Your Guide: How Much Does A Yoga Instructor Make Per Class

How much does a yoga instructor make per class? The pay varies a lot. Most yoga instructors make between $15 and $50 per class. Some earn less. Some earn much more. Many things change this number. Your location matters. Your experience matters. Where you teach matters. The type of class matters too. We will look at what affects your pay. We will also look at your potential yoga instructor income potential.

How Much Does A Yoga Instructor Make Per Class
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What Changes How Much You Make

Many factors affect how much money a yoga teacher earns per class. It is not a single set number. Think of it like a range. Different things push that range up or down.

Location Matters

Where you teach changes your pay. This is a big factor.

Big Cities Pay More: Cities like New York or Los Angeles often pay more per class. Life costs more in these places. Rent is higher. Food costs more. So, pay for jobs is often higher too. A single yoga class might pay $40 or $50 in a major city.
Small Towns Pay Less: In a small town or a rural area, the cost of living is lower. Yoga classes might be cheaper for students. This means the studio cannot pay the teacher as much. A class might pay $20 or $25 in a small town.
Different Areas in One City: Even within a city, pay can differ. Teaching downtown might pay more than teaching in a quiet suburb. The wealth of the area plays a role.
State Differences: Pay rates can also vary by state. Some states generally have higher wages than others across all jobs.

Location is key. It sets a base level for yoga studio pay rates. You should know the typical pay in your area.

Your Experience Level

How long have you been teaching? How much training do you have? This makes a difference.

New Teachers: When you first start, your pay per class will likely be lower. Studios want to see you teach. You are building your skills. A new teacher might make $15 to $25 per class.
Experienced Teachers: Teachers with years of experience earn more. They have taught many different people. They know how to handle different situations. They have a solid teaching style. An experienced teacher might make $30 to $45 per class.
Senior Teachers: Some teachers have many years of experience. They might have special training (like RYT 500). They might lead teacher trainings. These senior teachers can earn $50 or more per class. They might also get special deals. This shows the yoga teacher pay scale clearly.

Experience builds your value. As you teach more, you can ask for higher pay rates.

Where You Teach

The type of place where you teach affects your pay a lot.

Big Gyms and Chains

Places like Equinox, 24 Hour Fitness, or CorePower Yoga.
They have many locations. They have many members.
Pay is often a set flat rate per class.
The pay is usually lower than small studios.
Ranges: $25 to $35 per class is common.
Why lower? They provide the space, the students, and the marketing. They have high overhead costs. They see yoga as one of many classes they offer.
Good for new teachers to get experience. Good for a steady income stream.

Small Boutique Studios

These are independent studios. They focus mainly on yoga.
They often have a specific style or community feel.
Pay per class is usually higher here.
Ranges: $30 to $50 per class is common. Some popular studios in high-cost areas might pay more.
Why higher? Yoga is their main business. They value experienced teachers who build loyalty. The student community is often stronger.
Can sometimes pay based on how many students come. But flat rates are more common now. These studios often set the local yoga studio pay rates standard.

Community Centers and Non-profits

Places like YMCA, local parks departments, or non-profit wellness centers.
Their goal is often to make yoga affordable for everyone.
Pay rates are usually lower.
Ranges: $20 to $30 per class is typical.
Why lower? They might have limited budgets. Their focus is on serving the community, not making a big profit.
Good for teachers who want to give back to the community.

Corporate Yoga

Teaching yoga at a company’s office for their employees.
This can be one of the higher paying types of classes.
Ranges: $75 to $150 for a 60-minute class is common.
Why higher? Companies often have budgets for employee wellness. It’s a business service.
Requires finding companies and selling your service. Can be a great source of freelance yoga instructor income.

Private Sessions

Teaching one or a few people privately.
This is usually the highest pay per hour.
Ranges: $75 to $150+ per hour. You might get $60 to $120 of this.
Why higher? It’s one-on-one attention. The student gets a custom class. It requires more planning for the teacher. The private yoga session cost for the student is high.
This is a key way for many teachers to make a better living.

Other Places

Teaching at schools, hospitals, special events, outdoor parks.
Pay varies greatly. It depends on the budget of the group or event.
Can range from very low ($20) to quite high ($100+ for a workshop hour).

Type of Class

What kind of yoga are you teaching? This can matter.

