The Most Reliable Companies Hiring English Teachers for Adults

Teaching English online is no longer a side gig only for students or backpackers. In 2025, with remote work now normal and companies hiring across borders, reliable companies are hiring English Teachers for adults which has become a serious, flexible income stream for many people. Busy professionals want better English for work and travel, and they want it from home, on their own schedule.

If you enjoy clear conversations, real-world topics, and motivated learners, teaching adults can feel more rewarding than singing songs to kids. Adult students usually come with clear goals, like job interviews, meetings, or presentations, so your lessons have a direct impact on their careers. The best part is that many platforms let you set a flexible schedule that fits around your life, even if you already have a full-time job.

This guide focuses only on companies that work with adult learners, not kids, so you do not have to sort through endless mixed lists. You will find 24 reliable companies, each with a quick breakdown of pay, requirements, schedule, class size, pros, and cons, so you can compare them at a glance. That way, you can skip guesswork and apply where you actually have a good chance of getting hired.

You will also get simple tips on how to raise your rates over time, keep your schedule full, and teach adults in a way that keeps them booking more classes. By the end, you will know which companies fit your experience, your time zone, and your income goals, and how to stand out once you start teaching.

Why Teach English to Adults Online?

Teaching English to adults online can feel less like “school” and more like real conversation. Your students usually have clear goals, busy lives, and strong reasons to improve. That means your lessons matter to them in a very direct way.

Instead of juggling noisy classrooms or singing songs to keep attention, you get focused time with learners who actually want to be there. For many teachers, that alone makes adult teaching more relaxed and more satisfying.

Let’s look at what makes adult students different, and how to know if this type of work suits you.

Benefits of Working with Adult English Learners

Adult students usually choose to learn English. They pay for classes, they book their own time, and they want results. This changes the whole feel of your lessons.

Here are some of the biggest benefits.

1. Higher motivation and respect

Adults understand the value of your time and theirs.

They often arrive on time and prepared.
They understand when you correct them and usually welcome feedback.
They tend to treat you as professional teachers, not a babysitter.

This can reduce stress and help you build long-term working relationships. Many teachers end up teaching the same adult students for months or even years.

2. Real-life topics and goals

Adult English lessons usually center on practical, real-life needs, such as:

Work: job interviews, meetings, emails, presentations, small talk with clients.
Travel: booking hotels, airport conversations, directions, restaurant orders.
Education and exams: IELTS, TOEFL, or university entrance exams.
Personal growth: confidence in speaking, making international friends, moving abroad.

When you teach adults, you can bring in news articles, LinkedIn posts, emails, or even your student’s own slides from work. You are not guessing what might help them. They tell you what they need, and you shape the lesson around that.

This makes teaching feel more meaningful. You see real progress, like a student landing a new job, getting a promotion, or finally speaking up in meetings.

3. Less draining than teaching kids

Teaching kids often needs big energy: songs, games, props, constant smiling. It can be fun, but also tiring, especially for long hours.

With adults, you can:

Sit with a coffee and have calm, focused conversations.
Spend more time listening and guiding instead of performing.
Use your brain more than your acting skills.

You still need to keep lessons engaging, but the style is different. Think coach and partner, not entertainer. Many teachers find they can teach more hours with adults without feeling so worn out at the end of the day.

4. Room for your own interests

Adult lessons give you space to bring in your own interests and experience.

For example:

If you have a business background, you can help with presentations and email writing.
If you love travel, you can build lessons around travel stories and plans.
If you enjoy exam strategy, you can focus on IELTS or TOEFL prep.

This mix of language plus real-life content keeps lessons fresh for both you and your students.

Is Online Adult Teaching Right for You?

Not every teacher loves adult students, and that is fine. A simple checklist can help you see if this path fits your skills and lifestyle.

You will likely enjoy teaching adults online if you can say yes to most of these points:

You are patient. Adults carry habits and fears from school. Some are shy or afraid of mistakes. You stay calm, give them time, and correct them kindly.
You speak clearly. You do not need a special accent, but you should speak at a steady pace, with clear pronunciation.
You are comfortable on video calls. You can smile, look at the camera, and keep a natural tone while teaching on Zoom or built-in platforms.
You have reliable tech. A stable internet connection, a quiet space, and a decent headset or microphone are must-haves for most companies.
You can explain grammar simply. You do not need to sound like a linguistics professor. You do need to explain things like past tense or conditionals in plain, everyday language with clear examples.
You can guide a conversation. Many adult lessons are conversation-based. You should be able to ask good follow-up questions and keep a topic going.

A lot of people think only native English speakers can teach adults, but that is not true. Many companies are happy to hire non-native speakers with strong language proficiency, clear speech, and sometimes a certificate like TEFL or TESOL. In fact, students often like online English tutors who learned English themselves, because they understand the process.

If you read this list and feel excited, you are in a good place to start. Next, it helps to compare real companies side by side, so you can match your experience, schedule, and pay expectations with the right platform. Keep reading to see which of the 24 companies hiring adult English teachers fit you best.

24 Reliable Companies That Hire English Teachers for Adults

Here is the core list you came for. These companies are known for hiring online English teachers who work mainly with adults. You will see big marketplaces, corporate training providers, and more niche online platforms, so you can match your style and goals.

Use this section as a menu. Skim the summaries, then go deeper on the ones that fit your pay expectations, time zone, and experience.

