that takes time to better improve their tutors on a 1-on-1 level, then you’re looking to pay anywhere from $45 to $75 an hour for professional in-home private tutoring. Keep in mind that, due to COVID-19, most agencies, including TutorOne does not offer in-home private tutoring services.
Cost of Private Tutoring Broken Down by Subject
On average private math tutoring, Computer Science and Engineering tutoring services are the most expensive subjects to get tutored for in Toronto (at the university level). Generally, Math and Physics in-home tutoring sessions are priced higher than chemistry, biology or English/ESL tutoring services. This pricing is heavily dependent on the experience of the tutor needed to effectively explain difficult math and physics subject in a fashion that breeds learning and understanding. For elementary school tutoring, generally speaking, the cost is relatively consistent for all subjects.
Private Tutoring Broken Down by Difficulty
Generally, not all tutoring sessions are the same. Private Tutoring is special in that the degree of difficulty is heavily dependent on the personal needs of the student and the tutor’s ability to effectively meet those needs, and all other concerns that would arise. Consequently, at Tutor One we offer Free in-home assessments to remove any bias from private tutoring by connecting your student with the best tutor that has been trained to meet their needs and match their personalities.
Difficulty of in-home and private tutoring at the subject level increases with age and course material. For example, an undergraduate calculus tutor is expected to have mastered the more advanced parts of calculus or related mathematics and be able to apply it in a manner that promotes understanding and growth to a university level student. Because there is a high academic level of mastery required to successfully tutor a university calculus student, the hourly wage for most university and post-secondary private and online tutors is higher than regular high-school or elementary math tutoring services.
Conclusion
Private tutoring costs in Canada vary greatly based on provider, subject area, level of complexity, and format (online vs. in-home). By understanding these variables, you can set realistic expectations, choose the right provider, and find a tutor best suited to your child’s academic needs and your budget. Always verify a tutor’s qualifications, experience, and teaching style before committing to a long-term plan.