Standard Group Classes: Vinyasa, Hatha, Yin, Restorative. This is the most common type. The pay ranges discussed above ($15-$50) mostly apply here.
Specialty Classes: Prenatal, Kids’ Yoga, Senior Yoga, Yoga for Athletes, specific workshops. Sometimes these can pay a little more. They require special training. Students might pay more for these skills.
Workshops: These are longer sessions (2-3 hours). They focus on a specific topic (like handstands or meditation). Pay is usually different. You often get a percentage of the income after expenses. Or a higher flat fee. You don’t get paid “per class” in the usual sense. You get paid for the whole event.
Teacher Training: Helping to train new teachers pays well. But you need to be very experienced (often RYT 500+) and work for a school.

Your Certification Level

What training do you have?

RYT 200: This is the basic level. Most studios require this. Your pay starts here.
RYT 500: This means you have more advanced training. This can help you get better teaching jobs. It can help you ask for more pay. It shows you are serious about teaching. It puts you higher on the yoga teacher pay scale.
Special Certifications: Kids’ yoga, prenatal, yoga therapy, etc. These special skills can open doors to specific, sometimes higher-paying, classes.

More training generally means you can earn more over time.

Employment Status

Are you an employee or an independent contractor? This changes your real take-home pay.

Independent Contractor (1099): Most yoga teachers working at studios or gyms are treated as contractors. The studio pays you a set amount. They do not take out taxes. You get the full amount they pay you. But, you are responsible for paying your own income and self-employment taxes later. This means you need to set aside money for taxes (often 20-30% or more). This affects your real freelance yoga instructor income.
Employee (W2): Less common for per-class teachers in studios. If you are an employee, the studio takes out taxes from your pay. They also pay half of your Social Security and Medicare taxes. Sometimes, employees get benefits like paid time off or health insurance (though this is rare for part-time class teachers). Your per-class rate might look lower, but the studio covers more costs for you.

It is very important to know if you are a 1099 or W2. It changes how you handle your money and taxes.

Reputation and Popularity

Do students love your classes? Do they follow you from studio to studio?

Building a Following: Teachers who consistently fill classes are valuable. Studios want them. You can use your popularity to ask for higher pay.
Your Brand: As you teach more and get known, your name becomes a brand. People seek you out. This is key for getting private clients and running your own events. It increases your yoga instructor income potential.

A strong reputation helps you earn more and find more opportunities.

Number of Students (Sometimes)

As mentioned, some studios used to pay a low base rate plus extra per student.

Example: $20 base + $3 per student over 10. If you get 15 students, you earn $20 + (5 * $3) = $35.
This method is less common now.
Most studios prefer a flat rate. It is simpler for payroll.
However, studios still watch how many students come to your classes. Low attendance can lead to losing the time slot. High attendance can help you ask for a raise.

How Yoga Instructors Get Paid

Teachers are paid in different ways. It’s not always a simple “per class” fee.

Flat Rate Per Class

This is the most usual way.

The studio pays you a fixed amount for each class you teach.
Example: $40 per 60-minute class.
The pay is the same whether 2 students come or 20 students come.
Pros: Pay is steady. You know exactly how much you will make for teaching that class time.
Cons: You don’t get paid extra for a very full class.

Per Student Rate (Less Common)

As discussed above, this links your pay to attendance.

Example: $25 base + $2 for each student over 8.
Pros: You earn more if your classes are very full.
Cons: Your pay changes every time you teach the same class. If only a few students come, you earn very little. This makes your income less steady.

Hourly Rate

Yoga instructor hourly pay is sometimes used, but not for regular group classes often.

Used for: Private sessions, workshops (sometimes), meetings with the studio owner, special events, teaching theory in teacher training.
Example: $60 per hour for a private client.
Pros: Clear pay for your time. Good for non-standard teaching work.
Cons: Less common for the core job of teaching a 60 or 75-minute group class.

Percentage Split

Happens with workshops, retreats, or sometimes in newer studio models.

The income from the event or class is split between the studio and the teacher.
Example: Students pay $25 per class. The studio keeps 40% ($10), and the teacher gets 60% ($15). If 10 students come, you get 10 * $15 = $150 for the class.
Pros: You can earn a lot if the class or event is very popular and well-priced.
Cons: You earn nothing if no one comes. Income is very unsteady. Requires high attendance to be profitable.

Salary

Getting a fixed yoga instructor salary range is rare for just teaching classes.

Usually, a salary is for a full-time role. This might be a studio manager who also teaches some classes. Or a lead teacher who runs programs.
These roles are more like traditional jobs. They often include administrative work, marketing, or training new teachers.
The average yoga teacher salary number you might see online often includes these salaried roles, which can make the overall average look higher than typical per-class pay.

Typical Pay Ranges By Place

Let’s put some numbers to the different places you might teach. These are common yoga studio pay rates, but they can change based on location and your skill.

