What to put on a tutoring invoice
- The parent or guardian as the client: the person who pays, with their email.
- The student’s first name, grade and subject. The reference field is perfect for this: “Student: Maya, grade 8, Algebra 1”. Families with two kids get one invoice per child, or the name in each line.
- Each session with its date and length, or a package as one line.
- Where it happened, if your price differs for online, at your place and in-home.
- Late cancellations or no-shows, with the date, charged the way your policy says.
- A short progress note. One sentence about how the student is doing is the reason many parents read the invoice at all.
- Your payment options and the due date.
Keep student details to the first name, grade and subject. The invoice will be emailed and printed; it doesn’t need the school, birthday or anything more.
Per session, monthly or prepaid packages
Pay per session. Good for occasional help before a test. Send the invoice the same evening, or take payment at the end of the lesson and give a payment receipt instead.
Monthly in arrears. The most common setup for weekly students. At the end of the month, list each session with its date and bill once. Parents like one payment a month; you need to keep track of attendance.
Prepaid packages. Sell 8, 10 or 20 sessions up front, usually at a small discount. Popular for SAT, ACT and other test prep with a fixed number of lessons. Invoice the whole package before the first session, then note in the notes how many sessions are left after each month.
| Billing style | When you invoice | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| Per session | after each lesson | occasional students |
| Monthly | end of month | weekly regulars |
| Package | before the first lesson | test prep, intensive blocks |
Tutoring rates and line items
Rates vary with subject, level and your city. Typical US prices for private tutors:
- Elementary and middle school, 60 min: $45–$70
- High school math or science, 60 min: $60–$90
- 90-minute session: $85–$130
- Online session, 45 min: $40–$65
- SAT or ACT prep package, 10 sessions: $750–$1,500
- Full practice test with review: $100–$150
- College essay review, per draft: $100–$200
- Small group, per student, 60 min: $30–$45
- Workbook or materials: at cost
- Travel fee for in-home lessons beyond your area: $10–$25
Your rates go in quick-add once, so billing a month of lessons is a few taps.
Cancellation policy and getting paid on time
Missed lessons are the biggest money leak for tutors. Put the rule in writing before the first lesson, and repeat it on the invoice.
- Pick a clear cancellation window. 24 hours is the most common. Late cancellations at 50% or full price, no-shows at full price.
- Bill late cancellations as their own line with the date, so it doesn’t look like an extra session.
- Ask for packages to be paid before the first lesson. That alone removes most chasing.
- Invoice on the same date each month so parents expect it.
- Offer Zelle or Venmo, which most parents prefer to writing a check.
Last checked October 23, 2026.