Thinking about teaching yoga? A common question is, “How Much Does A Yoga Teacher Make?” In simple terms, the money a yoga instructor makes can be very different from person to person. The average yoga teacher pay changes a lot based on many things. This includes where they teach, how long they have taught, and the type of classes they offer. Some teachers make a little extra money on the side, while others build a full-time career. It is not a simple number. It is a range.
Image Source: www.brettlarkin.com
What Shapes a Yoga Teacher’s Money?
Many things change how much yoga teacher earnings can be. It is not just about how good you are at yoga. It is also about where you teach, who you teach, and how you teach. Let’s look at some main things that make the yoga instructor salary go up or down.
Place Matters
Where you teach yoga makes a big difference in your yoga teacher income range.
* Teachers in big cities or rich areas often make more per class. Life costs more there, so pay is usually higher.
* Teachers in small towns or rural areas might make less. The cost of living is lower, and there might be fewer people taking classes.
* Pay rates can even be different within the same city. A class in a fancy part of town might pay more than a class in a less fancy part.
How Long You Have Taught
Just like many jobs, more years of teaching can mean more money.
* Starting yoga teacher pay is often low. New teachers might get a set amount per class or a small part of what students pay.
* Teachers with many years of work have more skill. They might have a loyal group of students. They can often ask for higher pay.
* Studios might pay more to teachers with a proven history. These teachers can bring in and keep students.
Where You Teach Classes
Yoga teachers work in many different places. Each place has its own way of paying.
* Yoga Studios: This is a common place. Pay might be a set amount per class. Or it could be a mix of a small set amount plus extra money based on how many students come.
* Gyms and Health Clubs: These places often pay an hourly rate. This rate can be set no matter how many students show up.
* Community Centers or Parks: Pay here might be lower. Sometimes it is volunteer work or a small fee.
* Private Lessons: Teaching one person or a small group can pay very well per hour. But you need to find your own students.
* Workplaces or Schools: Some companies or schools hire teachers for classes. Pay can be good, maybe a set rate or hourly.
* Online: Teaching online has grown. Pay can be per class, subscription, or for videos people buy.
Special Skills or Types of Yoga
Teaching special kinds of yoga can sometimes mean more money.
* prenatal yoga (for pregnant people)
* restorative yoga (very gentle)
* hot yoga
* yoga therapy (working with people who have health issues)
* teaching kids or older adults
If you have extra training in these areas, you might be in demand. This can help you earn more.
Your Teaching Style and Name
How you teach and how well-known you are matters.
* A teacher with a strong, clear style can draw many students. Studios like this.
* Building a good name helps. Students will follow you. This can mean more job chances and better pay.
* Some teachers become very well known. They might lead big events or teacher trainings. This brings in a lot more money than just teaching regular classes.
Figuring Out Pay Rates
How much do yoga instructors make per hour or per class? It is not the same everywhere.
Pay Per Class
Many studios pay a set amount for each class taught.
* This amount can be anywhere from $20 to $70 or more per class.
* The number of students might change this pay. Some studios pay a base rate plus a few dollars extra for each student over a certain number (like 5 or 10 students).
* Teaching more classes means more money, but there are only so many hours in the day. A busy teacher might teach 10-20 classes a week.
* If a class is cancelled or no students come, the teacher might get less or no money for that time.
Pay Per Hour
Gyms and some other places often pay yoga teacher pay per class based on an hourly rate.
* Hourly rates can be from $25 to $50 or more.
* This pay is often more steady. You get paid for the hour whether 5 students come or 20.
* But the hourly rate might be lower than what you could make per class if you had many students.
* Hourly pay might include time for setting up and cleaning up, not just the teaching time.
Pay for Private Lessons
Teaching one-on-one pays the most per hour or session.
* A private yoga session can cost a student $70 to $150 or even more.
* The teacher does not get all of this if they work through a studio. The studio takes a part.
* If you find your own clients, you keep all the money.
* Finding private clients takes work. You need a good name and ways to find people.
Typical Yoga Teacher Income Ranges
So, what is the yoga teacher income range? It is wide. Very wide.
Let’s look at some general numbers. Keep in mind these are just guides. Your actual pay might be higher or lower.
- New Teacher (less than 1 year):
- Often starts with few classes.
- Might make $15 – $30 per class or $20 – $30 per hour.
- Total yearly earnings might be low, maybe $5,000 to $15,000 if teaching part-time (a few classes a week). This is starting yoga teacher pay.
- Teacher with Some Experience (1-3 years):
- Gets more classes. Might teach 5-10 classes a week.
- Could make $30 – $50 per class or $25 – $40 per hour.
- Yearly earnings could be $15,000 to $30,000 or more, still likely part-time.
- Experienced Teacher (3+ years):
- Has a steady list of classes. Might teach 10-15+ classes a week.
- Can make $40 – $70+ per class or $35 – $50+ per hour.
