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Job outlook for writing center tutors in the United States
Are writing center tutor jobs in demand?
Writing center tutor job and salary trends over time
Writing center tutor jobs over time
Writing center tutor job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 1,895 | 0.00% |
| 2020 | 17,509 | 0.01% |
| 2019 | 18,412 | 0.01% |
| 2018 | 10,392 | 0.00% |
| 2017 | 10,424 | 0.00% |
Average writing center tutor salary over time
Writing center tutor salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $24,070 | $11.57 | +2.5% |
| 2024 | $23,482 | $11.29 | +0.3% |
| 2023 | $23,419 | $11.26 | +1.8% |
| 2022 | $23,001 | $11.06 | +1.7% |
| 2021 | $22,611 | $10.87 | +3.7% |
Writing center tutor jobs by state
Most common states for writing center tutors
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 366 | 35% |
| 2 | Wyoming | 579,315 | 197 | 34% |
| 3 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 574 | 30% |
| 4 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 1,555 | 28% |
| 5 | Kansas | 2,913,123 | 665 | 23% |
| 6 | Delaware | 961,939 | 225 | 23% |
| 7 | Idaho | 1,716,943 | 372 | 22% |
| 8 | Vermont | 623,657 | 135 | 22% |
| 9 | Kentucky | 4,454,189 | 753 | 17% |
| 10 | New Mexico | 2,088,070 | 346 | 17% |
| 11 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 178 | 17% |
| 12 | Alaska | 739,795 | 120 | 16% |
| 13 | Oklahoma | 3,930,864 | 570 | 15% |
| 14 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 197 | 15% |
| 15 | Missouri | 6,113,532 | 882 | 14% |
| 16 | Virginia | 8,470,020 | 1,132 | 13% |
| 17 | Mississippi | 2,984,100 | 389 | 13% |
| 18 | Illinois | 12,802,023 | 1,494 | 12% |
| 19 | Pennsylvania | 12,805,537 | 1,491 | 12% |
| 20 | Alabama | 4,874,747 | 574 | 12% |
Most common cities for writing center tutors
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Fairbanks | 1 | 3% | $31,343 |
| 2 | Juneau | 1 | 3% | $29,466 |
| 3 | Laguna Niguel | 1 | 2% | $27,604 |
| 4 | Rancho Cucamonga | 1 | 1% | $27,640 |
Writing Center Tutor job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of writing center tutor experts
Towson University
Bucknell University
University of Indianapolis
Texas Christian University
Hartwick College
University of Nebraska - Kearney
Colorado Mesa University
Saint Mary's College of California
Northern Arizona University
Davidson College
University of San Francisco
Centenary University
Centenary University
Arkansas Tech University
University of Michigan
What general advice would you give to a Writing Center Tutor?
Sumudu Lewis: Many soft skills are important to teachers. They include but are not limited to being effective communicators and demonstrating compassion, empathy, patience, and resilience. Leadership skills are also important, as are conflict resolution, time management, and collaborative skills. The most important hard skills include content knowledge, the ability to unpack the state standards to develop units of work, plan well-structured lessons with observable and measurable learning objectives, create and use formative and summative assessments to measure students' learning, analyze data from assessments and make adjustments to practice, integrate technology, have a repertoire of teaching strategies to meet the needs of diverse learners.
What will help Writing Center Tutors increase their earning potential?
Sumudu Lewis: Maximizing salary potential can be done through various means. It is important that career teachers stay informed about the school district's salary scale and know about bonuses and other incentives - like running extra curricular activities. Explore opportunities to take additional classes for University credit. Advanced degrees like doctoral degrees allow teachers to qualify for positions like department chair, curriculum lead, or other administrative positions.
What general advice would you give to a Writing Center Tutor?
Jonathan Higgins Ed.D.: Get involved in your school. Many club sponsor, team lead, coaching positions come with a supplement. Other teachers will work after-school tutoring programs, tutor privately, or work summer school. Additionally, many districts pay more for advanced degrees. The amount may only be $2,500 or so per year, but if you spend $10,000 on a Masters degree, it is likely you will pay it back in four or five years and then be making more money. Unfortunately, the only other way to maximize salary is to move into a more administrative role. It is sad when we see good teachers leaving the classroom to pursue administration solely for economic reasons. In addition, it is sad for administration when we see not so great people also move into those roles because they want to be paid more as well.
