How to Make 6 Figures as a Yoga Teacher

Building a successful yoga business can be a challenge, especially if you’re starting from scratch. While guiding people toward physical, mental, and spiritual wellness is a noble goal, you’ll also need to earn enough profit to push your business forward. Regardless of where you’re at in your professional yoga journey, it’s never too early to dream big. If your goal is to make big money as a yoga instructor, we’ve got the ultimate guide on how to make it happen. 

This article will outline how to make six figures as a yoga teacher, including different strategies to increase revenue, tips on maximizing your income, and what to expect from the current yoga industry. 

The State of the Yoga Industry

Over 300 million people worldwide practice yoga, with at least 35 million of those people in the United States alone. Online classes have made it easier for anyone of any age or skill level to try yoga, making the practice more accessible and convenient. In addition, yoga retreats, workshops, and tourism have also grown in popularity, contributing to a global market now worth over $100 billion. This number is expected to nearly double within the next decade, which means as the yoga industry continues to grow, so do the opportunities – and the competition.

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10 Ways to Make Money as a Yoga Instructor

There are several options for how to make six figures as a yoga teacher. Here, we outline a few different methods to increase your income. 

1. Provide one-on-one yoga sessions 

Private yoga sessions can help you get more appointments in the books and cater to those who want more hands-on training than a group class can offer. Holding private classes allows you to set higher rates, while also tailoring sessions to individual needs and goals. 

2. Bring yoga to offices and businesses

Some businesses include wellness programs in their benefits or as part of the company culture. Corporate yoga may involve programs specifically designed around improving posture, reducing stress, or enhancing overall well-being. A business setting also means you can access a large pool of clients all at once, and if these are weekly or even monthly events, there’s a chance you can make it consistent work. 

3. Focus on specialist areas 

Specialist areas like prenatal yoga, kid yoga, yoga for athletes, yoga for seniors, or yoga therapy can help attract a niche audience and reach clients who may not be interested (or even capable) of participating in standard yoga classes. 

4. Develop online courses

Paid online courses that focus on specific aspects of yoga – such as mastering inversions, deepening meditation practices, or exploring different yoga styles – can help educate your client base and enhance their understanding of yoga. A better understanding may facilitate a stronger connection with the practice, leading to a better overall experience. 

5. Offer a referral program 

Referral programs make it easy for current clients (or even new ones, depending on your program) to take advantage of your services. Encourage customers to refer their friends and family for free or discounted sessions, or offer newbies two-for-one deals to get them through your door. 

6. Teach live or pre-recorded classes online 

Another effective way to earn some extra cash is to teach live yoga classes over video chat platforms like Zoom, or upload pre-recorded classes to a pay-for-access library on your website. Online classes provide a way for yogis to participate in the practice from the convenience of their own homes, and, if the classes are pre-recorded, at any time they want. 

Let GlossGenius help you grow your brand and reach new clients with our Marketing features. 

7. Sell yoga products

Selling yoga accessories and equipment is another revenue stream that can help improve your profits. Offering products like yoga blocks, mats, straps, and balls can make it easy for customers to purchase the gear they need to participate in your classes, especially if you sell them as a bundle or create starter packs for newbies. 

8. Diversify your offerings

Different variations of yoga like hot yoga, restorative yoga, or power yoga can help expand your offerings, potentially drawing more clients toward your business. You can also teach yoga that relies on gear or machinery (such as Iyengar yoga) to help diversify your services menu. 

9. Write for publications

Writing informative blog posts is a great way to break from the mat and hone some additional skills. Research existing yoga publications and see who is looking for paid contributors, then apply if you think your voice would be a good match for their site. While freelancer positions are often quite competitive, having a specialized, thorough, or unique point of view about yoga practices can help your writing stand out. 

10. Create workshops for fellow teachers

If you’re particularly advanced and confident communicating your knowledge to others, you can try holding workshops for aspiring yoga teachers. Whether there were specialties not covered during their initial training, or they just need a refresher on certain styles, your workshops can help these instructors-to-be fill in the gaps and focus their skills to reach their full teaching potential. 

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4 Tips to Maximize Income in Your Yoga Business

Simply teaching yoga isn’t the only way to make money as a yoga instructor. In fact, there are many avenues to take toward maximizing your profits. 

1. Create a professional booking website 

A booking website can showcase your services as well as your testimonials, giving potential clients an overview of what you offer, plus a taste of your professionalism. The right professional booking site can also handle online appointments and contact forms, which means fewer administrative duties on your plate, and more time focused on clients. 

GlossGenius’ Custom Website Builder can get your page up and running in no time, with comprehensive Online Booking features to keep your schedule full.

2. Partner with adjacent businesses 

Pair up with wellness-based business such as health food stores, smoothie bars, meditation centers, or spas to cross-promote services and reach new clients. This may involve selling certain products or advertising their offerings at your business in exchange for the same. You can also provide deals in conjunction with the other business (i.e., purchasing a bundle of three yoga sessions will earn clients a $5 off coupon at the local vitamin store). 

3. Research competitive rates in your area 

Do your due diligence when it comes to researching the market and your business locale. Set rates that accurately reflect your skills, services, and expertise, but try to keep it competitive with the other prices in your area to avoid completely pricing yourself out of the game. 

4. Find an accountant

A tax professional can help you categorize your expenses and maximize your deductions so you can get the most out of your profit. Accountants or CPAs will ensure your business stays in compliance with federal and state tax regulations, which can minimize the risk of incurring penalties or fines due to violations or reporting errors. 

Make Your Business Profitable with GlossGenius

If you’re looking to make six figures as a yoga teacher, you’ll need the right strategy, hustle, and mindset. Success is rarely defined by a single path, so if you’re looking to seriously boost your income, taking on a variety of revenue streams may be just what you need to reach your goal. Whether it’s teaching extra classes, selling products, or running workshops, it’s up to you to take charge of your business and find the best use of your talents. 

GlossGenius is an all-in-one platform for yoga instructors that can help grow their business. Features like Online Booking let customers book an appointment with you any time, from any device, no sign ups or logins required. With Finances, you can manage payroll, reporting, and expenses, all from one convenient place. And with GlossGenius’ Reports & Analytics, you can see a snapshot of your key business metrics, along with actionable insights that can drive you closer to your goals. 

Try GlossGenius today and get a 14-day free trial! 

FAQs

How much do yoga teachers make?

For yoga teachers, the monthly average income in the United States ranges between $2,000 and $6,000. However, there are a number of factors that go into determining these rates such as skill set, experience, demand, and location. Click here for a more in-depth breakdown of yoga teacher salaries.

Can you live off being a yoga teacher?

Yes – but it’s not as simple as getting certified and teaching a few classes. Earning a real living as a yoga teacher takes time, and also requires a bit of an investment in yourself (and marketing). With the right motivation and skills to back up your business, you can certainly make a comfortable living teaching yoga to others.