- Might teach private lessons ($70 – $100+ per session).
- Total yearly yoga teacher earnings could be $30,000 to $60,000 or more. This is closer to full time yoga teacher salary for many.
- Very Experienced or Well-Known Teacher:
- Might teach fewer regular classes but at high rates.
- Makes a lot of money from workshops, retreats, teacher trainings, online programs.
- Yearly income can be $60,000 to $100,000 or much, much higher for famous teachers.
Thinking About Full-Time Yoga Teacher Pay
Can you make yoga teaching your main job? Yes, but it takes work and smart planning.
A full time yoga teacher salary is not always just from teaching classes. To make a good living, most full-time teachers do several things:
* Teach many regular classes (maybe 15-20+ per week).
* Teach private lessons.
* Lead workshops (special, longer classes on a topic).
* Lead retreats (weekend or week-long getaways with yoga).
* Teach part of or lead yoga teacher training courses.
* Create online classes or videos.
* Sell yoga clothes or things.
* Write books or blogs.
Just teaching regular classes can be hard for a full time yoga teacher salary. If you teach 20 classes a week at $40 a class, that is $800 a week before taxes. That is about $41,600 a year. This is okay in some places, but not a lot in others. And it does not include time for planning, travel, or finding new work.
Many teachers mix different types of work to reach a full-time income level. This is sometimes called being a “portfolio” yoga teacher. Your income comes from different pots.
Money Needed to Start: Certification Cost vs. Income
Before you can teach, you usually need training. This is called certification. The most common is a 200-hour training.
Cost of Certification
The cost of a 200-hour yoga teacher training can be high.
* It often costs between $2,000 and $5,000.
* Some programs cost even more, especially if they are long or in a special place.
* This cost includes the training itself. It might not include books, travel, or food if the training is away from home.
* After the first training, many teachers take more courses. This adds to the cost.
Comparing Cost to Income
Let’s look at the yoga teacher certification cost vs income. If a training costs $3,000:
* A new teacher making $30 per class would need to teach 100 classes to make that money back ($3,000 / $30 = 100).
* If they teach 4 classes a week, it would take 25 weeks (about 6 months) just to make back the cost of the training, assuming they get paid for all classes.
* This does not count other costs like gas, special yoga mats, or clothes.
It is important to know that the yoga teacher certification cost vs income is not a quick return on money. Teaching yoga is often done out of love for yoga first. Making a lot of money from it takes time, effort, and building many ways to earn.
How to Make More Money as a Yoga Teacher
Want to boost your yoga instructor salary? Here are ways to increase your yoga teacher earnings.
Teach More Classes
This is the most basic way.
* Ask studios if they need substitute teachers.
* Reach out to new places like gyms, offices, or schools.
* Offer classes in parks or community spots.
Get More Training
Learn to teach special types of yoga.
* Kids yoga, senior yoga, yoga for back pain, etc.
* This makes you useful to more people and places.
* You might be able to charge more for these special classes or find jobs others cannot.
Offer Workshops and Special Events
These can make more money per hour than regular classes.
* A 2-hour workshop might cost students $30-$50. If 10 people come, that is $300-$500 total. The studio takes a cut, but you get more than a regular class fee.
* Choose topics you know well.
* Market your workshops to get students.
Teach Private Lessons
This pays the most per hour.
* Find people who want one-on-one help. Maybe they are new to yoga, have an injury, or specific goals.
* You can teach at their home, your home, or a small rented space.
* Building trust is key to getting private clients.
Go Online
The internet opens up many ways to earn.
* Teach live classes using video calls.
* Create videos that students can buy or watch with a paid membership.
* Offer online workshops or programs.
* Start a blog or social media with paid content.
Lead Retreats or Teacher Trainings
This is for experienced teachers with a strong following.
* Planning a retreat or training takes a lot of work.
* But the income potential is much higher than regular classes.
* You need to be a leader and able to guide others for longer times.
Sell Products
Some teachers sell things related to yoga.
* Yoga mats, blocks, straps.
* Clothes, water bottles, books.
* Often, studios have shops, and teachers might get a small part of sales.
* You could also sell your own items online or at events.
Build Your Name
Become known in your area or a certain type of yoga.
* Have a simple website or social media page.
* Get to know students and the yoga community.
* Be a good teacher and person. Happy students will tell others.
Glimpsing the Average Pay: A Snapshot
While it is hard to give one exact number for average yoga teacher pay, we can look at typical rates. Remember these are just guides.
Let’s look at rates often seen for teaching a single group class in a studio or gym:
| Experience Level | Typical Pay Per Class | Typical Pay Per Hour (Gym) |
|---|---|---|
| New (0-1 year) | $20 – $35 | $25 – $35 |
| Some Experience (1-3 years) | $30 – $50 | $30 – $45 |
| Experienced (3+ years) | $40 – $70+ | $35 – $55+ |
Note: Pay per class might go up with more students.