What Writing Center Tutor skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
David Wizer: First, people skills, ability to collaborate with others and connect to students. Working in teams and leading and cooperating with colleagues. On-going interest in understanding and using technology and media well. Being independent in completing research and capably using applications, software, and technology.
Meg Gardner Ph.D.
Senior Lecturer and Director of Teacher PreparationWhat will help Writing Center Tutors increase their earning potential?
Meg Gardner Ph.D.: First and foremost, make sure that the district where you plan to teach is a right fit for you. Gather a sense of the culture of the school by asking interview committee members about their own experiences at the district. Prior to accepting a position, conduct some research on the district; for instance, investigate the mission statement and the curricular opportunities available. Be ready with questions for committee members that help you understand the ethos of the school and look for compatibility among your own beliefs about teaching and learning. Once in the classroom, take advantage of early mentoring programs and seek out advice for respected colleagues more informally. Stay up to date with innovative practices through social media outlets and teacher training opportunities offered through your district. Lastly, make time in your busy schedule for activities that you find fulfilling to maintain a healthy and balanced outlook.
What will help Writing Center Tutors increase their earning potential?
Janet VanLone Ph.D.: Many school districts offer tuition reimbursement for additional college degrees and credits. Take advantage of this benefit. As you move up in years and degrees/ credits, you will see an increase in your salary! I hope this is helpful.
What Writing Center Tutor skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Tracy Johnson: Be as marketable as possible. The more grades, subject areas, etc. that you are licensed to teach, the better off you are. At a time when teachers are in high demand, you can afford to apply to many different places and choose the one that is right for you, not only financially but also philosophically as well.
What will help Writing Center Tutors increase their earning potential?
Dr. Tracy Johnson: Be open to new experiences. You may think you really want to teach 5th grade math, but have an opportunity to apply for a 3rd grade position. Give it a chance. You may find out that you love 3rd grade! Also, remember that teaching is a profession in which you are continually learning. The best teachers are the ones who are always ready to add to their professional knowledge and expertise. When you can, take advantage of continuing professional development opportunities.
What will help Writing Center Tutors increase their earning potential?
Jo Jimerson Ph.D.: No matter how good your training was, you’ll encounter challenges in your first year. Even the best novice teacher is still a novice, so seek out professional learning above what’s required and don’t be afraid to ask questions of veteran educators. Find a mentor you vibe with, and who you respect—if you can’t identify someone, ask other teachers who they consider a professional model (or if you’re in a secondary school, ask the kids!). Ask your administrators to help with class coverage from time to time so you can sit in your mentor’s classes, to continue honing your craft. Most importantly, if you feel like teaching is really hard, don’t take that as a sign that you’re not destined to be a great teacher—it’s just a challenging profession! If you keep trying then by year 2 or 3 you’ll really feel like you have the hang of teaching.
What Writing Center Tutor skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Ross Bussell PhD: Teaching is one of the few careers out there that has resisted change over the past 100 years. Technology demands that teachers adapt or fall behind. I remember when the internet first came around, and how profound of an impact it had on the field. Then when social media came around, we saw the impacts on students' ability to focus, the damage it has done to their self-esteem, etc. Projecting forward into the near future, the ability to utilize AI effectively, and teaching students how to use it ethically and as a learning tool will be integral. Teachers need to also understand that critical thinking skills have been largely forgotten. A push back from a testing-focused school system will be necessary. Right now, we have young adults who came through the school system, tested often, but never learned how to critique information they find online for truthfulness and quality. From the earliest years in school, teachers need to begin developing these skills in their students, the 'how to think, not what to think' skill set is extremely important.
Franziska Brech
Senior Lecturer of Flute and GermanUniversity of Nebraska - Kearney
Germanic Languages, Literatures, And Linguistics
What general advice would you give to a Writing Center Tutor?
