Do you know a language well? Are you good at math, music, or another subject? You may be able to turn that skill into real income.

Preply is a large online platform where tutors teach students through live video lessons. Many people use it to earn extra money, and some even build a full-time income from it.

In this guide, we will explain exactly how to earn money from Preply. We will cover the requirements, the pay structure, and the exact steps to get started. By the end, you will understand what it really takes to become a paid Preply tutor.

What Is Preply?

Preply is an online tutoring marketplace. It connects students with tutors for live, one-on-one video lessons. The platform launched in 2012 and was founded by Kirill Bigai and Dmytro Voloshyn.

Preply is best known for language learning, but it also covers other subjects, including math, test preparation, and various skills. Tutors on Preply are independent. This means you are not a Preply employee. You work as a freelancer, setting your own hourly rate and choosing your own schedule.

Understanding this is important. Earning money from Preply is not a salaried job. Your income depends on your rate, how many lessons you teach, and how many students continue learning with you after their first lesson.

Why Is It Important?

Learning how Preply pays its tutors is important before you invest your time. Many new tutors are surprised by how the commission system works, especially in the first few weeks.

Understanding this system helps you in a few key ways.

First, it helps you set realistic expectations. Your first few lessons may pay very little, or nothing at all.

Second, it helps you plan a smart strategy. Knowing how commission drops over time can help you focus on keeping long-term students.

Third, it helps you avoid quitting too early. Many tutors give up before their income has a chance to grow.

Key Features

Here are the main features that affect how you earn money as a Preply tutor:

• Free tutor profile: Signing up and creating a profile costs nothing.
• Self-set hourly rate: You choose your own price, and can change it at any time.
• Tiered commission system: The percentage Preply takes changes based on your teaching hours with each student.
• Preply wallet: Your earnings are collected in an internal wallet before withdrawal.
• Multiple payout methods: Common options include PayPal, Payoneer, Skrill, and Wise.
• Flexible scheduling: You decide when and how many hours you want to teach.
• Global student base: You can teach students from many different countries.

Benefits of Earning Money on Preply

Teaching on Preply comes with several real advantages.

1. Low barrier to entry. You generally do not need a teaching certificate or university degree to apply, though these can help.

2. Flexible income. You control your schedule, so it can work as a side income or a full-time job.

3. Global reach. Preply connects you with students from around the world, not just your local area.

4. Growing pay over time. As you teach more hours, Preply's commission rate typically drops, meaning you keep more of what you earn.

5. No upfront cost. There is no fee to create a profile or apply to become a tutor.

Eligibility

To become a paid tutor on Preply, you generally need to meet a few basic requirements:

• Be at least 18 years old
• Have a stable internet connection
• Have a working webcam and microphone
• Have the right or qualification to teach your chosen subject or language
• Be willing to complete Preply's application and identity verification process

A teaching certificate or degree is often not strictly required, especially for language tutors, but having one can help you stand out and may allow you to set a higher rate.

Requirements

Before you apply to teach and earn money on Preply, make sure you have:

• A device with a camera and microphone, such as a laptop or tablet
• A quiet, well-lit space for lessons
• A short introduction video for your profile
• A clear description of your teaching style and experience
• Identity documents, such as a passport, government ID, or residency permit, for payment verification
• An account with a supported payout service, such as PayPal, Payoneer, Skrill, or Wise

Free or Paid?

Creating a tutor profile on Preply is free. There is no cost to apply, build your profile, or list your availability.

Instead, Preply earns money through a commission on the lessons you teach. Here is how the commission structure generally works, as of 2026:

This means your very first lesson with a new student typically earns you nothing directly, since Preply takes the full trial lesson payment. After that, your share increases as you build more hours with each student. This system encourages tutors to focus on keeping students long-term, rather than only attracting new ones.

Always check Preply's official commission page for the most current rates, since these can change.

