How Much Do Yoga Instructors Make? 7 Secrets to Maximize Pay

1. How Much Do Yoga Instructors Really Make?

How much do yoga instructors make? It’s a common question among those considering a career in teaching yoga. While income varies by location and experience, many find that being a yoga instructor can be a fulfilling and financially rewarding profession. Let’s explore the factors that shape an instructor’s earnings and how you can maximize your potential.

Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!

---

2. The Business of Teaching Yoga

Yoga isn’t just about flexibility and deep breathing; it’s about balance—both on the mat and in life. For many, yoga is a way to find peace, clarity, and wellness. But for others, it’s also a way to make a living. If you’ve ever thought about transitioning from a passionate yogi to a full-time instructor, you’re probably wondering, “How much do yoga instructors really make?”

It’s a question that’s not always easy to answer because, like the practice itself, the income of a yoga instructor can vary widely. Whether you’re teaching at a local studio, offering private sessions, or even selling products like yoga mats and bags, the income potential can fluctuate based on several factors.

But here’s the thing—while the numbers are important, the real value of being a yoga instructor lies in the ability to share a transformative practice with others, inspire change, and create a community. Still, we get it—it’s nice to know what you’re walking into, especially if you’re planning to turn your yoga passion into a profession.

In this post, we’ll dive deep into how much yoga instructors can make, explore what influences their earnings, and offer some extra tips to boost your income beyond just class teaching. Let’s begin by taking a look at how the terms “instructor” and “teacher” might shape what you can expect to earn.

---

3. Instructor vs. Teacher Pay Differences

Yoga instructor and yoga teacher—these terms are often used interchangeably, but they can carry different implications when it comes to salary expectations. While both are professionals in the field, the distinction lies primarily in the level of training, the scope of classes taught, and, of course, the type of employment.

For instance, a “yoga instructor” might be a general term referring to someone leading yoga classes at a variety of levels. An instructor might teach group classes at local studios, fitness centers, or even online platforms. On the other hand, a “yoga teacher” might be someone who has specialized in a particular area of yoga or has advanced certifications, enabling them to teach higher-level classes or train other instructors.

In general, the pay between these two roles can differ, with teachers who have specialized skills or additional certifications being able to command a higher rate per class or session. This might be especially true if they work in more niche areas like yoga therapy or teaching advanced alignment techniques.

Key Takeaway: Yoga instructors might make anywhere between $25 to $50 per hour for a class depending on their experience, location, and the type of studio they work with. Yoga teachers, particularly those with specialized certifications, can earn upwards of $75 to $100 per hour or more. It’s all about how much experience and expertise you bring to the mat!

---

4. Factors That Influence Income

If you’re thinking about turning your passion for yoga into a full-time career, you’ll need to consider the many factors that influence how much yoga instructors make. It’s not just about how skilled you are; where you teach, what kind of studio you work with, and even what state or city you’re in can significantly impact your pay.

1. Location, Location, Location

The place where you’re teaching can be one of the biggest determinants of your salary. Let’s face it—teaching yoga in a bustling city like New York or Los Angeles will likely bring in more money than teaching in a small town. In cities where yoga culture is thriving, like in California, the demand for instructors is high, and people are often willing to pay a premium for classes.

On the flip side, in rural areas where yoga may not be as popular, instructors may need to work harder to attract students, and pay can be lower. The size of the community you’re working with also matters. For example, teaching in a major metropolitan area will usually mean more students per class, leading to higher earnings per session.

2. Type of Studio or Franchise

Different studios offer different compensation models. Independent, boutique studios may offer a base hourly rate or pay per student, while large, national yoga franchises might pay instructors a flat rate or salary. Some yoga studios offer profit-sharing models, where instructors can take home a percentage of the studio’s income from their classes, which can sometimes lead to higher earnings, especially in high-demand locations.

If you’re teaching at a fitness center, you might find that your pay is tied to a membership-based model, where you’ll be paid based on the number of attendees in your class. The more students, the more income for you. But this can also be more unpredictable, depending on class attendance.

3. Private vs. Group Classes

Teaching private sessions can bring in more income per hour compared to group classes. A private yoga session often costs between $75 and $150 per hour, depending on the instructor’s experience and the location. If you’re teaching one-on-one, you’ll have the opportunity to provide personalized, tailored sessions for your clients, which many are willing to pay a premium for.

In contrast, group classes typically pay less per person, but you can make up for it by teaching multiple classes in a day or having large class sizes. Many instructors make a combination of private and group classes to balance steady income with higher-paying one-on-one sessions.

[Insert Banner 2 Here: Image of a yoga instructor teaching a private session with one client, showing a personal connection.]

---

5. Extra Earning Tips – Products (Yoga in a Bag, Yoga Mats, and More)

Want to boost your income without adding more teaching hours? There are plenty of ways to monetize your yoga expertise, and many instructors do it by selling products related to the practice.

1. Yoga in a Bag

Yoga in a Bag is an excellent product line that makes it easy for your students to carry everything they need for class—without the hassle. Many students (especially beginners) don’t want to deal with the clutter of purchasing multiple yoga accessories. As a yoga instructor, you can partner with brands that sell these “yoga in a bag” kits or even curate your own product line to sell to your students. This could include a mat, strap, blocks, and a towel—all packed neatly in one convenient bag.

