It’s not easy to make a living as a yoga instructor, but it certainly is possible. Your earnings as a yoga teacher are never guaranteed, but hard work and dedication to your craft will help you build a loyal client list so that you can (eventually) make it a reliable source of income. 

Knowing how much you can make as a yoga instructor can help inform both your career and financial plans for the future. This guide will explore the average yoga instructor salary, as well as the factors that can affect it, and other ways you can supplement your income. 

Yoga Teacher Salary

So how much do yoga instructors make? There are several answers for this, all with their own caveats. Keep reading for our guide on yoga teacher salaries. 

For clarity: “per class” refers to the flat fee a yoga instructor will get for each class they teach, regardless of attendance. In some cases, however, the studio may have a bonus per head over a certain amount. For example, the instructor makes $35 for a group of 5, but $3 per student beyond that amount. 

“Per student,” sometimes referred to as “per head,” means the instructor will make a certain amount per attendee. This is a great model if 30 students show up to the class, but not so great if there are only 3. 

“Per hour” is, of course, the yoga instructor salary per hour. But remember this amount will fluctuate if you teach 30-minute or 90-minute classes. 

It’s also important to note that unless you own your own business, the studio or gym you provide services through will likely take a cut each time you teach (always check your contract!). And if you’re just starting out, you can expect to earn a salary closer to the lower range of the below averages. 

Average group yoga instructor rates:

The following averages are the most recent group yoga rates in the United States.

• Per class: $25-$75
• Per student: $3-$15
• Per hour: $20-$40
• Monthly: $2,000-$6,000

Average private yoga instructor rates: 

The following averages are the most recent private yoga rates in the United States.

• Per class/student: $50-$150
• Per hour: $34/hr (according to ZipRecruiter)
• Monthly: $5,830 (according to ZipRecruiter)

Offering a blend of classes can increase your visibility at the studio (or boost your own business). Some yoga students prefer a more personal, one-on-one environment, while others may enjoy a class atmosphere. Hosting both private and group yoga sessions can help cater to a wide range of clientele, which means more business for you. 

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5 Factors That Can Affect a Yoga Instructorʼs Salary

Your yoga teacher salary will depend on a number of factors. Below are some common ones that can affect your earnings. 

1. Experience Level

How long you’ve been practicing/teaching, certifications, and accredited training hours can all influence how much you can make as a yoga teacher. If you teach several different types of yoga, like aerial yoga, hot yoga, or Ashtanga yoga, you may charge extra for these specialized practices. The more qualifications and experience you have, the more you can justify charging for your valuable time. 

2. Location

Yoga studios in busy, urban areas tend to have higher rates than yoga studios in less populated, suburban, or rural areas. For example, you’re likely to earn a larger paycheck teaching in New York City than a suburb in Long Island. 

3. Convenience

Having a central location to teach from, like a studio, can be convenient for your classes. However, you may have to pay a percentage to the studio, or may only earn a flat rate for each class taught. You can also take your yoga teaching on the road, giving classes in clients’ homes - but you would then have to factor in travel time, gas, and other car expenses. 

If you own your own yoga studio, you would have to consider even more substantial costs such as rent, maintenance, equipment, and inventory, all of which can take away from your total profit. 

4. Extras

It may be your dream to become fully self-sustained on a yoga teacher salary, but before you get there, you might need other avenues to financially support your budding career. As a yoga instructor, your willingness to hold retreats, workshops, or online classes can also greatly impact your earnings. 

5. Marketing

How you market yourself and your services can make all the difference in how far your reach extends. Whether you’re angling for potential clients to request your services at the studio, or offering them private lessons directly, you’ll need a solid marketing strategy to spread the word about what you have to offer. 

3 Other Ways To Make Money As a Yoga Instructor

How much you can make teaching yoga depends on how much you’re willing to hustle. Below, we outline a few ways you can earn a few extra bucks to help supplement your yoga teaching venture. 

1. Streaming Private Classes

If you teach group classes or work out of a studio, you can try sharing your services online. For a small fee, participants can have a private, one-on-one session tailor made for them, livestreamed directly into their homes. If you’re able to host a few livestreaming sessions per day, you can earn a decent side income while also working to build a separate, loyal client base. 

2. Selling Merch

Yoga merchandise like hats, attire, mats, water bottles, and special socks can always come in handy. Setting up an online store where clients can purchase your personalized wares will help sustain your finances (which in turn will help with your brand awareness). 

3. Using Social Media

Social media platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram are all popular spaces to build an audience. With a dedicated channel, you can create a hub to share any yoga knowledge, tips, or inspiration with your viewers. If you can build a decent enough following, you may be able to monetize your content or provide affiliate links to help boost your income. 

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Thrive Your Yoga Business With GlossGenius

Knowing the income potential for your career path can help you structure and define your future. Yoga can be a lucrative endeavor, but only if you’re willing to put in the hours necessary to provide quality services and excellent client care. 

If you’ve started (or are considering starting) your own yoga business, GlossGenius can help you grow and market your brand, while also handling your administrative operations and client relationships. Let us simplify and streamline your business with features like Online Booking, Client Management, Marketing, Loans, and Finances.

Sign up for GlossGenius today and see how we can get your business on track to success!

FAQs

Here are some commonly asked questions regarding yoga teacher salaries: 

How Much Can I Expect to Make As a Yoga Instructor?

The average yoga instructor salary per year can range anywhere between $26,000 and $60,000, though this rate can be higher if you work at a busy studio in a premium location (or own your own business). 

What Is the Best Way to Increase My Yoga Instructor Income?

Taking on extra activities outside of your yoga teaching can help supplement your income. Livestreaming events, private sessions, paid blog subscriptions, monetized content, and merchandise are all different ways you can earn money in addition to in-person teaching. 

Can I Make a Living As a Full-Time Yoga Instructor?

It’s possible to make a living as a full-time yoga instructor, but it’s never a guarantee. As long as you maintain a dedicated work ethic and commitment to your practice, you can always find clients in need of your services. Taking up side gigs, even outside the yoga practice, can help you sustain your dreams and make sure you can one day make it as a full-time instructor.