Poor Pay, Good Flexibility - Online ESL Teacher Cambly Employee Review

2.0
Jan 5, 2022
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Only pro is the flexibility (24/7 and you set your own availability)

Cons

Pay is based on minutes spent talking with students, so if the student is late or absent for their reserved class time with you, you lose money. If a student reserves you, you should get the full pay for that time, regardless of when or if they come to class. It is completely unfair and why $12/hr for Cambly kids actually turns out to be around $8/hr, not worth it for those living in the US (which is the majority or their teachers).

Explore other reviews about Cambly

5.0
Jul 22, 2025
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Cool students, fun conversations. Global connections.

Cons

None at this point in time.

4.0
May 13, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Very flexible schedule (you create your own), can easily cancel classes without too much of a penalty (make every student that you like a "regular" student so that if you get penalized...only regulars can book you...you have a huge pool of regulars), Cambly provides lessons, you can use almost any website as long as you don't need to share login information, it's fun and easy, many students become like friends, you can learn about different countries, cultures, and languages

Cons

The pay. It has never increased in the 14 years that Cambly has been in business. They are starting to offer a new program called "Cambly Pro" where you can make $15 an hour, but you have to apply to be a tutor for it and you could be denied. You have to have a 99% rating for 3 months to even be considered. If, like me, you are open to all students (and not just your regular students that you have become friends with), your rating can vary widely. No matter how good of a tutor you are, you will not be everyone's cup of tea. Also, Cambly does not allow tutors to teach in some states in the U.S. due to labor laws.

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