Varsity Tutors is the main brand of Nerdy, a company listed on the New York Stock Exchange. It runs a live learning platform where students book tutors in thousands of subjects, from elementary reading to professional exams. Tutors work as independent contractors. Unlike a marketplace where you set your own price, Varsity Tutors matches you with students and sets your pay, and it says tutors are paid twice a week.
At a glance
| What it is | A tutoring platform run by Nerdy |
| Subjects | Thousands, including K-12, college, test prep and professional exams |
| How you earn | An hourly rate set by Varsity Tutors |
| Pay schedule | Twice a week |
| Status | Independent contractor |
| Example ads | Some subject ads show $40 an hour |
| Where it works | Remote, US-based contractors; not every state |
How it works
You apply online, choose your subjects and pass subject assessments. Varsity Tutors may also review your education and run checks. Once approved, you see tutoring opportunities that match your subjects and schedule, and accept the ones you want. Sessions run on Varsity Tutors’ own online platform, which includes video, a whiteboard and document sharing.
Opportunities range from ongoing one-to-one students to instant tutoring requests and school programs.
Pay
Varsity Tutors doesn’t publish a standard hourly rate on its tutoring jobs page. Job ads in 2026 show $40 an hour for some subjects, such as certain test prep and professional exams. Third-party reports put typical rates lower for general subjects. Your rate depends on the subject, the type of session and your qualifications. Pay arrives twice a week.
Where you can work from
Varsity Tutors contracts with tutors in most US states but not all. Some job pages list states where it doesn’t contract, so check the current list before applying.
What tutors say
Tutors like the steady flow of students, quick payments and the fact that they don’t have to market themselves. Common complaints are rates lower than independent tutoring, little room to negotiate pay, and unpaid preparation time.
Your setup
You’ll need a computer, webcam, headset and reliable internet. A drawing tablet is useful for maths and science. A quiet space and a tidy background help sessions feel professional.
Is it worth it?
Varsity Tutors makes sense if you want students handed to you and quick pay without building a client base. If you’re an experienced tutor in a high-demand subject, you may earn more by setting your own rate elsewhere. Many tutors use Varsity Tutors for steady volume alongside private clients.
Tips
Pass assessments in several related subjects to see more opportunities. Specialised exams often pay better than general homework help. Track preparation time so you know your real hourly rate.
Taxes and paperwork
As an independent contractor, you’re responsible for your own taxes, and there’s no employee benefits package. Set aside part of each payment for tax and keep simple records of sessions and income.
Making sessions count
Regular students are where steady income comes from. Prepare a short plan for each ongoing student, note what you covered and send families a brief summary when it helps. Students who see progress tend to book more sessions and leave good feedback, which can bring more opportunities.
Common mistakes
New tutors often accept every instant request and end up with scattered, unpredictable hours. Others take on subjects they only half know, which leads to poor reviews. Focus on a few strong subjects and build regular students first.
Owen’s take
Varsity Tutors is the easy route to steady tutoring work in the US. You give up control over your rate in exchange for a ready flow of students and twice-weekly pay. Aim for specialised subjects where pay is higher.
Who it suits
It suits US-based tutors who want matched students and fast pay without marketing. It suits less well tutors who want to set their own price or live in a state Varsity Tutors doesn’t contract in.
Similar options
- Wyzant lets you set your own rate.
- Tutor.com offers on-demand sessions.
- Pear Deck Tutor pays a set hourly rate.
- Brainfuse runs scheduled tutoring shifts.
More options are in Tutoring & Coaching.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Students matched to you
- Paid twice a week
- Thousands of subjects
Cons
- Rate set by the company
- Unpaid preparation time
- Not available in every state
FAQ
How often does Varsity Tutors pay?
Twice a week, according to its tutoring jobs page.
How much does Varsity Tutors pay?
It doesn’t publish a standard rate; some 2026 ads show $40 an hour for certain subjects.
Are Varsity Tutors tutors employees?
No, they’re independent contractors.
Who owns Varsity Tutors?
Nerdy, a company listed on the New York Stock Exchange.
Can I set my own rate on Varsity Tutors?
No, Varsity Tutors sets tutor pay.
