Cambly is an English learning app where students practise speaking with tutors over video. It was founded in 2011, is based in San Francisco and went through Y Combinator. Tutors don’t need a degree, a teaching certificate or experience, and they’re paid a fixed rate per minute of lesson time: $0.17 a minute on Cambly, which Cambly states as $10.20 an hour. Pay goes out weekly. The trade-off for the low barrier to entry is a modest, fixed rate and no pay for time spent waiting for students.
At a glance
| What it is | An English conversation app connecting learners with tutors |
| How you earn | $0.17 per minute of lesson time ($10.20 an hour) |
| Requirements | Fluent English; no degree, certificate or experience required |
| Payments | Weekly, processed on Tuesdays |
| Payout methods | Depend on your country; Stripe and others |
| Setting your rate | Not possible; the rate is fixed |
| Where it works | Remote, worldwide |
How it works
You apply with a profile, a short introduction video and a connection test. Once approved, you set yourself as available, and students can call you for instant lessons or book scheduled lessons with you. Many lessons are conversation practice: students choose topics, ask questions and want natural speaking time, with corrections when useful. Cambly also provides lesson materials for students on structured courses.
Students who like you can book you regularly, and regular students are what make Cambly hours steadier. Cambly also runs group lessons and Cambly Kids, its program for children and teenagers.
Pay
Cambly pays a published, fixed rate: $0.17 per minute of lesson time on its main platform, stated as $10.20 an hour, and $0.20 per minute on Cambly Kids. You’re paid only for minutes in lessons, not for time spent waiting online. The rate is the same for every tutor, regardless of experience.
Payments
Cambly processes earnings weekly, on Tuesdays. Available payout methods depend on your country. Cambly has announced changes to its payout options over time, including phasing out PayPal in favour of other processors, so check its payment pages for the methods available to you.
Getting accepted
Cambly has said it is temporarily limiting new tutor sign-ups at times, so applications may take a while or be paused. A clear, friendly introduction video, a quiet background and good lighting help. Being a native speaker isn’t required, but strong, clear English is.
What tutors say
Tutors like the flexibility, the lack of lesson planning and the ability to work any time. The main complaints are the low fixed rate, which hasn’t changed in years, unpaid waiting time and uneven demand depending on the hour. Many tutors treat Cambly as a starter platform before moving to sites where they set their own rate.
Tips
Log on when demand is high in your students’ time zones, often evenings and weekends in East Asia and Latin America. Build regular students by remembering their goals and following up. Keep sessions natural and encouraging. Test your internet and audio before every session.
Equipment
You need a computer or phone with a good camera and microphone, a headset if your room echoes, and a stable internet connection. Cambly runs a connection test during sign-up. A tidy, well-lit background makes a better first impression on students choosing a tutor.
Taxes
Cambly tutors are independent contractors, so you handle your own taxes.
Owen’s take
Cambly is one of the easiest ways to start tutoring English online: no degree, no certificate, no lesson plans. The pay is low and fixed, though, and you aren’t paid to wait. It’s a good place to build confidence and experience before moving to platforms where you set your own rate.
Who it suits
It suits fluent English speakers who want flexible, low-commitment conversation work and new tutors building experience. It suits less well qualified teachers who can charge more elsewhere.
Similar options
- Cambly Kids pays $0.20 a minute for younger learners.
- Preply lets tutors set their own rates.
- italki is a language marketplace for teachers and tutors.
- Lingoda offers scheduled group classes.
More options are in Tutoring & Coaching.
Pros and cons
Pros
- No degree or certificate required
- Weekly payments
- No lesson planning
Cons
- Low fixed rate
- Waiting time is unpaid
- New tutor sign-ups sometimes limited
FAQ
How much does Cambly pay?
$0.17 per minute ($10.20 an hour) on Cambly and $0.20 per minute on Cambly Kids.
Do I need a degree to teach on Cambly?
No, Cambly doesn’t require a degree, certificate or experience.
When does Cambly pay tutors?
Weekly, with earnings processed on Tuesdays.
Can I set my own rate on Cambly?
No, the rate is fixed for all tutors.
Is Cambly legit?
Yes, it’s an established company founded in 2011.
