Job Discussion Forums

[unicycle]

I am a learning specialist in a school and a private reading and math tutor outside of school hours. I'm wondering if anyone knows the range in tutuoring fees inside NZ. My hunch is that top tutors (define 'top' at your pleasure) would earn about $60NZ per hour in Auckland but less in other cities. Does anyone have any good info in this area?

Here are some points of comparison from my experience in the US (all amounts in US$):

1. Tutors without a masters degree are generally consigned to 'homework helper' status and charge 50%-75% of top fees.
2. Tutors whose masters is NOT in special education sometimes work with children who have a learning disability/learning difference, but they typically charge in the same range as above.
3. In Manhattan, learning specialists (with a masters in that field) working with children who have learning issues can charge about $100 per hour, tho that number has been creeping up. There are some whose sessions are shorter (45 minutes) but who still get $100 or a bit more, meaning that the hourly rate would be about $125-$150. Many of them have their own office (often at their home) somewhere near their clients, tho public transport is a boon.
4. In Brooklyn (close to Manhattan, but not as wealthy -- tho that's changing), those same people can charge nearly the same, tho the average rate is a bit less -- more like $70-80/hour. Brooklyn tutors tend to travel to houses or schools more than their Manhattan counterparts, which means that they lose time (and money) in traveling. Public transit can make or break the deal, so working near your clients OR near a subway stop is important.
5. In the environs of NYC (such as the outlying suburbs), the top tutors will earn about $75/hour, with less-qualified or -experienced or -credentialed tutors earning more like $40-50/hour.
6. Most tutors are women, giving men a slight edge since there are a few parents who really want a male tutor for their sons.

I'm happy to answer any questions (if I can help) but am really hoping to find out more details about NZ tutoring.

Thanks in advance!

unicycle

[JosephP]

I suppose it depends what subject one is tutoring. NZ is a bit of a low wage zone compared to its neighbour Australia. I'm not a "top tutor" nor do I know one but I often see adverts at the library or in cafes where English language tutoring is offered for as low as NZD$10.00 an hour.

[unicycle]

Thanks for your answer. I think that it's tough to compare ESL tutoring with the tutoring of dyslexics. I know that here in NYC, ESL tutors typically earn less than remedial reading tutors -- probably 25-50% less. I saw that the NZ gov is planning (or has begun) funding of about $35-40 NZ per hour for remedial reading tutors. I based my guess as to private tutoring on the notion that the gov typically pays 60-70% (my guess) of what the top earners can get privately.

Our potential move to NZ depends a lot on tutoring to supplement my income, so if the news doesn't sound too rosy, we might stay put until we can afford to get by on less (like if I save up A LOT in the coming years).

Or I might just have to fly over myself to find out!

- unicycle

[JosephP]

Hey, if you have the teaching credentials for primary or secondary school, or even early childhood education (an area where there is a severe shortage) you'd not have to look hard here in NZ to find work. An aquaintance of mine's wife works at a central Christchurch primary school as a first year teacher and she's getting NZD$41,000 per annum + benefits (not sure what benefits are on offer though). Also if you have some kind of tradesman experience, you'd be in demand.
But, yeah. Come on down and see what's available. Boots on the ground and all that.
Good luck.

[unicycle]

Thanks for the info. I would certainly be looking to teach full time, like your friend's wife, tho prolly I'd be looking at a 'learning specialist' position as a first choice. And yes, I'd be looking to work with the lower grades.

I also have a kiwi friend who's been teaching teachers here in NYC for years. I'll ask for some of her advice, too.

-- Uni