Cambly: Flexible Conversation Practice for Adult Learners

Cambly is one of the easiest places to start teaching adults online. It focuses on casual conversation with learners from all over the world, mostly in short, drop-in sessions.

Typical details look like this:

Aspect	Details
Pay	0.17 to 0.20 USD per minute for adults (about 10 to 12 USD per hour)
Payout	Paid weekly via PayPal
Requirements	Native or near-native English, clear accent, no degree required
Setup	Simple intro video and short profile
Schedule	Fully flexible, you log in when you want and accept calls
Class size	Mostly 1:1 sessions, some small group options in special programs

Pros

Very low barrier to entry, great first platform.
No need for formal lesson plans, most sessions are free conversation.
You can test different time slots and see where demand is strongest.
Easy platform tools, so you can focus on talking, not tech.

Cons

Lower pay than many other adult-focused platforms.
Income can be unstable, especially when you are new.
You rely on students choosing you from a long tutor list.

Cambly works well if you want practice, confidence, and flexible side income, rather than a full-time teaching salary.

Preply: Build a Long Term Adult Student Base

Preply is a huge global marketplace where you create a profile, set your own rates, and attract adult students, including many business professionals.

Aspect	Details
Pay	You set your hourly rate (many tutors charge 10 to 35 USD per hour). Preply takes a commission fee that drops as you teach more hours.
Requirements	Strong English, a clear and honest profile, and a short intro video. Teaching experience is preferred but not always required.
Schedule	Fully flexible schedule. You open time slots that fit your life and students book them.
Class size	One-on-one classes only, so you can focus on each student and give personal support.

Pros

You set your own price and can increase rates as you gain reviews.
Good potential for recurring adult students who book weekly.
Strong demand from learners preparing for work, exams, and travel.
You control your niche, such as business English, IELTS, or Test Preparation.

Cons

High competition, so you need a strong profile and patience.
Commission fee cuts into your listed rate.
Some trial lessons may be unpaid or discounted, depending on the setup.
Building a full schedule can take time.

Preply suits teachers who are ready to treat their profile like a mini business and are willing to market themselves.

italki: Popular Platform for Adult Language Learners

italki is one of the best-known online language platforms and attracts many adult English learners who want long-term, 1:1 lessons.

Aspect	Details
Pay	You set your hourly rate, usually between 10 and 40 USD per hour. italki keeps a small commission from each paid lesson.
Requirements	Two roles: Professional Teacher (usually needs a degree and teaching certificate) and Community Tutor (no degree required, strong English, good profile).
Schedule	Fully flexible, you control your calendar and choose your lesson types.
Class size	One-on-one lessons only, no group classes.

Pros

Large pool of motivated adult learners from many countries.
Strong chance of repeat students, which stabilizes your income with one-on-one lessons.
Full control over pricing, lesson packages, and specialties.
Built-in messaging and materials system that makes follow-up easy.

Cons

You must market yourself and compete with many experienced teachers.
Often some unpaid prep and early work while building reviews.
Income at the start can feel slow until you gain momentum.

italki works well for teachers who want to build a stable, long-term student base and are comfortable managing their own mini brand.

EF English Live: Structured Courses for Adult Professionals

EF English Live is part of the big EF Education First group and focuses on adult learners, especially those studying general and business English.

Aspect	Details
Pay	Typical reports from teachers suggest about 10 to 15 USD per hour, sometimes with bonuses.
Requirements	Bachelor’s degree, TEFL certification or TESOL certificate, native or near-native English. Previous teaching experience is often required.
Schedule	Fixed blocks or assigned shifts, often covering peak times in different regions.
Class size	Mix of 1:1 sessions and group classes.

Pros

Steady stream of students, you do not need to find your own.
Detailed curriculum and materials provided.
Good option if you like a more traditional online school structure.
Looks solid on a teaching resume.

Cons

Less schedule flexibility, you need to commit to set hours.
Evening or weekend work is common, depending on time zone.
Pay is modest compared with some private marketplaces.

EF English Live is a good fit if you prefer ready-made lessons and stable work instead of building your own brand.

Learnlight: Business English for Corporate Clients

Learnlight focuses on corporate clients and adult professionals who need English for work, often in Europe and Latin America.

Aspect	Details
Pay	Often in the mid to higher range, about 12 to 20 USD per hour, depending on the contract
Requirements	Bachelor’s degree, TEFL certification or similar, experience teaching adults; business English or corporate training background often preferred
Schedule	Based on client timetables, often early mornings or evenings in European time zones
Class size	Mostly 1:1 sessions and small group classes

Pros

Professional teachers work with professional adult learners who have clear goals.
Strong, well-designed materials and lesson frameworks.
Good match if you enjoy business topics and workplace cases.
Can feel more like corporate training than casual tutoring.

Cons

Stricter hiring process and expectations.
Less flexibility, since sessions follow client schedules.
More detailed reporting and admin after lessons.

Learnlight is ideal if you want serious adult students and you are willing to work within structured systems.

Open English: Latin American Adults Learning English Online

Open English is very well known in Latin America and serves adult learners who study English for work, travel, and exams.

Aspect	Details
Pay	Common reports suggest around 8 to 15 USD per hour, depending on the program and your country of residence.
Requirements	Native or C2 English, a degree is often preferred, and some teaching experience helps. Spanish is useful but usually not required for most positions.
Schedule	Shift-based work, mostly evenings and weekends that line up with Latin American time zones, which can pair well with a main job or daytime commitments.
Class size	Small virtual group classes are standard, with occasional 1:1 lessons or special-focus sessions, which keeps prep time and classroom management simpler.

