After-school chess club instructor

Parents paying per student, plus schools, PTAs, libraries and community centers that hire you for a program.

Per-student fees for a session or term, or a flat fee per class from a school or venue. More groups per week means more income.

• Classroom management with children
• Chess knowledge and a simple curriculum
• Organizing schedules and sign-ups
• Communicating with parents and school staff

• Schools and youth programs usually require background checks, so ask what your district or venue needs
• Check whether your city or county requires a business license
• General liability insurance is often required by venues; ask what coverage they expect
• Some states have rules for youth program providers, so check with your state education or child care agency
• School calendars mean income can drop in summer and holidays unless you run camps

Estimates typically run around $200 to $1,500, depending on the boards and sets you buy, teaching materials, and any checks or insurance venues ask for. Many programs run on site, so you may not need your own space.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated around $400 to $4,000, depending on how many classes you run, how many students enroll and what schools or parents pay. Income can dip in summer and holidays unless you run camps.

Schools and youth programs usually require background checks, so ask what your district or venue needs. Also check whether your city or county requires a business license, what liability coverage venues expect, and whether your state has rules for youth program providers.