Udemy vs Coursera instructor pay: How much do online teachers really earn?

When you sell a course on Udemy, a global marketplace where anyone can create and sell online courses. Also known as an online course platform, it lets instructors set their own prices and earn a share of every sale. But here’s the catch: most instructors make next to nothing because Udemy runs constant 90% off sales. Meanwhile, Coursera, a platform that partners with universities and companies to offer accredited courses and degrees. It’s known for higher-ed partnerships and corporate training programs. pays instructors differently—often through flat fees or revenue splits tied to institutional enrollments, not individual sales. The real question isn’t which platform is better—it’s which one fits your teaching style and audience.

Udemy is a numbers game. If you build a course on something like Python or Google certificates and drive your own traffic, you can hit $5,000 a month. But if you rely on Udemy’s traffic, you might earn $2–$5 per sale after fees. Coursera doesn’t let you set your own price. Instead, you might get $5,000 upfront to create a course for a university, or 20–50% of revenue if your course is part of a specialization. The top earners on Coursera are usually professors or industry experts with institutional backing. On Udemy, it’s the solo creators who hustle on YouTube, LinkedIn, or email lists. Neither platform pays well if you just upload a video and wait. You need marketing, consistency, and a clear niche—like online teaching pay for coding, finance, or exam prep.

What’s missing from most comparisons is the hidden cost: time. Creating a high-quality course takes 40–100 hours. Udemy gives you more control but less support. Coursera gives you reach but less freedom. If you’re a teacher trying to make extra income, Udemy might feel more immediate. If you’re an expert with credentials and want long-term credibility, Coursera could be the better bet. And if you’re wondering how e-learning platforms compare in pay, the truth is simple: the platform doesn’t pay you. Your audience does.

Below, you’ll find real breakdowns of what instructors actually earn, which subjects bring in the most, and how to turn a course into a steady income stream—no degree required.