Pros

Steady work with a large base of adult learners.
Curriculum, slides, and lesson plans provided.
Clear focus on Latin American learners, which helps you prepare.
Good option if your schedule fits their peak times.

Cons

Less control over your working hours.
Late nights or odd hours if you live in Europe or Asia.
Pay can feel low compared with corporate-focused providers.

Open English suits teachers who like structured group classes and who can work Latin American evenings.

Verbling: Premium Adult Language Students Around the World

Verbling is a higher-end language marketplace, popular with serious students around the world who are willing to pay more for experienced teachers.

Aspect	Details
Pay	You set your own rate. Many English teachers charge 15 to 40 USD per hour. Verbling takes a commission from each lesson.
Requirements	Strong teaching background, polished profile, and a high-quality intro video. Many successful native English speakers also have teaching degrees or TEFL/TESOL certificates.
Schedule	Fully flexible schedule. You choose your hours and open the time slots you want to teach.
Class size	One-on-one online lessons, so each student gets your full attention.

Pros

Higher rate potential than many other platforms.
Students often treat lessons seriously and prepare in advance.
Good choice if you want to position yourself as a premium tutor.
Built-in classroom tools with chat, notes, and materials.

Cons

More selective hiring, especially in popular languages like English.
You must stand out with a clear niche and strong presentation.
Building a full schedule can still take time.

Verbling is best for experienced teachers who want to charge higher rates and attract committed adult students.

Voxy: Workplace English and Career Focused Training

Voxy partners with companies, universities, and institutions to deliver English training with real job-related content, such as emails, reports, and meetings.

Aspect	Details
Pay	Mid to upper range, often about 15 to 22 USD per hour, based on teacher reports
Requirements	For professional teachers: degree, teaching certificate, and experience with adult or corporate learners; must be comfortable using online platforms and detailed materials
Schedule	Classes follow learner time zones, so expect some early morning or evening work
Class size	Mix of 1:1 sessions and small groups

Pros

Lessons use real-world content, like news articles and work materials.
You teach motivated professionals with clear career goals.
Solid training and support, especially for new hires, with teaching materials.
Good option if you like structured but practical lessons.

Cons

Less control over exact class times.
Strong focus on reporting and tech requirements.
May feel more like corporate work than casual tutoring.

Voxy works well if you enjoy coaching adults in communication skills they can use at work right away.

Englishunt: Teaching English to Adults in Asia

Englishunt has worked with adult learners in South Korea and other Asian markets, often through contracts with schools, companies, and government programs.

Aspect	Details
Pay	Reports suggest about 10 to 16 USD per hour, often on fixed contracts.
Requirements	Degree often required, native English speakers preferred; TEFL or TESOL is a plus.
Schedule	Fixed blocks based on Asian time zones, often evenings and early mornings if you live elsewhere.
Class size	Mostly 1:1 phone or online sessions, with some small group classes.

Pros

Stable contracts rather than random bookings.
Focus on adults, often with clear work or study goals.
Some roles use phone only, which can suit camera-shy teachers.
Good if you like predictable hours.

Cons

Time zone challenges if you are not in Asia.
Less flexibility in changing your schedule once you commit.
Fewer public details, so you often learn specifics during hiring.

Englishunt fits teachers who want steady, scheduled work with adult learners in Asia.

goFLUENT: Corporate English Training for Global Companies

goFLUENT partners with big companies around the world to offer English training to their employees, so most students are working professionals.

Aspect	Details
Pay	Usually mid-range, many teachers report 12 to 20 USD per hour.
Requirements	Degree and teaching certificate, business or corporate experience is helpful, clear and professional communication style.
Schedule	Based on client demand, often part-time hours across different time zones.
Class size	1:1 lessons and small group classes.

Pros

Highly motivated adult learners who use English at work.
Professional, structured environment with company backing.
Good option if you enjoy business discussions and case studies.
Can be combined with other freelance work.

Cons

Application process can be quite strict.
Some admin tasks and follow-up after lessons.
Schedules may shift as new clients are added.

goFLUENT is a strong choice if you want corporate teaching experience without finding your own clients.

MIC English: Niche Platform for Adult Learners

MIC English is a smaller platform that focuses mostly on adult learners, often in East Asian markets. It tends to fly under the radar compared with giant marketplaces.

Aspect	Details
Pay rates	Usually paid per hour; reports suggest about 10 to 18 USD per hour, depending on contract
Requirements	Near-native English, teaching experience, degree often preferred, able to teach adults
Schedule	Based on student demand, often evenings and weekends in student time zones
Class size	1:1 classes

Pros

More personal environment than huge marketplaces.
Adult students who often commit to regular lessons.
Helpful if you like knowing your students well over time.
Less crowded than bigger platforms.

Cons

Fewer openings and less public information.
May not be ideal for complete beginners in online teaching.
Income can be limited by the smaller student base.

MIC English can work for teachers who prefer a small, focused platform and already have some teaching experience.

FluentU: Teaching Through Real World Videos

FluentU uses video-based content, such as movie clips and news, to teach languages. Many roles are content related, but there are also teaching and coaching positions focused on adults and older learners.

