Online Subject Tutoring
Online tutoring in a subject or test you know cold, starting on tutoring marketplaces and adding a free-lesson YouTube channel
Video published Oct 30, 2026 by Shane Hummus
Startup cost: Near-zero cost (a computer and webcam) (our estimate; the video doesn’t give figures)
Source video
Shane Hummus · Top 10 BEST Claude AI Side Hustles To Start If You're Over 50 ↗
One of 8 gigs covered in this video
What It Is
Tutor students online in a subject you can teach without preparation, such as math, piano, a science or a specific exam. The creator suggests starting on Outschool, Wyzant, Cambly (for English) or Preply to get students quickly, charging $40-$100 an hour, and says he charged $180 an hour tutoring for the PCAT pharmacy school admissions test. Later you can post free lessons on YouTube to bring in private students and ad revenue, then package lessons into a course.
The Pitch
The creator calls tutoring one of the most low-effort, high-margin side hustles for people over 50, pointing to simple, low-production tutoring channels that grew huge because students care about answers, not polish.
Who It’s Best For
Retired teachers and professionals with deep knowledge of one subject or exam who enjoy explaining things.
The Truth (as we see it)
Online tutoring is a real and accessible way to earn, and the platforms he names do supply students, though they take a commission and new tutors often start at lower rates. The $180-an-hour rate was for a niche admissions test and is not a typical starting point. Sessions are live and scheduled around students. The famous YouTube tutors he cites are rare outliers. Shane Hummus uses the video to promote a free live training and his paid YouTube and personal-branding coaching program.
Our assessment, based on the video and what’s typical across similar videos. We don’t independently verify income claims or prices.
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