How to Apply / Use — Step-by-Step Guide

Here is exactly how to start earning money as a Preply tutor.

Step 1: Go to the Tutor Sign-Up Page

Visit Preply's official "Become a tutor" page and start your application.

Step 2: Choose Your Subject

Select the language or subject you want to teach.

Step 3: Fill Out Your Profile

Add your bio, teaching experience, qualifications, and a profile photo.

Step 4: Record a Short Intro Video

Create a short video introducing yourself. This helps students decide if you are a good fit before booking.

Step 5: Set Your Hourly Rate

Choose your starting price. Many new tutors begin with a lower rate to attract their first students, then raise it later.

Step 6: Submit Your Application

Send your application for review. Approval can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks.

Step 7: Verify Your Identity

Submit the required ID documents so Preply can confirm your identity and pay you correctly.

Step 8: Set Your Availability

Add the days and times you are available to teach.

Step 9: Start Teaching Trial Lessons

Once approved, students can book trial lessons with you. Focus on giving a great first lesson, since this is your best chance to turn a trial student into a regular one.

Step 10: Encourage Longer Bookings

After a strong trial lesson, encourage students to book a package of lessons. This helps build steady income and lowers your commission rate over time.

Step 11: Withdraw Your Earnings

Once your lessons are completed and confirmed, your earnings move to your Preply wallet. Withdraw them through your chosen payout method, such as PayPal, Payoneer, Skrill, or Wise.

Pros & Cons

Like any way of earning money online, Preply tutoring has strengths and weaknesses.

Pros:

• Free to join and apply
• Flexible hours and schedule
• No fixed teaching certificate required for most subjects
• Access to students from around the world
• Commission rate improves as you teach more hours

Cons:

• No income from trial lessons, since Preply takes 100% commission
• Commission remains fairly high in the early stages
• Income is not guaranteed or steady, since it depends on bookings
• No employee benefits, since tutors work as freelancers
• Demand can be seasonal, leading to slower periods

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is it free to become a Preply tutor? Yes. Creating a tutor profile and applying is free. Preply only takes a commission from the lessons you actually teach.

How much can I earn as a Preply tutor? This varies widely. It depends on your hourly rate, how many lessons you teach, and how many students continue after their trial lesson. Highly booked tutors have reported earning several hundred dollars a week, while new tutors typically earn much less at first.

Why don't I get paid for trial lessons? Preply takes 100% commission on a student's first lesson with you. This is part of how Preply offers a trial lesson experience to new students and covers its cost of connecting you with them.

Do I need a teaching certificate to earn money on Preply? Not always. Many subjects, especially language tutoring, do not strictly require a certificate, though having one may help you attract more students and justify a higher rate.

How do I get paid? Earnings are collected in your Preply wallet after lessons are completed and confirmed. You can then withdraw funds through services like PayPal, Payoneer, Skrill, or Wise.

How long does it take to start earning? Approval can take a few days to a few weeks. After that, your income depends on how quickly you attract students and turn trial lessons into ongoing bookings.

Can I change my hourly rate later? Yes. You can update your hourly rate at any time from your tutor dashboard.

Final Verdict

Earning money from Preply is realistic, but it takes patience and strategy, especially in the beginning. The free trial lesson system means your first lessons will not pay directly, but a strong first impression can turn a trial student into a long-term one, which is where real income builds. If you understand the commission structure and focus on keeping students, Preply can become a flexible and rewarding way to earn money by teaching what you know.

Short Disclaimer

This article is for general information only. Preply's requirements, commission rates, and payout methods can change over time. Please check the official Preply website for the latest and most accurate details before applying to become a tutor.

Official Sources & References

• Preply official "Become a tutor" page: https://preply.com/en/teach
• How to become a tutor on Preply (Preply blog): https://preply.com/en/blog/tut-res-how-to-become-a-tutor-on-preply/
• About Preply: https://preply.com/en/about-us

Last checked: July 2026

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