How to Make Money as a Yoga Teacher

The Beginning of My Yoga Journey

Do what you love, and you’ll never work a day in your life. This was going through my head as I rolled up my yoga mat after teaching my very first class.

Flashback to a few years ago. I was working full time in a restaurant and the stress was a permanent guest in my daily routine. One day, a girlfriend invited me to a free yoga class in a local gym nearby and it felt like coming home.

That hour and half of mental peace and mindful movement was life-changing. Pretty soon, I found myself in yoga teacher training, passionate about sharing my new found love for yoga with others.

Still, a very important a question was on my mind: how could I make a living doing what I loved? The journey to explore how to make money as a yoga teacher went on for years until I finally launched my magazine and moved on to supporting yoga teachers in their own journey.

So, if you want to turn this passion into a career, let’s get into how you can market your yoga business and make money as a yoga instructor.

Building a Foundation

Know Your Worth as a Yoga Instructor

Just like it is with any other job, knowing your worth as a yoga teacher is key. Every lesson requires your time, expertise, and energy.

You’ve already invested in the yoga teacher training and maybe even further specialty certifications. Think about those investments and set your prices accordingly.

Questions to Ask Yourself

• What is the industry standard pay in your area?
  
  
• Is there anything you bring to the table that would justify asking above standard pay?
  
  
• What are your outgoings as a yoga instructor?
  
  
• How much time are you investing into your yoga career outside of teaching classes?
  
  
• Aside from gyms and studios, what other opportunities are there to teach yoga?
  
  
• Are you comfortable with standing by your prices even if some clients say no?
  
  
• Is your goal to make a full-time wage, or would you be teaching yoga to supplement existing income?
  
  
• Are there lateral opportunities for you to make money as a yoga teacher (outside of teaching classes?

Consider Full Scope

There is more to yoga teaching than simply teaching asanas and breathing exercises. Similarly, your career is not limited to yoga classes. To make money, you have to engage your creativity and explore every opportunity.

It is also important to realize the connection between your skill as a yoga instructor and your value in context. If you live in an area saturated with yoga studios, it may be easier to find employment. At the same time, studios in major cities tend to set the tone regarding pay.

On the other hand, if you offer yoga classes in a small community, you won’t have as much competition. As a result, you will be able to set the prices based on outgoings and demand.

Similarly, if you have a specialty (such as yoga for seniors, prenatal yoga, yoga Nidra), a yoga studio is more likely to hire you to broaden the scope of yoga classes they offer.

Yoga Teacher Expenses

New yoga instructors often do not realize how much time and money they have to invest outside of yoga teaching. To make money as a yoga teacher, you have to make sure that your income covers not only your time but your expenses, too.

These are just some of the common outgoings for yoga teachers:

• Yoga teacher insurance
  
  
• Venue hire, unless you work for a gym or studio
  
  
• Venue bills, such as heating or water
  
  
• Yoga equipment (mats, props, blankets)
  
  
• Transportation to and from yoga teaching spaces
  
  
• Website hosting and design
  
  
• Promotional materials (advertising, flyers)
  
  
• Software (booking classes, hosting online classes)
  
  
• Consumables, such as candles or cleaning materials
  
  
• Tax and health insurance

Teaching yoga online is usually less expensive than traveling to a studio or hiring class space. However, it also means that you’re competing with every other yoga teacher who has access to the internet.

This is why most new teachers default to working in established studios and gyms. This way, they are not responsible for venue expenses, equipment, bookings or marketing.

Time Investment

You already spent a minimum of 200 hours training to teach yoga. Additionally, you have to account for the time you invest as a teacher to calculate how much you should be charging for your services.

For every hour that you teach yoga, how much time do you spend commuting or setting up for your class? How much time do you invest into promoting your classes, communicating with students, or updating your financial books?

Remember – every minute counts. Successful yoga teachers incorporate all of their invested time into the cost of their services, which helps them to grow their yoga business.

Ethical Considerations

As yoga instructors, our relationship with money can often be as complex as the asanas we teach. This is further complicated by the underlying ethos of yoga as a devoted and selfless practice.