Venue Type	Common Pay Range Per Class	Notes
Big Gyms/Chains	$25 – $35	Steady classes, lower pay. Good for volume.
Small Boutique Studios	$30 – $50	Higher pay per class, depends on attendance/studio.
Community Centers	$20 – $30	Focus on accessibility, lower budgets.
Corporate Yoga	$75 – $150 (for 1 hour)	High pay, requires finding clients. Often freelance.
Private Sessions	$60 – $120 (per hour)	Highest pay per hour, requires marketing yourself.
Workshops	Percentage or higher flat	Pay for the whole event, not per class. Varies a lot.

These ranges show the yoga instructor salary range you might see in practice.

Earning More Than Just Per Class

Making a good living just from teaching many group classes at $30 a pop can be hard. Many teachers earn more by adding other types of work. This increases your overall yoga instructor income potential.

Private Yoga Sessions

This is one of the best ways to earn more per hour.
You teach one person or a small private group.
You set your own price. The private yoga session cost for the student is high because they get special attention.
You might charge $75-$150 per hour. You keep most of that money (minus taxes and any travel costs).
Requires finding your own clients. Marketing yourself is key.
One private session can pay as much as 2 or 3 group classes.

Teaching Workshops and Events

Lead a special session on a specific topic.
Teach at festivals, conferences, or special events.
Pay is often different from regular classes. It might be a higher set fee or a split of the profits.
Workshops can bring in a good amount of money for a few hours of work. But they require extra planning and marketing.

Online Yoga

Teach live classes over video (like Zoom).
Create pre-recorded videos or courses.
You can reach students anywhere in the world.
Pay can be per class, subscription, or one-time purchase for content.
Requires technical setup and online marketing.
Can be a significant source of freelance yoga instructor income.

Leading Retreats

Plan and lead yoga retreats in fun locations.
This takes a lot of work (planning, marketing, logistics).
Your earnings come from a share of the total retreat price.
Can be very profitable, but also risky if not enough people sign up.

Assisting or Leading Teacher Training

If you are an experienced teacher, you can help train new teachers.
This pays well, often an hourly rate ($40-$70+ per hour) or a set fee for teaching certain modules.
Requires high-level certification and experience. It’s a step up on the yoga teacher pay scale.

Other Yoga-Related Income

Yoga coaching (wellness, lifestyle).
Writing about yoga (blogs, books).
Selling yoga products (mats, clothes, props).
Offering massage or other healing services (if qualified).

Combining these income streams is how most successful yoga teachers make a good living. It’s rarely just about the per-class pay. This is your yoga instructor income potential.

Comprehending Your Full Earnings

Looking only at the per-class rate can be misleading. You need to think about your real hourly pay and your total income.

Figuring Out Your Real Hourly Pay

A $40 class sounds great. But how much time does it really take?

Driving to the studio: 20 minutes
Getting set up: 10 minutes
Class time: 60 minutes
Talking to students after: 10 minutes
Driving home: 20 minutes
Total time spent for a 60-minute class: 120 minutes (2 hours)
Your pay: $40
Your real hourly pay: $40 / 2 hours = $20 per hour.

This is your true yoga instructor hourly pay for that specific class time. It’s important to do this math for each place you teach. Travel time and prep time add up.

Tracking Your Income

It is vital to keep good records.

Note every class taught.
Note how much you were paid for each class.
Keep track of payments received from different studios or clients.
This helps you see where your money comes from.
It is also necessary for paying taxes as a freelance yoga instructor income earner.
This record is your personal yoga instructor earnings report. It shows you how much you are making over time.

Making a Living Wage

Can you make a full-time income just teaching classes?

Maybe, but you would need to teach many classes.
Let’s say you average $35 per class.
To make $40,000 a year (before taxes), you would need to earn $3,333 per month.
$3,333 / $35 per class = about 95 classes per month.
If you teach 4 weeks a month, that’s about 24 classes per week.
Teaching 24 classes a week is a very full schedule. It leaves little time for planning, travel, or having a life.
This is why combining income sources (classes + privates + workshops) is usually needed to create a solid yoga instructor salary range for yourself.

Talking About Your Pay

Don’t be afraid to discuss money. Your work has value.

Knowing What Others Make

Research is key.

Talk to other teachers in your area. Ask about typical yoga studio pay rates.
Look at online salary guides (but remember the average yoga teacher salary figures can include many different roles).
Know the general yoga teacher pay scale for your city or town based on experience.

Asking for More Pay

When is it time to ask for a raise?

When you gain more experience.
When your classes are consistently full.
When you get new training or certifications.
When you have built a strong reputation.
Prepare your case. Show the studio your value. Talk about how your classes benefit them.