Private lessons pay more, but take more work to find and keep clients. A common rate range for a 60-75 minute private session is $70 – $150+. The teacher might give the studio a part if they teach there.
Yearly income numbers like $30,000 to $60,000 often come from a mix of these things. A teacher making this much is likely teaching many group classes, some private lessons, and maybe running a workshop now and then. A full time yoga teacher salary usually requires this mix.
Are There Other Costs for Yoga Teachers?
Yes, there are costs beyond the first training. These costs affect your true yoga teacher earnings.
* More Training: You need to keep learning. Taking workshops or higher-level training costs money ($100s to $1000s).
* Insurance: Many studios ask teachers to have insurance. This protects you if a student gets hurt. It costs a few hundred dollars a year.
* Registration: To be a RYT (Registered Yoga Teacher) with Yoga Alliance (a common group), you pay fees each year ($50 – $70 a year).
* Travel: Going to teach classes takes gas or travel money.
* Supplies: You might need your own music player, speaker, or props sometimes.
* Taxes: If you are not a full employee (most teachers are not), you pay higher self-employment taxes. You need to save money for taxes.
* Marketing: If you do private lessons or workshops, you might spend money to tell people about them.
* Your Own Yoga: Most teachers keep up their own practice. This might mean paying for classes.
These costs lower the yoga teacher income range you actually take home. It is important to think about them.
Getting a Picture of the Money Journey
Becoming a yoga teacher is a journey. The money you make usually starts low and grows over time. It depends on how much you work and how you choose to earn money.
- Starting yoga teacher pay is enough for some extra cash, maybe a few hundred dollars a month.
- To make yoga your main job and earn a full time yoga teacher salary, you must work hard, teach a lot, and add other ways of making money.
- The average yoga teacher pay often sits in the part-time to medium-income range. Few teachers get rich just teaching regular classes.
- Your yoga teacher earnings are a direct result of your effort, skill, where you are, and the types of work you do.
The yoga teacher certification cost vs income shows that it is a big cost at the start. It takes time and work to make that money back and start earning a real income.
Being a yoga teacher is often more than just a job for the money. It is about sharing yoga and helping people. But it is good to know the money side too. It helps you plan and build a way to live from your teaching.
FAQ: Questions People Ask About Yoga Teacher Pay
How much do yoga instructors make per hour?
Yoga instructors often make between $25 and $50 per hour when paid this way, often at gyms or for special events. Private lessons pay much more, from $70 to over $150 per hour or session.
What is the average yoga teacher pay?
The average yoga teacher pay is hard to put one number on. It can range from a few thousand dollars a year for part-time teaching to $50,000 or more for full-time teachers who mix different types of work like classes, workshops, and private lessons.
What is a typical yoga teacher income range?
A typical yoga teacher income range is wide. Many part-time teachers earn $10,000 to $20,000 per year. Full-time teachers often earn between $30,000 and $60,000 per year, often by having many ways they earn money, not just teaching regular classes.
How does starting yoga teacher pay compare to experienced pay?
Starting yoga teacher pay is usually low, maybe $20-$30 per class. Experienced teachers with years of work and a good name can make $40-$70 or more per class. This big difference shows how much experience and building your name can help your yoga teacher earnings.
What are the main factors affecting yoga teacher salary?
Key factors affecting yoga teacher salary include where you teach (city vs. small town), how many years you have taught, where you teach (studio, gym, private), if you teach special types of yoga, and how well-known you are.
How is yoga teacher pay per class figured out?
Yoga teacher pay per class is often a set fee paid by the studio or gym for each class taught. This fee can be a fixed amount (like $40 per class) or a mix of a base rate plus extra money for each student over a certain number.
What is considered a full time yoga teacher salary?
A full time yoga teacher salary is often hard to reach just by teaching regular classes. It usually means earning enough from yoga work to be your main job. This level of income (often $30,000+ per year) comes from teaching many classes plus adding income from workshops, private lessons, teacher trainings, or online work.
How does yoga teacher certification cost vs income balance out?
The yoga teacher certification cost vs income means you spend money to train before you earn. A 200-hour training can cost $2,000-$5,000. It takes many classes (maybe 100 or more) as a new teacher to make that money back. It is a big first cost that takes time to repay through teaching income.
What other jobs can a yoga instructor do to increase earnings?
Besides teaching regular classes, a yoga instructor can increase yoga teacher earnings by teaching private lessons, leading workshops, hosting retreats, teaching in teacher trainings, creating online content, or selling yoga products.
Summing Up Pay for Yoga Teachers
The money a yoga teacher makes is not set in stone. It moves up and down based on many things. If you want to teach yoga, know that starting yoga teacher pay is usually just the beginning. Building a career with a steady yoga instructor salary or full time yoga teacher salary takes time, learning, and using different ways to earn money. The average yoga teacher pay is a mix of many different paths people take in this job. It is a job often done for passion, with the money growing as you grow as a teacher.