Job Discussion Forums

scott14 · Joined: 30 Oct 2004 Posts: 50

After refusing to do privates for five years in Asia, I find myself needing to agree to do them in Mexico. The problem is that I don't know what to charge for hourly lessons. They are professionals in a small town who want one to one classes in their homes. What should I charge them per hour?

MELEE · Posted: Mon Sep 19, 2005 6:38 pm Post subject:

The fairest way to price lessons is answer these two questions.
How much do you make an hour at your job?
How much would they pay an hour at a private school (you said it's a small town, if there isn't an English school there, how much would they pay at the next largest town)?
Then split the difference.

Another way if find out how much some other type of private classes taught by a professional in that field costs--for example how much to one on one piano classes cost? Charge the same.

Or just think, how much is my time worth to me? and charge that--this is what I do an the prospective students always decline the classes!!! Laughing

Guy Courchesne · Joined: 10 Mar 2003 Posts: 9650 Location: Mexico City

You can scout around to see what others are charging in your area and follow suit.

Consider if you'll be having student over to see you or if you travel to see them. (oops, you mentioned that already!)

Also, consider what happens if the students cancel or no-show.

lozwich · Joined: 25 May 2003 Posts: 1536

Guy Courchesne · Joined: 10 Mar 2003 Posts: 9650 Location: Mexico City

lozwich · Joined: 25 May 2003 Posts: 1536

ls650 · Joined: 10 May 2003 Posts: 3484 Location: British Columbia

Guy Courchesne · Joined: 10 Mar 2003 Posts: 9650 Location: Mexico City

Since we're on the topic, how about a poll on what private classes are worth where you are?

From what I see in Mexico City, the average for a native-speaker private tutor is 150 pesos per hour. I've seen a little lower and I've also seen as high as 500 pesos per hour. I gather those are all one-on-one classes. Groups might be different.

I've one student right now that's a private...a neighbour in my building. I'm charging her 225 for a 90 minute class, twice a week. If her dog continues to bark all night, I might raise that up a bit for earplugs.

delacosta · Joined: 14 Apr 2004 Posts: 325 Location: zipolte beach

Yes, just how much would our time be worth? Due to the ridiculous split schedule that I work I wouldn't do privates for less than 500 an hour, and only would consider doing it at all because I'm re-doing my house and am quite cash strapped these days.
I've been asked too many times to count and have never accepted privates.

thelmadatter · Posted: Tue Sep 20, 2005 10:41 pm Post subject: sucker

I got suckered to do private lessons for the sister of my landlord. They beg very well Laughing

Im doing it in exchange for rent. At least I dont have to worry about getting paid!

Guy Courchesne · Joined: 10 Mar 2003 Posts: 9650 Location: Mexico City

some waygug-in · Joined: 07 Feb 2003 Posts: 339

500 pesos and Hour!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Where do I sign??????????

Laughing

I think it really depends a lot on where you are. You are not going to be able to charge very much in small towns. When I was in Comitan, the going rate was 50/hr. (4 years ago) Travelling was not a big deal there, however no shows were a problem.

If you have to travel to give the lesson, you should charge accordingly.

I think in Queretaro, the going rate is between 60 - 100 pesos per hour, and that depends on who the client is and where the lesson will be held.

Anyway, I hope this helps.

ls650 · Joined: 10 May 2003 Posts: 3484 Location: British Columbia

Guy Courchesne · Joined: 10 Mar 2003 Posts: 9650 Location: Mexico City

Ben Round de Bloc · Joined: 16 Jan 2003 Posts: 1946

I haven't talked to anyone who does private classes lately, but anywhere between 30 and 60 pesos per hour for one-to-one was the going rate here a couple of years ago. I think 50/hour is still common in these parts, and for groups of up to 4 students, 100/hour per group.

I know of one very small private language school that just opened in my neighborhood and is charging 15 pesos per hour for classes. I'm sure the classes will be small with 1 to 5 students per class.