Spend some time looking into your inner landscape and let is reveal new ways to align your financial goals with your yoga values. It’s not just about making money, it’s about doing so in a way that feels authentic and aligned with your principles but also pushes you outside of your comfort zone.

For instance, you may offer free yoga classes as a way to give back to your community and supplement teaching you do as a job.

Stand Your Ground

One of the obstacles we face as yoga teachers is our lack of conviction. In order to fully dedicate yourself to delivering the best practice you can as a yoga instructor, you have to trust your worth.

Do not devalue your knowledge or skill. You worked hard to get where you are, and you deserve to be rewarded financially for what you bring to your students.

Set clear boundaries not just for yourself but for fellow teachers in the industry. Be unapologetic about your worth, this is attractive to students and clients.

Teaching Yoga

Naturally, the first avenue you explore after completing a teacher training program is teaching classes.

Whether you plan on teaching yoga online or in a local yoga studio, this is likely to be your first job after becoming a certified yoga instructor.

Gyms and Yoga Studios

For many new teachers, the first step to building a career in the yoga industry would be applying to teach at a yoga studio or gym.

There may also be opportunities to teach at a different type of fitness center, such as a rock climbing gym or tennis club.

Typically, you are hired as a contractor. This means that rather than being employed, you sell your services on a class-by-class basis. Your rate will likely depend on location and attendance.

In some cases, studios may be looking for someone to cover reception or help out in other ways, which is a great way to make extra money and make the commute worthwhile.

This type of arrangement has several benefits:

• No expenses for rent, equipment, or marketing
• No responsibility for class bookings and scheduling
• Networking opportunities
• Free class attendance for teachers (check with the studio)
• One of the easiest ways to make money as a new teacher

Private Yoga Classes: A Money Maker

Another benefit of teaching at various fitness locations is the opportunity to meet people and build relationships. This opens an avenue to teach privately, which is worth more because of the individual approach.

Teaching private clients is one of the greatest ways to make money as a yoga professional. People pay top dollar for one-to-one attention, because the classes are tailored to suit individual needs and preferences.

Establish your hourly rate based on your skill set and how far you are willing to drive. You don’t have to charge exorbitant prices, as long as you make sure to cover your bases.

• Higher hourly rate compare to group classes
• Option to offer private tuition online or in person
• Work on tailoring your teaching style to individuals
• Freedom to make your own schedule
• Solid connections with your students

Online Yoga Classes

As yoga teachers, we can truly take advantage of the freedom internet gives us. Not only is it possible to complete a Yoga Alliance accredited teacher training online, you can also make money teaching yoga remotely.

If you decide to teach yoga online, you have many options for business online. You can publish videos on a personal YouTube channel or deliver a few classes a week via Zoom. There are plenty of reasons to teach online:

• Online yoga classes are more accessible to students in the whole world
• You can decide on the length and style of lessons
• It’s easier to combine online yoga with a full time job
• You can still teach in gyms and studios alongside your online teaching
• Great opportunity to cultivate a yoga community
• Collaborate with other teachers to create an online yoga studio

Teach in Schools and Colleges

Many colleges and schools offer yoga as part of their wellness programs. This way, current students enjoy the mental and physical benefits, which reflects positively on the school.

The best way to approach this is to reach out. Even if your local schools and colleges do not have a wellbeing program yet, there is nothing to say that you couldn’t be the pivotal figure in creating one.

Be prepared to adapt your style to younger audiences. Remember, this is a case when your clients and your students are separate, therefore the relationship dynamics with you as a teacher will be different compared to a yoga studio.

Corporate Yoga

Similar to the education sector, many companies now hire yoga teachers to deliver lessons as a way to best support their employee’s wellbeing. Connect with local businesses to become one of their on-staff or cover teachers.

Teaching corporate yoga classes can expand your network, give you experience and provide a steady income. I got my first gig in a corporate setting because an existing student came to me on behalf of her company – you never know when an opportunity like that may come along!

Offering a few free classes can also help you get your foot in the door. For instance, you may reach out to companies and offer a taster session at corporate events. Some yoga teachers enhance their income by guest teaching at workshops or conferences.

High-End Hotels

Yoga instructors have the option to teach at luxury hotels or resorts, capitalizing on the hospitality industry’s growth. Get in touch with the headquarters of a local office to enquire about any job opportunities.

