Why TEFL Is a Flexible and Profitable Side Hustle for Teachers

In today’s gig economy, side hustles are more popular than ever—and teaching English as a foreign language (TEFL) is one of the most rewarding ones out there. Thanks to the rise of online platforms, you can now teach from anywhere, anytime, and make solid extra income with just a laptop and Wi-Fi.

Whether you're a student, a stay-at-home parent, or someone with a full-time job, teaching English online can fit right into your lifestyle. Let’s break down what you need to know to get started.

Can I Teach English Online Without a Degree or Experience?

Yes, you can! While some companies ask for a degree or prior teaching experience, many beginner-friendly platforms are open to newcomers.

For example, Cambly, Superprof, and Skima Talk don’t require teaching experience or even a degree. That said, having a TEFL certificate—especially a 120-hour course from an accredited provider—will open many more doors and lead to better-paying opportunities.

Avoid super cheap or “fast-track” courses found on discount sites—they're often not accredited and don’t provide tutor support or valid certification. Employers can usually spot these quickly.

How Much Money Can I Make Teaching English Online?

Pay can vary depending on experience, platform, and how many hours you put in. Here’s a quick breakdown:

Beginners: $10–20 USD/hour

Experienced teachers: Up to $40 USD/hour

Freelance tutors: Set your own rate—some charge over $50/hour with loyal clients

Some platforms offer ready-made lesson plans and students, while others allow you to build your own schedule and price. Freelancing can be more lucrative but takes time to build.

What Do I Need to Start Teaching English Online?

Getting started is easier than you think. Here’s what you’ll need:

Must-Haves:

TEFL certification (minimum 120 hours)

Stable internet connection

Laptop or desktop with webcam

Noise-free workspace

Good quality headset and microphone

Optional (but useful):

Teaching props (especially for younger learners)

Access to English teaching resources, grammar apps, or platforms like Canva or Kahoot!

You don’t need fancy tools to succeed—just the right essentials and a professional setup.

How Flexible Is Online English Teaching as a Side Hustle?

Teaching English online is one of the most flexible side gigs available. You can:

Teach in the evenings or on weekends

Choose how many hours you work

Work from home or while traveling

Pause and restart depending on your availability

You’re in control of your schedule, which is what makes it perfect for busy professionals, students, or anyone with a variable routine.

What Are the Best Online Companies to Work for as a New TEFL Teacher?

If you’re ready to dive into online English teaching, there are plenty of reputable platforms to choose from. Here are ten standout companies that offer flexible hours, varied requirements, and opportunities to grow as a teacher:

Cambly is ideal for beginners, as it doesn’t require a degree or previous teaching experience. You can log in anytime and start chatting with learners from around the world, making it perfect if you’re looking for casual, conversation-based work.

Italki is a popular global platform that focuses on one-to-one video lessons. You’ll need a TEFL certification to get started, but once you're in, you can set your own hourly rate and teach students from a wide range of backgrounds.

Preply offers tutoring in multiple subjects, not just English, and allows you to teach students of all ages. You set your own availability and rates, which makes it a great platform for those who want control over their schedule and pricing.

Skyeng is one of the largest online English schools serving Eastern Europe and Russia. It’s beginner-friendly and doesn’t require prior experience. You’ll need to commit to a minimum of 15 hours a week, making it ideal for those with regular part-time availability.

Skima Talk is based in Japan and caters mostly to Japanese and South Korean adult learners. Classes are short (25 minutes), and there’s no teaching experience required, though you must be a native-level English speaker. It’s a good option if you're looking to work with motivated adult students in East Asia.

Superprof is a broad platform that connects tutors with students in a wide variety of subjects, including English. There are no strict requirements or minimum hours, and you set your own rates, giving you full control over your teaching side hustle.

iTutorGroup focuses on adult learners, mostly in China and Taiwan. You do need a degree to apply, but if you meet the requirements, you’ll enjoy structured lessons and competitive pay. It’s a reliable option for those looking for steady, scheduled work.

Learnlight is geared toward business professionals and corporate clients. It’s more exclusive—you’ll need at least two years of teaching experience—but it offers some of the best pay rates and professional development opportunities in the online TEFL industry.

English Ninjas provides 24/7 tutoring to over 400,000 students globally. It’s known for flexibility and modern technology, making it a strong choice if you want to teach whenever it suits your schedule, day or night.

Verbling, based in San Francisco, has become a major player in online language tutoring. While they prefer teachers with prior experience, their platform is professional and supportive, with competitive starting pay and a user-friendly interface for both teachers and students.

Each of these companies brings something unique to the table, whether it’s open access for beginners or higher pay for experienced educators. Explore a few to find the one that matches your goals, experience, and availability.

Make TEFL Work for You

Teaching English online is more than a quick cash grab—it can grow into a meaningful, sustainable career or stay a reliable, rewarding side hustle. With flexibility, strong earning potential, and minimal setup required, it’s no wonder TEFL is booming.

So whether you’re saving for a goal, want more work-life freedom, or simply love connecting with people worldwide, TEFL might be the perfect next step.