Aspect	Details
Pay	Project-based or hourly, usually mid range, often around 15 to 25 USD per hour for teaching or content work
Requirements	Strong English, comfort with video content, and some teaching or content creation experience
Schedule	Flexible and remote, with a mix of asynchronous work and live sessions, depending on the role
Class size	Mostly 1:1 or small groups for live teaching

Pros

Creative work using real media, not just textbooks.
Adult learners who enjoy video content and self-study.
Variety of roles, including curriculum and script writing.
Good fit if you like mixing teaching and content.

Cons

Fewer pure live teaching hours than some platforms.
Some roles are freelance with irregular workloads.
Availability of openings can vary through the year.

FluentU is a nice match for teachers who love media and want a mix of teaching and content tasks.

SkimaTalk: Short 1:1 Calls with Adult Learners

SkimaTalk focuses on short, private English sessions, often 25-minute calls with adult students around the world.

Aspect	Details
Pay	Tutors set their own rates above a platform minimum; many start around 8 to 12 USD per hour and then raise rates as they gain experience and reviews.
Requirements	Native-level English with a clear accent; no strict degree requirement, but teaching or tutoring experience helps you stand out and charge more.
Schedule	You choose your own schedule by opening time slots; students book sessions that fit your availability, which makes it flexible for family life.
Class size	All lessons are 1:1 only, so you can focus on each student and give personal support without extra prep for group classes.

Pros

Very flexible schedule, easy to mix with other work.
Simple booking and lesson system.
Good for short, focused conversation practice.
You can adjust your rates as you gain students.

Cons

Rate pressure from low-priced tutors.
You must attract students and build reviews.
Short lessons can feel intense and fast-paced.

SkimaTalk suits teachers who like quick, 1:1 conversations with adults and want a simple platform.

Lingoda: Structured Group Classes for Adult Students

Lingoda is an online language school that offers structured courses to adults, with both group and 1:1 classes.

Aspect	Details
Pay	Fixed hourly rate, often around 10 to 18 USD per hour, depending on region and contract.
Requirements	Teaching certificate, classroom or online experience, native or C2-level English, stable internet connection, and the ability to use Zoom well.
Schedule	You set your own hours and stick to a regular weekly schedule that fits your life and family budget goals.
Class size	Mix of 1:1 and small group classes, usually about 3 to 5 learners, which keeps prep time and stress lower.

Pros

Prepared lessons, slides, and materials, so prep is light.
Stable demand and many motivated adult students.
Clear course structure, which reduces planning stress.
Good if you like predictable routines.

Cons

Early mornings or late nights depending on your time zone.
Strict rules on attendance and punctuality for teachers.
Less freedom to change your schedule at short notice.

Lingoda is ideal for teachers who enjoy structured courses and regular group teaching with adults.

Fluentify: Coaching Style Lessons for Business Professionals

Fluentify focuses on adult professionals in Europe and uses a coaching style instead of traditional textbook lessons.

Aspect	Details
Pay	Mid to high range for 1:1 sessions, many teachers report about 18 to 30 USD per hour.
Requirements	Experience with business English, a degree, and a teaching certificate are preferred. You also need confidence in coaching and goal setting.
Schedule	You set your availability based on European time zones and must be reliable with bookings and cancellations.
Class size	1:1 coaching-style lessons that focus on the learner’s goals and real business needs.

Pros

Serious adult clients, often managers and professionals.
Strong focus on clear goals and progress tracking.
Great platform if you enjoy mentoring and coaching.
Can be more engaging than basic conversation practice.

Cons

Clients may be more demanding and expect high-quality prep.
More planning for tailored, goal-based sessions.
Hiring can be selective.

Fluentify fits teachers who enjoy deeper, coaching-style work with business clients.

Topica Native: Adult Learners in Southeast Asia

Topica Native serves adult learners in Vietnam and other Southeast Asian countries, mostly through online group and 1:1 classes.

Aspect	Details
Pay	Many teachers report about 8 to 13 USD per hour, based on role and region.
Requirements	Strong English skills, degree helpful, some roles prefer native speakers, online experience is useful.
Schedule	Evenings and weekends in Vietnam time, usually on set shifts.
Class size	Mix of group classes and 1:1 sessions.

Pros

Lots of adult learners who need English for work and study.
Structured program and lesson templates.
Clear focus on Southeast Asian markets.
Useful if you live in a nearby time zone.

Cons

Pay is often lower than Western corporate platforms.
Time zone can be tough if you live far from Asia.
Less schedule flexibility due to shift structure.

Topica Native is a reasonable option if you are in or near Southeast Asia and want regular adult classes.

Palfish: Adult Courses Alongside Kids Lessons

Palfish is known for kids, but it also offers adult conversation classes and free-talk sessions through its mobile app.

Aspect	Details
Pay	Adult free-talk and official courses often pay 8 to 18 USD per hour, depending on your set rate and performance bonuses.
Requirements	Strong English skills. A teaching certificate is required for official courses, but not always needed for casual free-talk roles.
Schedule	You choose your own hours, but demand is highest during evenings and weekends in China and other parts of Asia, when most students are online.
Class size	One-on-one sessions, usually taught through the platform’s mobile or desktop app for direct, focused support.

Pros

You can teach from your phone, which adds flexibility.
Mix of casual free-talk and more structured courses.
Good way to pick up adult students in Asia time zones.
Easy to combine with other platforms.

