Teach English to adults online is no longer a fringe job—it’s a high-demand career choice with incredible flexibility. The world is filled with adults who want to improve their English for work, school, or travel, and they want friendly, helpful teachers—not just textbooks and grammar drills. If you’re a native speaker, a fluent bilingual speaker, or even if you just have a passion for clear communication, there’s a market to hire English Teachers for adults.
The remote work appeal is strong here. You can open your laptop and connect with learners in Tokyo, Paris, Buenos Aires, or Istanbul from your own living room. Salaries vary, but range from $15 to $60 per hour if you find the right role and carve out a niche.
Why Teach English to Adults Online?
Adults bring a different kind of energy to the virtual classroom. They schedule lessons around busy lives but usually show up motivated and ready to learn. Teaching adults means you can often sidestep the props, songs, and circus acts needed to keep children tuned in. Many adult learners want to focus on business English, fluency for travel, or exam prep, and they often pay more per lesson.
Let’s talk money: I’ve earned between $4,000 and $6,000 a month teaching English online. Many companies don’t require one. If you like flexible hours, good pay, and meeting people from all walks of life, this is the perfect side gig or full-time option.
24 Best Companies Hiring English Teachers for Adults Online
Most online English schools focus on kids, but not everyone has the patience or props for children’s classes. If you’re after thoughtful conversations and motivated learners, these are the best platforms for teaching English to adults.
1. Cambly
Cambly offers casual, one-on-one conversations with students from all over the globe, most of them adults. You don’t need a teaching certificate, but it helps.
- Pay: $0.17 per minute ($10.20/hour)
- Requirements: None, but TEFL/TESOL helps
- Schedule: Fully flexible, 24/7 availability
- Class size: 1-on-1
- Pros: No minimum hours; just log on and start chatting
2. Preply
Build a detailed profile, set your own rates, and let students choose you. If you get good reviews, you may get invited to the Preply Enterprise Program.
- Pay: Set your rate ($10–$50/hour); Preply takes 18–33% commission, first lesson is 100% commission
- Requirements: None, but TEFL/TESOL helps
- Schedule: Flexible
- Class size: 1-on-1
- Pros: Total control over your schedule and hourly rate
3. italki
Similar to Preply, but with a lower commission. Build your brand, create lesson plans, and teach students worldwide.
- Pay: Set your rate (italki takes 15%)
- Requirements: C2 English proficiency, TEFL/TESOL preferred
- Schedule: 24/7
- Class size: 1-on-1
4. EF English Live
EF targets adult professionals and uses a set curriculum. You’ll need a formal teaching certificate.
- Pay: Roughly $12–$19/hour
- Requirements: TEFL/TESOL, bachelor’s preferred
- Schedule: Set blocks and some flexibility
- Class size: Group and private
5. Learnlight
Focuses on teaching business English to adult learners, mainly in Europe. Corporate clients, so expect a professional vibe.
- Pay: $12–$14/hour
- Requirements: 2 years’ experience, TEFL/TESOL
- Schedule: Needs fixed availability within set windows
- Class size: 1-on-1
6. Open English
The Latin American giant offers both group and individual classes, mostly for adults.
- Pay: $10–$13/hour
- Requirements: US native accent, Spanish fluency helps
- Schedule: Flexible, up to 26 hours/week max
- Class size: Mixed
7. Verbling
Professional, all-in-one platform where you build your student base. Bring your own materials.
- Pay: Set your rate (Verbling takes 15%)
- Requirements: None
- Schedule: 24/7 flexible
- Class size: 1-on-1
8. Voxy
Specializes in business and academic English for adults using AI-powered personalized learning and big-name company partnerships.
- Pay: $15–$18/hour
- Requirements: Bachelor’s and TEFL/TESOL
- Schedule: Set times, global reach
- Class size: 1-on-1 and small group
9. Englishunt
Based in Asia, this platform connects US teachers with learners in Korea and Japan. Evening shifts typical.
- Pay: $14–$20/hour
- Requirements: US-based, TEFL, BA preferred
- Schedule: Evenings, Asian time zones
- Class size: 1-on-1, group
10. GoFluent
This one’s for corporate professionals worldwide. Focus on business English and professional growth.
- Pay: $12–$24/hour
- Requirements: BA, TEFL, business background preferred
- Schedule: Client-dependent
- Class size: 1-on-1 and group
11. MIC English
MIC focuses on helping Asian adults with spoken English and fluency, offering flexible contract terms and short lessons.
- Pay: $10–$22/hour
- Requirements: Native or neutral accent, TEFL/TESOL preferred
- Schedule: Flexible
- Class size: 1-on-1
12. FluentU
This one turns real-world videos into interactive lessons. Good for those who want creative, media-rich lessons for children and adults.
- Pay: $15–$20/hour
- Requirements: TEFL/TESOL, creative mindset
- Schedule: Flexible
- Class size: 1-on-1
13. SkimaTalk
Specializes in short, 25‑minute classes, mainly with Japanese adults.
