Subject specialist — what they cost
$95–$190/hr typical range. Median around $140/hr.
Who fits this tier
Exam-panel experience, published author, or head-of-department level. Best for top-band students chasing the last 5 ATAR points, scholarship preparation, or competition coaching.
What you should expect for the rate
- Subject specialism beyond classroom — exam panel, published author, head of department, or competition coach
- Higher boundary expectations (book a term ahead; cancellation fees)
- Selectivity: many specialists vet students before agreeing to take them
- Best return at the top end of the cohort, not for foundation work
When this tier is the right choice
Tier 4 is for the last 5–10 ATAR points at the top of the band. If your child is already running 90+ in a subject and needs to push to 99, the structural improvements come from a specialist who knows what differentiates top-band responses from very-good responses. Tier 4 is wasted on a student running 60s — what they need is consolidation, not stretch.
Negotiating around the typical rate
- If you're at the bottom of this band: ask about specific qualifications (current uni transcript, recent ATAR for Tier 1; teaching registration number for Tier 3) and trial lessons before committing.
- If you're paying at the top of this band: ask for outcomes — what did their last 3 students achieve in this subject? If they can't tell you, they're charging Tier 4 prices for Tier 2 work.
- Bulk-pack discount: most independent tutors at this tier will discount 5–10% for a 10-lesson term pack paid up front. Worth asking.
Cross-reference
See the rate estimator for a specific subject × city × tier × delivery combo, or by subject for how subject complexity moves the band.