Franziska Brech: I have heard, a master helps. Elect school board members/politicians who value education and support better wages.
What general advice would you give to a Writing Center Tutor?
Dr. Amanda Aguilar: Most of your salary increases within education will come from additional years of experience as your career progresses or moving to a district/state that pays a higher salary. However, there are some things you can do throughout your career that will add additional stipends on top of your base salary. Some of these might include additional education (masters, doctorate) and additional certifications (English as a Second Language (ESL), National Board Certification, School Counseling, reading and/or math specialist, and more). Additionally, you might decide to take on additional duties such as coaching, club sponsorship, summer school teaching, and more. The stipends for these duties will vary depending on the district.
What general advice would you give to a Writing Center Tutor?
Brooke Carlson Ph.D.: Employment in the digital age is changing. Graduates will likely job hop, rather than rest within a field and move slowly up over time. English majors are well prepared with a skill set centered on critical thinking, written communication, oral communication, and information literacy. Moreover, English graduates are strong in the soft skills: collaboration, communication, the crafting of narrative, problem solving, evidence-based reasoning, and intellectual adaptability. In employment terms, English majors will likely start working in education and training, journalism, writing, library, and law. Over time, English majors often shift into business, sales, marketing, communication, and management.
What Writing Center Tutor skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Brooke Carlson Ph.D.: In English Departments we need to do a better job preparing our graduates for employment. We need stronger career guidance, or career preparation. At career peak, and it’s helpful to start here on the topic of salaries, English majors are, on average, roughly the same as all majors with a bachelor’s degree. The difference is a mere two thousand dollars, so 76 to 78K. English majors find good jobs quickly. The marketable skill sets acquired through the major mean strong and satisfying careers. At Colorado Mesa University, we work with underserved groups. Women and people of color are still earning less than straight, white men today, which means we want to be more aggressive in preparing women, people of color, and first-generation graduates to negotiate better salaries when they start jobs.
Corinne Shirley Ph.D.
Senior InstructorWhat Writing Center Tutor skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Corinne Shirley Ph.D.: There is no “typical” career path for Classics majors, so apply for the jobs that interest you and be prepared to explain how the knowledge and skills you have developed studying Latin and Greek can be an asset in your chosen field. Explore as much as possible while in college, don’t limit yourself, and be bold.
What general advice would you give to a Writing Center Tutor?
Peter Alter Ph.D.: Public school salary systems are determined by years of teaching (sometimes called Steps) and level of education. Get a Master's degree. Add an authorization via coursework. Anything that will move you over a column on the salary schedule. Then figure out your side hustle- coaching, tutoring, doing something completely away from education. This may be challenging in your first year but as you get acclimated, you are going to have more time that you will be able to monetize.
Lawrence Lenhart
Associate Chair nd Associate ProfessorNorthern Arizona University
Department of English
What skills stand out on Writing Center Tutor resumes?
Lawrence Lenhart: Ability to help writers across the disciplines
What soft skills should all Writing Center Tutors possess?
Lawrence Lenhart: Clear/logical/organized communication (written and oral), empathic listening
What hard/technical skills are most important for Writing Center Tutors?
Lawrence Lenhart: Understanding of writing conventions in different contexts: professional versus academic versus creative versus analytical versus business versus scientific versus legal versus journalism
What skills will help Writing Center Tutors earn the most?
Lawrence Lenhart: For someone working for themselves (e.g., tutor, freelance writer/editor, etc.): initiative, career self-management, innovative thinking / for someone working for a company (e.g., teacher, journalist, ): ability to leverage their strengths to support not just themselves, but entire departments; understanding/willingness to contribute to leadership's vision
What soft skills should all Writing Center Tutors possess?
Cynthia Lewis Ph.D.: The willingness to be supportive and encouraging without exaggerating the tutee's accomplishments; a gift for explaining writing mechanics.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Writing Center Tutors?
Cynthia Lewis Ph.D.: Experience at writing for publication or being recognized for writing (as by winning a contest); a solid grasp of English grammar and the ability to explain grammatical principles; the willingness to engage with students' writing, review it carefully, and give constructive responses and suggestions to it.