Cons

Rates can be on the lower side.
Heavy competition and frequent policy or pay changes.
App-based work may feel less stable for long-term planning.

Palfish works for teachers who like teaching on mobile and want flexible extra income from adult learners.

AmazingTalker: Marketplace for Adult and Teen Students

AmazingTalker is a tutor marketplace that connects teachers with students of different ages, though a big share are adults and teens in Asia and worldwide.

Aspect	Details
Pay	You set your hourly rate, often 10 to 35 USD per hour, with a commission that drops as you teach more
Requirements	Strong profile, clear demo video, native or near-native English, teaching or exam prep experience helps
Schedule	Fully flexible, you control your own calendar
Class size	Mostly 1:1 lessons, with some small group classes for selected teachers

Pros

You can choose your niche, such as IELTS, TOEIC, or business English.
Full control over pricing and discounts.
You can attract students from multiple countries.
Helpful tools for booking, messaging, and homework.

Cons

You need to market yourself actively.
Income is not guaranteed, especially at the beginning.
Platform fee eats into your listed rate.

AmazingTalker is for teachers who enjoy building a brand and do not mind competing in a busy marketplace.

Fluentbe: Online School for European Adult Learners

Fluentbe is an online school for adults in Europe, especially in Poland and nearby countries, offering structured group and 1:1 classes.

Aspect	Details
Pay	Fixed hourly rate, often around 10 to 16 USD per hour equivalent, depending on contract and location.
Requirements	Degree or teaching certificate, experience, reliable internet, and comfort with European adult learners.
Schedule	Evenings and weekends in European time, with regular groups and structured courses.
Class size	Small groups and some 1:1 sessions for more focused support.

Pros

Regular classes with the same students, which builds rapport.
Provided materials and clear lesson plans.
Good fit if you live in Europe or nearby time zones.
Nice balance between stability and online flexibility.

Cons

Less flexible schedule, you commit to full courses.
Harder to adjust hours quickly once a group starts.
Pay is steady but not top of the market.

Fluentbe suits teachers who want regular adult groups in European hours and like having materials ready to go.

Skyeng Talks: Short Speaking Sessions for Russian Speaking Adults

Skyeng is a large school in Eastern Europe, and its Talks product focuses on short speaking sessions with adult learners, mainly from Russia and neighboring countries.

Aspect	Details
Pay	Fixed pay per lesson; averages about 6 to 12 USD per hour, depending on contract terms and your location.
Requirements	Strong English skills; some teaching experience helps; some roles ask for TEFL or similar certificates; must be comfortable using their platform.
Schedule	You set your available hours; highest student demand is in evenings and weekends in the target region.
Class size	One-on-one speaking sessions, focused on conversation and fluency.

Pros

Many adults want extra speaking practice, so demand can be high.
Short, focused lessons that are easy to plan.
You can teach from anywhere with a stable connection.
Useful if your time zone overlaps with Eastern Europe.

Cons

Platform tools and support may include Russian language.
Pay varies and can feel low for some teachers.
You must adapt to their internal systems and rules.

Skyeng Talks is a good choice if you enjoy quick, conversation-heavy lessons with Russian-speaking adults.

Likeshuo: Adult English Classes for Chinese Learners

Likeshuo is part of the Meten group and focuses on adult English learners in China who study mostly for work and study goals.

Aspect	Details
Pay	Most reports show about 12 to 18 USD per hour, with higher rates for experienced teachers who have strong feedback and a steady schedule.
Requirements	Bachelor’s degree, native or near-native English level, teaching certificate preferred (like TEFL or TESOL), and experience teaching adults is helpful.
Schedule	Peak hours follow evenings and weekends in China time, with shift-based work that often includes early mornings or late nights for non-Asia teachers.
Class size	Mix of 1:1 lessons and small group classes, usually a few students per group, which keeps prep simple and feedback more personal.

Pros

Strong and stable demand from adult learners.
Structured lesson materials and clear progress paths.
Good option if you like working with Chinese professionals.
Can provide a steady side income if your time zone fits.

Cons

Time zone and weekend work can be hard in some regions.
Possible strict company policies on attendance and performance.
Less control over your schedule than marketplaces.

Likeshuo is best for teachers who do not mind fixed shifts and want a reliable stream of adult learners in China.

English First (EF): In Center and Online Adult Programs

EF runs both in-person centers and online programs across many countries. Besides kids, EF also has adult and online adult programs, sometimes branded as EF English Centers or EF Adults.

AspectDetailsPayVaries by country and contract, but many adult teachers report about 10 to 18 USD per hour equivalent.RequirementsDegree, TEFL certificate, native or near-native English. Ability to follow company teaching standards.ScheduleOften shift-based with evenings and weekends, whether online or in learning centers.Class sizeSmall groups and 1:1 sessions.

Pros

Big, well-known brand that can boost your resume.
Training, support, and ready-made materials.
Mix of group and individual adult classes.
Some markets offer in-person and online paths.

Cons

Pay can be modest, depending on country.
Less freedom over your timetable.
Company rules can feel strict or corporate.

EF adult programs are a good fit if you value a global brand and structured training more than full schedule freedom.

Accent Advisor: Help Adults Improve Pronunciation

Accent Advisor focuses on adult students who want to improve or change their accent, usually toward a North American model.

