Job Discussion Forums

[donato]

What is a range?

[Samantha]

It is going to depend somewhat on where in Mexico you are planning to work. It will also depend on what, and to whom, you are teaching.

[Phil_K]

As a very rough guide: $150 - $250 in a city. Any more you can get is a bonus. But as Samantha said, there are a lot of things to factor in. Get a Mexican to phone around, asking in each case the teacher's qualifications and/or experience and/or references.

[geaaronson]

The least I have heard of in DF is 150 an hour-the most was 300 pesos an hour. The latter was a Spaniard who had lived in England for 10 years and had an economics background. He got his clients from the NEW YORKER deli next to the American embassy so he hit all the right notes. The hot shot Mexican lawyers doing substantial business with American businesses have to go to the embassy and end up tanking up next door at the bar. He frequented it during happy hour.
Most people charge 175 to 200. I have charged as much as 270 for 5 students, and 100 pesos for a student after a year whom I gave a break as he was entering a financial rough spot at the end.
Here in the Yucatan I charge 100 pesos an hour and have had it both ways. One student wanted to negotiate me down to 70 pesos, another gloated during one class that 100 was a bargain. So you go figger.

[TeresaLopez]

I charge between 150 and 200 per hour. I have one class that pays 300 an hour, but I hate it the guy is a miserable SOB and I earn every penny of it. He isn't really interested in learning English, just wants someone to do all his emails for him, so he looks good. Anyway, I base the rate on how far I have to travel, and if they want a 1 1/2 hour class or a 2 hour class. If I only have to travel 15 minutes, obviously, I can offer a lower rate. People that live in outlying areas pretty much expect you to charge more. You can even start a little high and let them bargain down. Those are for private classes. For groups I charge a base of 150 for the first student and then 50 for each additional.

[Isla Guapa]

I have a few private students; all but one of them come to my house for class. I charge $175 an hour for the ones who come to me and $200 for the one I travel to.

[Guy Courchesne]

I have one class I'm doing now on an irregular schedule at 200 an hour mostly conversation and simulated work-world activities in English.

[mejms]

Two tips:

1) Don't charge per hour if you don't have to. For one, it helps if students don't immediately think of the per hour cost. Of course, they can do the calculation, but it's psychological. Charge a fixed amount each month. That will also help with cancelled classes and no-shows. You stay on the high ground and won't have to count pesos.

2) Charge a fixed rate for the group if you have a group rather than each student. You want your class (and pay) to be as consistent as possible and don't want to suffer from the lack of consistency of potential students.

Finally, charge what you think your experience, time, and travel is worth. Charge so that you're confident that your student is getting his money's worth. Over time, with more experience and references, you can charge more as you value yourself as a teacher more.

[TeresaLopez]

[jhoffmiller]

I am in Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo, Guerrero and am in contact with the director of the hotel association. He has asked me to provide him some pricing for my services and he will present to the hotels. I appreciate the guidelines/information posted here already. Should my prices be adjusted due to the location and the dependence on the tourism business here? Also I am aware that Guerrero is a poorer state. Should that play a role in pricing as well?

[rafomania]

once upon a time in Guadalajara (2005) someone offered me 30 pesos an hour to teach them privately.

[Isla Guapa]

[mejms]

[jhoffmiller]

Thanks so much for your input!