Most people think of tutoring as a side hustle for college students or retired teachers. But for some, it can turn into a lucrative full-time career. Case in point: Steven Menking, a former Wall Street trader who left his six-figure finance job and now earns up to $1,000 an hour tutoring online.
👉 Read the full story here: Man quit 6-figure job at 36, now earns $1,000 an hour working remotely.
From Trading Floors to Virtual Classrooms
Menking worked in equities trading until 2014, when long hours and burnout pushed him to look for a new path. He started tutoring math, accounting, and finance through platforms like Wyzant, gradually raising his rates and building a client base.
What began as a way to pay the bills soon became a thriving business model. Today, he teaches just 20–25 hours a week — but earns more than many full-time corporate jobs.
His story shows that tutoring isn’t just about helping kids with homework; it can be a scalable, high-income career when approached strategically.
Do You Need a Degree or Certificate to Tutor?
One of the most common questions people ask is: “Do I need a teaching degree or certificate to start tutoring?” The answer: it depends on the platform and the subject you want to teach.
When Degrees/Certificates Are Required:
- Academic tutoring platforms (like Tutor.com, Skooli, Varsity Tutors) often require a bachelor’s degree or proof that you’re currently pursuing one.
- Test prep tutoring (SAT, GRE, GMAT) may require both a degree and evidence of strong test scores.
- Specialized subjects (STEM, law, medicine, finance) often require formal qualifications for credibility.
- Formal institutions (schools, colleges) usually demand state licenses or education certificates.
When You Don’t Need Them:
- Language tutoring (Cambly, iTalki) often requires only fluency — no degree necessary.
- Skill-based subjects (music, arts, coding, hobbies) on platforms like Outschool don’t require teaching credentials.
- Freelance platforms (Preply, Wyzant, Superprof) allow you to set up a profile without a degree. Reviews, testimonials, and teaching results matter more.
👉 While certificates like TEFL/TESOL for English can boost your profile, they’re not always mandatory.
Remote Tutoring Platforms Hiring Worldwide
You don’t need to charge $1,000 per hour on day one. A great way to get started is by joining global tutoring platforms that connect you with students across time zones. Here are some options:
| Platform | What They Focus On | Requirements | Flexibility |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wyzant | Academic subjects, test prep, professional skills | Subject expertise, profile approval | Set your own rate and schedule |
| Preply | Language and academic tutoring | Strong subject/language skills | Global student base, you choose hours |
| Cambly / iTalki | Conversational English and other languages | Fluent English (no degree required in some cases) | Work from anywhere, highly flexible |
| Tutor.com / Chegg Tutors | K–12 and college academics | Degree or ongoing studies, vetting | Structured but remote |
| Outschool | Create your own online classes | Teaching ability, creative lesson design | Great for group sessions |
| Varsity Tutors | Academic and test prep | Strong academic credentials | Virtual classroom tools provided |
What You’ll Need to Succeed
Breaking into online tutoring is easier than you think, but here are some essentials:
- Subject mastery — Students pay for clarity and expertise. Start with what you know best.
- Good communication skills — Clear explanations are more important than flashy presentations.
- Technical setup — A strong internet connection, quality microphone, and webcam are must-haves.
- Professional profile — On most platforms, your photo, bio, and reviews matter just as much as your skills.
- Consistency — Reliability and punctuality lead to repeat clients and referrals.
How Tutoring Fits Into a Busy Schedule
One of the biggest draws of tutoring is flexibility. Unlike a 9-to-5, you can:
- Work evenings or weekends around another job.
- Take on as few as 5 hours per week to test the waters.
- Use platform scheduling tools so clients can book without back-and-forth emails.
- Scale up gradually — adding more hours as you gain clients and confidence.
Many tutors start part-time, earn supplemental income, and later transition to full-time once they see the earning potential.
Key Takeaways
- Tutoring is no longer just a side gig; it can be a six-figure career path.
- Platforms like Preply, Wyzant, and Cambly make it possible to get started from anywhere in the world.
- With flexibility and demand across subjects, it can fit easily into busy lives — whether you’re a professional seeking extra income or an educator looking for independence.
- Menking’s story proves that with the right strategy, tutoring can rival — or even surpass — corporate salaries.
Final Thought
The remote learning boom has created a once-in-a-generation opportunity for subject experts, educators, and even professionals looking to share knowledge. If you’ve ever thought about teaching, now might be the perfect time to turn it into a flexible income stream — or even a full-time business.