How do you start a language tutor business in 2027?

Language tutoring in 2027 has been hammered by AI translation and conversational LLMs — DuoLingo Max, ChatGPT voice, Google's Gemini Live can drill grammar and pronunciation 24/7 for $20/mo. The market that survives: exam prep (DELF, JLPT, HSK, TOEFL, IELTS), business language (negotiation, presentations), and learners who specifically want a human accountability partner. Honest 5/10.

Startup costs. Mostly software: Zoom Pro $15/mo, Calendly $10/mo, scheduling/payment via TutorBird or Teachworks $20-$40/mo. Curriculum licenses or self-built materials $200-$1k. LLC $100-$500. If in-person, add commercial insurance $400-$700/yr.

Credentials. Native or near-native fluency is table stakes. CELTA/DELTA for English ($1k-$3k course), TEFL ($200-$1.5k) for online ESL marketplaces. For exam prep, having taken and scored well on the exam yourself matters more than any cert.

Customer acquisition. Preply, italki, Verbling, Cambly take 15-33% commissions but bring inbound leads. Direct channels: LinkedIn (business learners), Reddit language subs, IG before/after exam-score posts, university bulletin boards. Referrals from passed-exam students convert at 30-50%.

Revenue model. Marketplaces $15-$40/hr after fees. Direct $30-$80/hr. Exam-prep packages $600-$2,500 for 8-16 sessions. Corporate B2B (relocating execs) $80-$150/hr.

Year-1. 10-20 weekly hours by month 6, $18k-$45k gross. Heavily marketplace-dependent until you build a direct list.