- Pay: $5–$15/hour (after fees)
- Requirements: Native English, TEFL/TESOL preferred
- Schedule: Flexible
14. Lingoda
Strong European presence, focuses on curriculum-led group and 1-on-1 classes for adults.
- Pay: $9–$13/hour
- Requirements: TEFL/TESOL
- Schedule: Pre-set group times and flexible 1-on-1s
15. Fluentify
Italian-based, Fluentify works with both private and business clients. Rates are for 30‑minute blocks.
- Pay: €11/30 minutes for business, €9.50/30 minutes private
- Requirements: 2 years’ experience, TEFL, adult teaching experience
- Schedule: Flexible
16. Topica Native
Vietnam-based platform offering speech training with supplied curriculum.
- Pay: $4–$16/hour
- Requirements: TEFL/TESOL preferred
- Schedule: 8 AM–11 PM GMT+7, 45-minute classes
- Class size: Up to 6
17. Palfish
Mobile app that covers the Chinese adult market. Join the FreeTalk section for informal speaking practice.
- Pay: Set your own rate ($10–$30/hour)
- Requirements: Bachelor’s, TEFL/TESOL
- Schedule: Beijing time, flexible
- Class size: 1-on-1
18. Amazing Talker
Teach English (or other languages) to adults worldwide. Total freedom to set your own prices.
- Pay: Average $27/hour (10% platform fee)
- Requirements: None, but TEFL/TESOL helps
- Schedule: 24/7
19. Learnlight
Business English training; business background preferred. Global adult learners.
- Pay: $12–$14/hour
- Requirements: 2 years’ experience, TEFL/TESOL
- Schedule: 10+ hours/week, prime times
20. Fluentbe
Polish adult learners seeking chatty, engaging teachers. Passion helps.
- Pay: $10–$12/hour
- Requirements: 1 year’s experience teaching adults
- Schedule: Open
21. Skyeng Talks
Russian/Eastern European students. All assignments automated, and you provide live speaking and feedback.
- Pay: $5–$10/hour
- Requirements: C1 English, basic teaching experience
- Schedule: Flexible
22. Likeshuo
Chinese company catering to both kids and adults—state your preference for adult learners.
- Pay: $13–$22 per 45 minutes
- Requirements: Native or neutral accent, BA, TEFL/TESOL, 3 years’ experience
- Schedule: Flexible
23. English First (EF)
Teach adults aged 24–50: university students and professionals.
- Pay: $10–$17/hour
- Requirements: US/UK passport, BA degree, TEFL
- Schedule: 5+ hours/week, set time blocks
24. Accent Advisor
Teach US-based adult expats who want to refine their American accent.
- Pay: $15–$25/hour (rate increases over time)
- Requirements: 2 years’ ESL experience, standard American accent
- Schedule: US daytime, 15+ hours/week minimum
How To Increase Your Rate As an Online Teacher: Become an IELTS Specialist or Business English Tutor
If you want to boost your hourly rate, become an IELTS prep or Business English specialist. High-stakes tests and workplace English are always in demand, and students pay for results.
IELTS students need help to pass exams for university or visa applications. They’ll pay extra for lessons that result in a passing grade. Business professionals will pay more to impress clients and colleagues. Once I started specializing, my earnings jumped to $40–$65 an hour.
If you want to specialize, Premier TEFL has a 30-hour Teaching IELTS course that lays out everything you need. For Business English, their Teaching Business English course has tutor support, job leads, and a global certificate that helps you stand out.
Ten Tips for Teaching Adult English Learners
- Break lessons into smaller chunks.
- Use open body language—it helps adults relax.
- Add visuals to every lesson.
- Keep your language simple.
- Repeat key concepts.
- Check for understanding often.
- Touch on grammar naturally.
- Mix in reading and writing practice.
- Encourage drilling and speaking practice.
- Offer positive feedback for every effort.
The Top 8 Best Ways to Teach Adults
- Relate lessons to their work and interests.
- Use stories that anchor new language.
- Chunk information to avoid overload.
- Get everyone talking, not just listening.
- Keep classes lively and let students share.
- Link lessons to their own life experience.
- Use a mix of teaching methods.
- Make each lesson visually engaging.
6 Steps to Teach English to Beginners Like a Pro
- Keep everything as simple as possible.
- Always check for understanding.
- Allow plenty of time for practice.
- Show, don’t just tell.
- Always use positive reinforcement.
- Don’t let your class get boring—keep it fresh.
Teaching English to Adults Online is one of the most flexible, rewarding remote jobs out there.
Teaching English online to adults is one of the most flexible, rewarding remote jobs out there. Some platforms stick to strict curriculums and group classes, while others let you pick your own style and hours. Whether you want fast-paced chat platforms or thoughtful specialist teaching, there’s a niche for you—just take a look at the companies listed above and see which fits your style.
Try a few, specialize as you go, and watch your skills (and your income) grow. There’s a whole world of adult learners waiting to learn from you, and the path to a more flexible career is only a click away.
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