Aspect	Details
Pay	Above-average hourly rates, often around 20 to 35 USD per hour based on teacher reports
Requirements	Native English speakers with a North American accent usually preferred; accent training provided, but you need a stable schedule of several hours per week
Schedule	You set your hours, but you must keep them consistent each week
Class size	1:1 pronunciation and accent coaching

Pros

Higher pay than many general ESL platforms.
Focused niche, so you develop a clear specialty.
Motivated adult professionals who take lessons seriously.
Training provided in their accent methods.

Cons

Smaller company, so fewer openings than big platforms.
Stricter hiring for accent and reliability.
You need to commit to steady hours and long-term students.

Accent Advisor is ideal if you have a North American accent, enjoy detailed pronunciation work, and want higher-paying, adult-only lessons.

How To Increase Your Rate Teaching Adults: Focus on IELTS and Business English

If you want to earn more from teaching English online, working with adults gives you a big advantage. Adult learners often have urgent, high-stakes goals, like immigration, university entry, or a promotion at work. When you help them reach those goals, your lessons are worth more, and you can charge more.

Two of the strongest money-making niches are IELTS preparation and Business English. With a bit of focused study and a clear offer in your profile, you can stand out from thousands of general conversation tutors.

Become an IELTS Specialist and Attract High Paying Adult Students

IELTS (International English Language Testing System) is one of the most widely used English exams in the world. Adults take IELTS for test preparation to:

Apply for immigration visas to countries like Canada, the UK, Australia, and New Zealand
Get into universities abroad for bachelor’s, master’s, or PhD programs
Meet professional registration requirements that demand specific language proficiency for nurses, doctors, and other licensed roles

A higher band score can change someone’s life. That pressure creates strong demand for reliable IELTS teachers, and online English tutors who specialize can usually charge higher rates.

You do not need to be an official examiner to specialize in IELTS. You do need to understand how the test works and how scores are given.

A simple path to become an IELTS specialist looks like this:

Learn the test format inside out
Get very familiar with all four parts of the exam: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. Know the timing, task types, and common traps. Work through sample tests from official sources so you see what your students face.
Study the band descriptors
The band descriptors are the score guidelines examiners use. Focus on:
- Speaking descriptors: fluency, vocabulary, grammar range, pronunciation
- Writing descriptors: task response, coherence, vocabulary, grammar
  When you know these, you can say things like, “Right now your writing is around band 6 because your ideas are clear, but you repeat vocabulary and have several grammar errors.” That builds trust and lets you give targeted feedback.
Take an IELTS prep course
Join a short online course or workshop on IELTS teaching. Many are designed for teachers and cover:
- Marking practice with sample essays
- Speaking feedback strategies
- Common student mistakes and how to correct them
  This extra layer of training helps you feel confident and sell yourself as a specialist, not just “a tutor who knows IELTS.”
Create simple, reusable IELTS lesson plans
Prepare a few go-to lessons you can adapt for different students, such as:
- Task 2 essay structures with sample band 9 answers
- Speaking Part 2 cue cards and follow-up questions
- Listening note-taking practice with clear tips
  Over time, build a small library of model answers, correction codes, and checklists. This keeps your prep time low while your value stays high.
Market your IELTS skills in your tutor profiles
When you set up or edit your profile on Preply, italki, Verbling, or other marketplaces, be clear and direct:
- Put “IELTS Specialist” or “IELTS Academic & General Training” in your headline
- Mention your experience and typical results, for example, “Helped nurses move from 6.0 to 7.0 in Writing”
- Offer a diagnostic trial lesson that includes a mini mock speaking test or writing review

Adult students search for exactly this kind of help, not just “English conversation.” If they see that you understand band scores and have a plan, they are usually willing to pay more and book recurring lessons.

Because IELTS scores affect visas, university places, and professional licenses, many learners treat good IELTS teaching as an investment, not a cost. That is why successful IELTS tutors often sit at the higher end of platform rates, especially once they have reviews and a track record.

Offer Business English and Workplace Communication Skills

Business English sounds fancy, but it simply means English for everyday work situations. Many adults do not need perfect grammar, they need to:

Write clear emails to clients and colleagues
Join meetings and share ideas without freezing
Give presentations on projects or reports
Handle small talk at work, like chatting before a meeting or at company events

Your job is to help them feel confident and sound professional in these moments.

Workplace English students come from many backgrounds, for example:

Managers and team leaders who must lead meetings or speak with international teams
Sales staff who pitch, negotiate, and follow up with clients in English
Engineers and IT specialists who join global projects, daily stand-ups, and tech calls
Customer support agents who chat with users by email or live chat
Healthcare workers, such as nurses and doctors who deal with international patients or documents

Professional teachers can keep it broad, or pick a niche tailored to specific areas of language learning that matches your own background or interests. Some niche ideas that work well:

English for IT professionals: code reviews, stand-up meetings, project updates, explaining bugs to non-technical managers
English for sales calls: discovery questions, handling objections, negotiating price, closing the deal, polite follow-up emails
English for nurses and medical staff: patient intake questions, clarifying symptoms, explaining procedures, reporting to doctors
English for HR and recruiters: interviews, feedback calls, job descriptions, performance reviews

When you talk about your niche in your profile, be concrete. Instead of “I teach workplace English,” write something like:

“I help software engineers feel confident in English stand-up meetings.”
“I coach sales reps on their sales calls, follow-up emails, and pitch decks.”