What skills will help Writing Center Tutors earn the most?
Cynthia Lewis Ph.D.: I would say not so many skills as demonstrated experience and having testimonials from students, the tutor has helped successfully.
What skills stand out on Writing Center Tutor resumes?
Cynthia Lewis Ph.D.: Demonstrated facility with language; the ability to tap into how the tutor learned what the tutee needs to know and to use that knowledge in tutoring; the ability to interest students in both reading and writing accomplished prose; a command of the vocabulary of English grammar and an ability to explain good grammatical practices; a grasp of the elements of composition and style.
(Some of these skills would come out in a cover letter versus a resume.)
Brandi Lawless Ph.D.
Department Chair & Associate ProfessorUniversity of San Francisco
Department of Communication Studies
What soft skills should all Writing Center Tutors possess?
Brandi Lawless Ph.D.: Employers of our alums consistently comment on their ability to work in groups--team building, interpersonal communication, and conflict alleviation are important skills at any workplace.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Writing Center Tutors?
Brandi Lawless Ph.D.: Learning proper citation guidelines (AP, APA, MLA) is like learning a language. It has to be exact and ends up being an important skill. Research skills (quantitative and qualitative) can also be useful in finding and citing evidence for any type of writing. Students who take my qualitative methods class often comment on how interviewing skills translate into various job skills--talking with clients, writing narratives, etc.
What skills will help Writing Center Tutors earn the most?
Brandi Lawless Ph.D.: Written and oral communication are the most transferable skills for any job path. They are the most sought-after skills and help to land a job and also move up the ladder. Strong communication skills also lead to self-promotion and advocacy, which help you earn more and advance over time.
Dr. Lisa Mastrangel Ph.D.
Associate Professor of English, Director of CompositionCentenary University
Department is Business, Media, and Writing
What skills will help Writing Center Tutors earn the most?
Dr. Lisa Mastrangel Ph.D.: Having a combination of the soft and hard skills listed above will make for the most successful writers.
Dr. Lisa Mastrangel Ph.D.
Associate Professor of English, Director of CompositionCentenary University
Department is Business, Media, and Writing
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Writing Center Tutors?
Dr. Lisa Mastrangel Ph.D.: While there will likely be a more challenging job market for some time to come, even once coronavirus ends, degrees in Professional Writing remain highly marketable because of their "portability." Many work environments have discovered that employees work just as effectively when they are remote, and managing social media and marketing content can undoubtedly be done remotely. With strong writing skills and a facility with multiple technology platforms, students with Professional Writing backgrounds will continue to be strong contenders on the job market.
What skills stand out on Writing Center Tutor resumes?
Lyn Brands: -Problem-solve their own situations
-Foreign language fluency
What soft skills should all Writing Center Tutors possess?
Lyn Brands: -Open to constructive criticism
-Adaptive to change
-Take oral instructions well/attentive
-Self-motivated
-Willingness to learn
-Ability to get along with others
What skills will help Writing Center Tutors earn the most?
Lyn Brands: -Able to clearly explain, talk about a topic
-Willingness to learn
-Adaptive to change
-Visionary
Laura Aull
Associate Professor and Writing Program DirectorUniversity of Michigan
English Language & Literature Department
What skills stand out on Writing Center Tutor resumes?
Laura Aull: Ability to:
- conduct research to compile information,
- ability to synthesize information, including identifying connections and implications,
- strong formal written and oral communication,
- organizational skills
- communication and project management experience, especially in educational settings or community organization settings
What soft skills should all Writing Center Tutors possess?
Laura Aull: - formal oral and written communication skills
- interpersonal engagement
- ability to identify what is needed and break up information well to communicate with different stakeholders (e.g., administrators, staff, students, parents, faculty, donors, etc.)
What hard/technical skills are most important for Writing Center Tutors?
Laura Aull: - navigating institutional and academic databases
- identifying and summarizing best practices and research
- website oversight, visualization, and management
What skills will help Writing Center Tutors earn the most?
Laura Aull: The best is a combination of the above skills, including strong writing skills and strong digital communication and oversight skills.