In light of the worldwide coronavirus pandemic, the need for flexible, high-paying employment that can be done from the comfort of one’s own home is driving the growth of online English teaching. Fortunately, there is an answer in the form of online education! However, can you make a living teaching online? Depending on your skills and the exact position, you may expect to earn anywhere from $10-$25 USD/hour as an online English teacher (and sometimes more). Teaching English online has many advantages, and we’ll show you how to take use of them.
On average, how much money do freelance online educators make?
For new online English instructors, working for a corporation is the most common option. Because these established firms give the students and classes to the instructor (no lesson preparation!) while also having procedures in place for scheduling students and collecting fees, this option is attractive to teachers. It alleviates much of the stress for them.
The amount of money that online English teaching firms pay their tutors is up to them, just like any other company. Online tutoring firms, such as those in Bridge’s Preferred Employment Partner network (EF Education First, Open English, iTutorGroup, and MHC Business Language Training), pay between $10 and $25 USD per hour for their services.
Inquiring minds want to know why there is such a wide range in online English teaching pay, and how you might arrive at the top of it. Based on the firm you choose to work for, the base rate they give, the incentives or bonuses you may earn on top of your basic pay, and the hours you’re available to work, your hourly rate will vary (such as peak hours for students). The credentials you possess will also have an effect on your compensation. It’s important to note that the qualifications for working as an online English teaching differ from company to company, but the following are some of the most common.
Certification in TEFL/TESOL
To work as an online English teacher, you’ll almost always need a TEFL/TESOL certification that’s been approved by a reputable school. Because it displays your commitment to mastering the unique skills and technology required to teach in a virtual classroom, a specialized certification in Teaching English Online may set you apart from other job seekers and increase your hourly wage.
As a result, the rivalry to get a position with non-Chinese online ESL firms is at an all-time high, thanks to recent changes in Chinese legislation. As a result, it is imperative that you receive the greatest credentials you can get as an English teacher in order to stand out from the crowd.
A degree from a college or institution
Having a bachelor’s degree in any discipline is normally enough for most employers, but this isn’t always the case. In the absence of a diploma, students may provide evidence of university enrolment or other work experience via the use of online teaching firms.
Teaching English online without a college degree is possible with the help of this guide.
Exceptional command of the English language.
Teachers of English online must have a high level of competence in English (either as a native speaker or as a person who has achieved the CEFR’s C1 or C2 level of competency). Students need to be able to mimic the teacher’s speech style in order to learn from them.
Experience
If you want to earn more money by online English teaching, you’ll need to have prior teaching experience; certain online teaching organizations may need a certain amount of experience to qualify for employment or to fall into a certain wage bracket. Don’t be alarmed; you’ll be OK. There are several ways to get started teaching English online, including working as a teacher, babysitter, coach or trainer with children in any role. Inquire about any tutoring or childcare work you may have done in the past. Teaching experience may be gained via all of these positions, which can raise your hourly wage.