Negotiating is a normal part of work. Be confident in your skills and value.

Making More Money As a Teacher

Want to boost your earnings? Here are some ways.

Teach More Classes

Simple idea: More classes = more pay.
But be careful not to burn out. Travel time adds up.
Find the right number of classes that works for you.

Get More Training and Specialties

Learn to teach specific types of yoga (prenatal, kids, seniors, trauma-informed).
These skills are in demand. They can lead to higher paying classes or workshops.
Special training raises your place on the yoga teacher pay scale.

Build Your Brand and Get Private Clients

Create a simple website or social media page.
Share your passion and your teaching style.
This helps people find you for private sessions.
Private yoga session cost is high for clients, meaning good pay for you.
This is essential for a strong freelance yoga instructor income.

Diversify Your Income Streams

Don’t rely on just one studio or one type of class.
Teach group classes and privates.
Offer workshops.
Explore online teaching.
This makes your overall yoga instructor income potential more stable.

Improve Your Teaching

Keep learning. Take classes from other teachers.
Attend workshops and trainings.
Get feedback from students and studio owners.
Better teaching skills keep students coming back. This makes you more valuable.

Challenges For Yoga Teachers

It’s not always easy to make a living as a yoga teacher. There are common challenges.

Pay Can Change A Lot

Class attendance goes up and down.
Studios change schedules.
Your income might be different each month.
This is a reality of freelance yoga instructor income. It requires careful budgeting.

Often No Benefits

Most teachers are contractors.
This means no paid sick days. No paid vacation. No health insurance provided by the studio.
You have to pay for your own health insurance. You have to save money for time off.
You also pay more in taxes (self-employment tax).

Unpaid Time

Travel time to and from studios.
Time spent planning classes.
Time spent communicating with studios or students.
Time spent on your own yoga practice and ongoing training.
This time is usually not paid. It lowers your real hourly wage.

Finding Steady Work

Getting enough classes, especially good time slots (evenings, weekends), can be hard.
There are many yoga teachers, especially in cities. The market can be crowded.

Making a full-time yoga instructor salary range requires hard work, skill, and smart business choices.

In Summary

How much does a yoga instructor make per class? It truly depends. The range is wide, often $15 to $50 per class, but many factors change this number.

Key things that affect your pay include:
* Where you live and teach (city vs. town).
* How much experience you have.
* The type of place you teach (gym, studio, corporate).
* The specific type of yoga class.
* Your training level.
* If you are an employee or contractor.

Teaching group classes per hour ($20-$40) can feel like a lower yoga instructor hourly pay when you count prep and travel.

To make a better living, many teachers add other income like:
* Private yoga session cost earnings ($60-$120+ per hour).
* Workshops and events.
* Online teaching.
* This builds your overall yoga instructor income potential.

Keep good records for your yoga instructor earnings report. Understand the typical yoga teacher pay scale in your area. Don’t be afraid to ask for pay that matches your skill and value.

Being a yoga teacher is often a passion. It is rewarding work. While the per-class pay might seem low sometimes, there are many ways to grow your income and build a full career in yoga.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is teaching yoga a full-time job?

For most teachers, teaching group classes is part-time work. To make it a full-time job, teachers usually need to combine many types of yoga work. This includes teaching private sessions, leading workshops, working with companies, or teaching online. A full-time yoga instructor salary range often requires multiple income streams.

Do yoga studios pay for teacher training?

Rarely. Most studios expect you to get your RYT 200 certification on your own. Some studios might offer small discounts on training programs they host. Some might help pay for continuing education workshops once you are teaching for them. But the main training cost is usually paid by the teacher.

How long does it take to make good money as a yoga teacher?

It takes time and effort. New teachers earn less. As you get more experience (2-3+ years), build a following, and get more training, you can earn more per class. It also takes time to build a base of private clients or develop workshops. Making a stable income can take several years.

What is a typical yoga teacher salary range?

This is tricky because most teachers are paid per class or per hour, not a fixed salary. If you look at an average yoga teacher salary online, it might include studio managers or full-time staff roles. For someone teaching many classes and private sessions, the income range might be anywhere from $30,000 to $70,000+ per year, depending heavily on location, hours worked, and diversity of income sources. The yoga instructor salary range is very wide.

Do attendance numbers affect pay per class?

Less often now. Most studios pay a flat rate per class regardless of how many students attend. However, some older pay models or smaller studios might still pay a low base fee plus extra per student. While pay might not directly change based on attendance per class, consistently low attendance can lead to a studio giving your class time slot to another teacher. Good attendance helps you keep classes and ask for raises later.