Workplace English is highly valued by companies, not just individual students. Many companies pay for their employees to study because better English improves sales, service, and teamwork. Company-sponsored students are more likely to:

Book regular weekly lessons
Stay for months rather than weeks
Accept higher rates if the quality is clear

This is where your income can really grow. Long-term business clients give you stable work, and you can slowly raise your rates for new students as your calendar fills.

To position yourself as a workplace English teacher:

Add “Workplace English” and your niche to your headings on platforms like Preply, italki, and Verbling
Mention real workplace tasks you cover, such as “email reviews,” “meeting role plays,” or “presentation coaching”
Offer a short needs analysis in the first lesson and turn that into a simple learning plan written in plain language

By combining a clear IELTS or workplace English niche with strong profiles on adult-focused platforms, you move away from low-paying general conversation and into specialized, higher-rate teaching that gives both you and your students better results.

Practical Teaching Tips: Help Adult Learners Succeed Online

Once you get hired by a company, the real test starts in the classroom. Adult students are busy, selective, and focused on results. When your lessons feel practical and respectful of their time, they keep booking with you and leave strong reviews on every platform you use.

Use these simple, repeatable methods to make your online classes smoother, more engaging, and easier to manage, even if you’re new and building your teaching experience.

Ten Simple Tips for Teaching Adult English Learners Online

You can treat these tips like a quick checklist before and after each lesson.

Set clear goals
At the start, ask what they want and agree on 1 or 2 goals for the lesson, such as “practice small talk for meetings” or “improve email openings.”
Use real-life topics
Build lessons around their work, travel plans, or exam needs, for example, role play a sales call or check the language of a real presentation slide.
Correct gently
Let them finish speaking, then give short, clear corrections and one or two improved sentences instead of interrupting every mistake.
Give lots of conversation practice
Talk less than your student, ask open questions, and use prompts like “Tell me more about that” so they carry most of the conversation.
Use simple teaching materials
Choose short texts, clear slides, or one-page notes instead of long PDFs, and screen-share only what you really need in that moment.
Follow up with notes
After class, send 5 to 10 key phrases, corrections, or homework ideas in the chat so they can review quickly without feeling overwhelmed.
Check in on progress
Every few lessons, remind them of their original goals and point out progress, such as “You now handle small talk with almost no pauses.”
Be patient with mistakes
Expect repeated errors, stay calm, and keep a friendly tone so they feel safe trying new words and grammar.
Adapt to their learning style
Notice what works best, such as visuals, writing, or speaking drills, then use more of that style in future lessons.
Always end with a quick review
Spend the last 2 or 3 minutes asking, “What did you learn today?” and recap the top phrases or grammar point so it sticks.

Eight Effective Ways to Make Adult English Classes Engaging

Adults stay engaged when lessons connect directly to work, travel, or study. These methods help you do that without turning the class into a performance.

1. Role plays related to real situations
Act out real tasks, such as a job interview, client call, or airport check-in. Tell your student who they are, who you are, and what they want to achieve, then run the role play and give feedback in these one-on-one lessons. This builds confidence for real work calls, trips, or exams that include speaking tasks.

2. Problem-solving tasks
Give a simple problem and ask the student to solve it with you in English, for example, “Your company has a late delivery, how do you explain this to the client?” This kind of task mirrors real meetings, project issues, and team work, so they practice useful phrases like “Let’s consider” or “What if we.”

3. Case studies from work or business
Use short stories about companies, projects, or customer issues, then ask the student to discuss what went wrong and how to fix it. This feels familiar to professionals, especially those preparing for management roles, business school, or job interviews.

4. Short videos with a clear focus
Play a 1 to 3 minute clip, such as a news item, company ad, or travel video, and set one simple task, for example, “Write three key words” or “Tell me the main idea.” This improves listening and gives real input for students who want English for travel or global media.

5. Real emails and documents
Ask students to bring anonymized emails, reports, or CVs, then edit them together in class. This is powerful for adult learners who write at work, apply for jobs abroad, or send messages to clients, since they see direct results right away.

6. Pronunciation drills with purpose
Pick sounds that affect clarity, such as “r” vs “l” or word stress in job titles, and link them to real phrases they use daily. Adults who need English for calls or presentations value clear speech, so short, focused drills can feel very worthwhile.

7. Exam-style practice tasks
If they are preparing for IELTS, TOEFL, TOEIC, or other tests, take sample tasks and work through them under light time pressure, then discuss strategies for Test Preparation. This helps them feel ready for the real exam and shows them where to focus their study time.

8. Guided conversation with support
Choose a topic linked to their goals, such as “business trips,” “remote work,” or “study abroad,” and provide a few starter questions and key phrases in the chat. Guided conversation keeps things natural while still targeting language they need for meetings, small talk, or social events during travel.

Six Steps to Teach Beginner Adults with Confidence

Beginner adults often feel nervous online. This simple 6-step approach keeps lessons clear, safe, and productive.

