Whether you’re aiming to teach English as a side hustle or seeking a full-time remote gig, the online ESL market offers dozens of platforms—each with its own requirements, pay scales, and application processes. Below, you’ll find a breakdown of:
- Certification & degree requirements
- Native-speaker policies
- Typical salary ranges
- Application steps
- Insider tips to get started
1. Certification & Degree Tiers
| Tier | Requirements | Typical Platforms |
|---|---|---|
| A. Bachelor’s degree + TEFL/CELTA | • Bachelor’s degree in any field • 120-hour TEFL or CELTA | VIPKid, Qkids, EF Education First, DaDaABC |
| B. Certificate-only | • 120-hour TEFL (or equivalent) | Cambly, Preply, iTalki, Verbling, Italki Kids |
| C. No certification required | • No formal teaching credentials | Cambly (for informal practice), PalFish |
- Tier A platforms often pay best but enforce stricter hiring: expect a formal interview/demo lesson and background checks.
- Tier B sites balance accessibility and structure: you design your own lessons or use shared materials.
- Tier C is fastest to start but tends to pay lowest and attract casual conversation students.
2. Native-Speaker vs. Open to All
- Native-only platforms: Open English, Open English Live, English First (EF), VIPKid, Qkids require teachers to be from the U.S., U.K., Canada, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, or South Africa.
- Open-fluency platforms: Cambly, Preply, iTalki, Verbling allow non-native speakers with near-native fluency. Certificates help but aren’t always mandatory.
| Platform | Degree? | Certificate? | Native-only? | Pay (approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| VIPKid | Yes | Yes | Yes | $14–$22/hr |
| EF Education | Yes | Yes | Yes | $12–$18/hr |
| Open English | No¹ | Yes | Yes | ~$11/hr |
| Engoo | No | Optional² | No | $10–$12/hr |
| Native Camp | No | Optional² | No | $8–$19/hr³ |
| Cambly | No | No⁴ | No | $10–$12/hr |
| Preply | No | No | No | Varies by tutor⁵ |
- Open English typically looks for North American teachers but doesn’t always require degrees; 2. Some platforms hire experienced teachers without certificates but advise training; 3. Native Camp base rate is ~$5/25 min, but you set your rate up to ~$8/25 min; 4. Cambly allows you to jump on for conversation practice; 5. On Preply, tutors set their own hourly rate (often $10–$30).
3. Salary Expectations
- Entry-level (certificate-only): $10–$13 per hour.
- Degree + certificate platforms: $12–$22 per hour; lessons are typically 25–60 minutes.
- Private tutoring (independent): $15–$30 per hour – but requires time to build and maintain a client base.
“My minimum was $10/hour on various platforms—which is plenty if you live modestly in many developing countries.”
“EF paid $13 per 40-minute lesson (plus brief feedback).” teacheringuate
“I charge $25/hour privately—but it takes time to build four to five regular students.” Fun-Celebration445
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4. Application Process Overview
- Profile setup
- Upload a clear headshot and professional bio.
- Highlight your education, certificate credentials, and any teaching experience.
- Video introduction/demo
- Many platforms require a 1–3 minute video introducing yourself, showcasing your teaching style and clear spoken English.
- Prepare a short mock lesson.
- Interview / demo lesson
- Live interview with a recruiter or mentor teacher.
- Teach a short demo class (usually 10–15 minutes) to showcase lesson planning and student engagement.
- Onboarding & training
- Complete any platform-specific training modules.
- Read through teaching materials and tech setup guides.
- Schedule availability
- Set your open hours (peak time slots often fill fastest).
- Consistency helps you build a steady roster of students.
5. Pro Tips to Accelerate Your Success
- Start certificate-only if you’re degree-short: While you’re working on a degree or awaiting results, platforms like Cambly or Verbling let you begin earning immediately.
- Specialize: Offer business English, exam prep (IELTS/TOEFL), or young-learner classes to stand out.
- Gather feedback: Solicit student reviews to boost your profile ranking (many platforms work on meritocracy—better ratings → more bookings).
- Keep your audio/video sharp: Invest in a good headset and stable internet connection.
- Network privately: As you gain experience, invite top students to tutoring on your own timetable at higher rates.
Bottom Line:
Your first online English teaching job hinges on striking the right balance between accessibility and earning potential. If you already have a bachelor’s degree, target Tier A platforms for higher pay. If you’re certificate-only (or testing the waters), Tier B and C sites can get you teaching quickly. And don’t underestimate the long-term rewards of private tutoring—while slower to build, it can eventually outpace platform rates. With perseverance, professionalism, and quality lessons, you’ll be well on your way to a sustainable online teaching career.
