Quick answerFor a small group beginner class, about $40 per student per session is a reasonable starting ballpark in many areas. A four-week course for one table of four brings in about $640 before costs. Check what local teachers and community programs charge, and adjust for your venue, your supplies and how often you teach.
On this page
Most new teachers undercharge, then quietly resent the hours. This page helps you set a price you can keep, with worked numbers you can adapt to your area.
The ballpark
Rates vary a lot by region and venue, so treat $40 per student per session as a starting point for a two-hour group class, not a rule. Before you settle on a number, look at what local teachers, community education programs and clubs charge for something similar.
Three ways to charge
| Model | How it works | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Per session | Students pay each time they come | Drop-in classes, and your first classes while you find your feet |
| Course package | One payment for a four-week course | Committed learners; students who pay up front are far more likely to finish |
| Private group | A flat fee for a group of friends, often in someone’s home | Friends learning together; usually your best hourly rate |
Work out your number
Income is simple: fee per student, times students, times sessions. What you keep depends on what you spend.
| One table of four, four weeks | Amount |
|---|---|
| 4 students × $40 × 4 sessions | $640 |
| Venue (a free library room) | $0 |
| Printing handouts and workbooks | about $20 |
| Before your time and travel | about $620 |
That example is an illustration; your numbers will differ. Remember to count your preparation and travel time, not just the two hours at the table, and the eventual cost of replacing sets and mats. Two tables of four doubles the income for much the same preparation.
Say what is included
People compare prices; they buy value. Spell it out: eight hours of teaching, printed materials to keep, sets to learn on, and a class small enough for real attention. A free one-hour taster fills a paid course far better than a discount does.
Raising your rate
Raise it when your classes fill by word of mouth alone, when you are turning people away, or once you have run the course a few times and know it cold. Raise it for new courses, never in the middle of one.
Getting paid
- Collect before the first session. It is the single best predictor of who actually turns up.
- Keep simple records of what you earn and spend, and check your local rules on reporting side income.
- Write down your cancellation policy before anyone asks.
Next: where to hold your class, and the four-week lesson plan.
How much do Mahjong lessons cost?
Rates vary by area. For a small group beginner class, about $40 per student per session is a reasonable ballpark; private groups often pay a flat fee instead.
Should I charge per class or for the whole course?
A course package usually works better: students commit, attendance is steadier, and you know your income up front.
Should I offer a free lesson?
A free one-hour taster is a good way to fill a paid course. It is better than discounting the course itself.