Start with needs and goals
Ask simple questions like “Why do you need English?” and “Work, travel, or exam?” Then choose one short-term goal, such as “basic work greetings” or “survival travel phrases.”
Focus on survival phrases first
Teach language they can use right away, for example, greetings, numbers, simple questions, asking for help, and polite phrases like “Excuse me” and “Could you repeat that?”
Use lots of visuals and gestures
Show pictures, icons, or simple slides, point, mime, and act out words when you can. A picture of a menu or airport sign is often better than a long explanation.
Keep instructions very short
Use one clear instruction at a time, such as “Listen and repeat,” “Circle the word,” or “Read and answer.” Avoid long teacher talk that confuses them.
Repeat and recycle words often
Bring back the same phrases in new ways, like greetings at the start, role play in the middle, and a mini quiz at the end. Repetition builds memory and confidence.
Celebrate small wins every lesson
At the end, say what they did well, for example, “You used five new words” or “You asked three good questions,” and write those wins in the chat so they can see real progress.

These simple routines help your adult students feel safe, understood, and successful, which keeps them coming back to your classes on any platform you use.

Is Teaching English to Adults Online the Right Remote Job for You?

If you’re wondering whether to teach English online to adults, this sits in a sweet spot. Teaching English online combines the meaning of helping people change their lives with the comfort of remote work and a flexible calendar. Before you jump in, it helps to know what the day-to-day really looks like in online ESL teaching jobs and what other options are out there if you enjoy working with adult learners.

Why Adult Online Teaching Is One of the Most Flexible Remote Jobs

Among remote teaching jobs, adult-focused online teaching gives you a level of control that many office jobs never will. On many platforms, you can:

Work from home with just a laptop, headset, and solid Wi-Fi
Choose your hours, especially on marketplaces where you open your own slots
Teach from different countries, as long as your visa allows remote work and your connection is stable

If you like the idea of building a work life around your energy and family, not around a commute, this setup can feel like a big upgrade.

There are roughly two types of flexibility on online platforms:

Marketplace platforms (like italki, Preply, Cambly)
You set your own schedule, raise or lower your hours, and often set your own rates. You can work:
- A few hours after your day job
- Early mornings or late evenings
- Extra hours during certain seasons, like before big exam dates
Online schools and corporate training providers
These usually ask for fixed blocks of time each week with a minimum hours requirement, but you still work from home. You might:
- Teach 3 evenings a week and keep days free
- Stack your classes into a few long teaching days
- Plan travel between contracts if you are slow-traveling abroad

Location flexibility is another big plus. Many teachers:

Start teaching in their home country
Build experience and savings
Then move abroad and keep the same students, just from a new time zone

As long as your new country allows remote work, this can be a powerful way to support yourself abroad without starting over in a local job market.

It is not a lazy job though. To keep students and income, you still need to:

Show up on time, every time
Keep your calendar accurate
Communicate clearly about holidays and schedule changes
Deliver lessons that feel organized and useful

Students are adults with jobs and families. If you cancel often or show up late, they leave fast. The flexibility is real, but it works only if you are consistent and treat it like real work.

On the emotional side, adult teaching can be very satisfying. You see clear results:

A nurse raises her IELTS score and moves abroad
An engineer finally gives a client presentation without freezing
A manager starts leading meetings in English instead of staying quiet

Those wins remind you that your remote job is not just screen time. You are part of big life changes, even if you are sitting at your kitchen table in sweatpants.

Other Online Jobs You Might Like if You Enjoy Teaching Adults

If you love working with adults but want more variety, many related remote jobs use the same core skills. Your strengths in clear communication, patience, planning, and feedback can carry over into other roles.

Here are some options that often suit online English teachers:

Online tutoring in other subjects
Help adults with subjects like writing, test prep, or even basic math. Platforms for general tutoring often welcome professional teachers who already know how to run a clear lesson.
Freelance writing or blogging
Turn your language skills into articles, guides, or course content. Many edtech sites, language blogs, and training companies look for writers who understand learners.
Virtual assistant for coaches or small businesses
Use your organization and communication skills to handle email, scheduling, and simple admin. Many clients like VAs who write clear English and manage time well.
Online exam prep tutor
Specialize in IELTS, TOEFL, TOEIC, or professional exams. You already know how to break complex tasks into steps, which is exactly what exam students need.
Curriculum or lesson-plan writer
Create lesson materials and worksheets for schools, platforms, or independent teachers, often requiring a Bachelor’s degree and relevant qualifications. Your classroom experience helps you design content that works in real life, not just on paper.
Language content creator for apps
Build dialogues, exercises, scripts, and explanations for language-learning apps or websites. This uses your skill in grading language, choosing examples, and explaining grammar in plain words.

If you start with teaching adults online, you can later mix these roles for multiple income streams. That way, you keep the parts of teaching you enjoy and add other remote work that fits your skills and interests.

Conclusion

You now have a clear map of 24 reliable companies that pay you to teach motivated students around the world, plus practical ways to charge more and teach with confidence. You have seen the difference between marketplaces, online schools, and corporate training providers, and you know how IELTS and Business English can lift your hourly rate over time.

The next step is action, not more research. Pick 2 or 3 companies that match your profile, time zone, and tech setup, then:

Update your CV and intro video
Highlight any IELTS or Business English qualifications
Send your applications this week, not “someday”

Once you are inside a platform, use the teaching tips from this guide to keep adult students booking again and again. Then, as your calendar fills, slowly move into higher-paying niches like IELTS prep, workplace communication, or accent work so your income grows with your skills.

Teaching English online can turn into a steady, flexible remote career as you teach English online to adults, rather than a random side gig. Start small, stay consistent, and keep improving your offer like top online English tutors. You can build a schedule and income that fit your life, while helping adult learners hit big goals that truly matter to them.