This is a simple yet profitable way to earn extra income while helping your students have everything they need for their practice. Plus, it adds a personal touch, showing that you’re thinking about your students’ overall experience.

2. Yoga Mats and Accessories

Yoga mats are one of the most essential items for any yoga practitioner, and if you’re recommending a brand, it might as well be one you trust. High-quality yoga mats, like those with non-slip surfaces, extra cushioning, or eco-friendly materials, can be a great product to sell to your students or through affiliate links.

One of the benefits of promoting a product like this is that it’s something most yoga practitioners need, and they’ll be grateful for the recommendation. Plus, you can earn commissions through affiliate programs, which means you don’t have to handle the physical inventory or shipping.

The key here is to choose products that resonate with your audience—whether that’s eco-conscious mats, premium yoga bags, or other helpful yoga accessories.

---

6. Online and Affiliate Income Opportunities

In today’s digital world, yoga instructors aren’t limited to earning income from just in-person classes. The internet has opened up several online income streams for instructors, from virtual classes to affiliate marketing.

1. Online Yoga Classes

Offering virtual yoga sessions is a great way to tap into a broader audience. With the rise of platforms like Zoom and YouTube, yoga instructors can teach anywhere in the world. You can offer live-streamed classes or pre-recorded sessions, which can be purchased as part of a subscription or on-demand.

Many instructors choose to create membership platforms or courses where students can pay a monthly fee to access exclusive content. You’ll not only reach a larger pool of students, but you can also scale your income with minimal extra effort once the content is created.

2. Affiliate Marketing

Affiliate marketing is another popular way for yoga instructors to earn extra income. If you’ve ever recommended your favorite yoga mat, yoga bag, or health supplements to your students, you could be making money from affiliate commissions. By signing up for affiliate programs with companies like Amazon, Gaiam, or Liforme, you can recommend products you genuinely love and earn a percentage of the sales made through your referral links.

These products might include yoga mats, blocks, straps, clothing, and even healthy lifestyle items like supplements or essential oils. You can promote these products through your social media, blogs, or newsletters to increase your affiliate revenue.

---

7. Real-Life Salary Examples

Now that we’ve covered the factors that influence a yoga instructor’s income, it’s time to look at some real-life examples to get a better sense of what instructors are actually making. Keep in mind that income can vary widely depending on experience, location, and the type of classes offered.

1. Studio Yoga Instructors

Let’s say you’re teaching at a mid-sized yoga studio in a city like Austin, Texas, which has a strong yoga community but isn’t as expensive as New York or LA. A typical class at this type of studio might pay around $35–$50 per hour. If you teach 5-6 classes per week, you could expect to earn between $700 and $1,500 a month from teaching classes alone. Add in a few private sessions, and you could see an additional $500–$1,000 per month.

2. Franchise or Fitness Center Instructors

For instructors teaching at a large franchise or fitness center, the pay might be a bit lower per class. Many instructors in this type of environment can expect to make between $25–$40 per hour. However, the advantage here is the consistency of class schedules and the potential for earning through a larger number of attendees. For example, teaching 7-8 classes a week at a fitness chain could bring in anywhere from $1,000 to $1,500 per month. And again, adding in private lessons could push that number higher.

3. Private Yoga Teachers

Private sessions can significantly increase an instructor’s earning potential. In cities like Los Angeles or Miami, private yoga lessons can go for $100–$150 per hour. If you teach just 10 private sessions a week, you could be bringing in anywhere from $4,000 to $6,000 per month. This is a big leap from the studio or group class model, but it also requires more flexibility, marketing yourself, and building a client base.

4. Online Yoga Instructors

For online yoga instructors, the pay can vary depending on your platform. If you’re teaching live online classes, platforms like Zoom or private Facebook groups can generate anywhere from $15–$50 per class, depending on how many students attend. Some instructors offer subscription models, where students pay a monthly fee to access a library of classes. For example, if you have 100 subscribers paying $20 a month, that’s $2,000 per month in passive income!

Some online instructors also supplement their earnings by creating digital content like pre-recorded yoga classes or workshops. These can be sold individually or as part of a bundle, providing a steady stream of income.

---

Conclusion + CTA to Career Guide

As you can see, there are many ways to make money as a yoga instructor, but the income potential depends largely on your chosen path and the effort you put into growing your brand. Whether you’re teaching at a local studio, offering private sessions, selling yoga-related products, or exploring online income streams, the opportunities are abundant.

The key is to find what works best for you and embrace the journey. Yoga is about balance, both physically and financially. So, whether you’re just starting out or you’ve been teaching for years, remember that there are countless ways to make a living while sharing your love for yoga with the world.

If you’re considering becoming a full-time yoga instructor, don’t forget to check out our Yoga Career Guide to help you navigate the next steps in your yoga journey. You’ll find advice on certifications, building your teaching style, and maximizing your income potential—just what you need to take your yoga career to the next level.

Take the leap today and start creating a fulfilling, financially rewarding career as a yoga instructor!

---

FAQ

Disclaimer:

This post may contain affiliate links. If you purchase through them, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Also, this content is for informational purposes only and does not substitute professional medical advice.