If you build a rapport with this clientele, this may also become an opportunity to find private clients for one-on-one or couples practice. Referring clients to allied health professionals can create referral partnerships that enhance business.

Also Read >>> How to Host a Yoga Retreat

Yoga Education

Do not limit yourself to simply teaching yoga. If you complete a minimum of 500 hours training as a teacher, you unlock new ways to make money in the yoga industry.

With further training, you are no longer just a teacher – you can design training programs and facilitate teacher trainings for the future generation of yoga instructors. On a smaller scale, you can become a continuing education provider, delivering specialty workshops and courses for those who already graduated a 200-hour YTT.

With many teacher certifications moving online, it may be easier to approach an existing yoga school that you like and offer your services for the teacher trainings they host.

Since there is more money in workshops and certification courses, many studios may be looking for an opportunity to present a YTT option to their students. It is definitely worth asking!

Content Creation

We live in a new cyber age, and there are many new ways to earn a passive income (never entirely passive) alongside other ventures.

Yoga practice is not the only way to share your knowledge with others.

Whether you write articles, create an on-demand online yoga studio, or develop a course people can purchase – these are all great ways to turn your passion into earnings.

Online Yoga Course or Workshop

The digital age is the perfect playground. By taking your teaching online you’re not limited by geographic location or even have to be present.

Ask yourself, what unique knowledge you can offer through your online courses? How can you monetize your online presence?

Platforms like Udemy or Teachable can host your courses for a percentage of their cost. You can also sell educational content on your own website, but then it will be up to you to promote the workshop or course to your potential audience.

Creating online yoga courses or workshops can increase your income and reputation. Free or discounted courses can attract new students who may eventually buy your premium content.

Digital Products

Consider creating digital products like e-books, instructional videos or audio teachings. Platforms like Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing or Etsy are reputable third-party hosts for digital purchases. However, they are far from being the only options.

Think of it this way: once your product is out there, the work is done, but the income keeps coming. What aspect of yoga or wellness can you cover? How can your products stand out in the digital market?

Start Writing

How often have you browsed online publications like Yoga Journal to find answers about the practice, history, or philosophy? If you have the knack for writing, you can approach yoga blogs or publish articles on your own website and earn money through advertisement.

Writing for online yoga publications can supplement your income and increase your visibility in the community.

Marketing Strategies For Yoga Teachers

Online spaces are a great tool to promote your yoga business. Social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook and TikTok can help you reach a wide audience. Share valuable content, engage with your online yoga community and use these platforms to promote your services and products.

For this to work, you have to make sure to post regularly and consistently. Consider this when accounting for your time investment.

It’s extremely important to educate yourself about the marketing side of your business. If this seems like too high a mountain to climb, why not hand this task over to someone who knows what they are doing?

Digital Yoga Academy is a great school for that, Kelly McHugh, the founder and coach, based in Uluwatu, Bali is truly an expert at digital marketing and can help you save years of learning promoting yourself online.

Affiliate Marketing

Utilizing affiliate marketing can generate a revenue stream by promoting products you love. This approach benefits your followers and earns you a commission on sales.

My advice is to use a reputable and reliable platform like Share A Sale for your affiliate solutions. This will increase your income without compromising your credibility as a yoga teacher.

Do you know any yoga related businesses that match your values and audience? Here are a few ideas for you to explore:

• Clothing brands (yoga pants, accessories, eco wear)
• Equipment such as yoga mats, blocks, or straps
• Fitness watches or apps
• Innovative water bottles, such as Lumivitae Hydrogen water bottle (no purchase necessary but recommended to be able to promote it from experience)
• Holistic medicine services
• Holistic home tech like with this MLM: Healy Frequency Device (will need to buy and experience the Device)

Build Your Audience

It won’t happen overnight, but if you commit to online marketing, you have to attract an audience. Building relationships is essential for growing a client base in yoga.

Outside of social media, it’s always good to build a mailing list. This way, you can review products and services you want to promote as an affiliate, as well as engage with your community.

Not sure where to start? Try the BOPA method—”Borrowing People’s Audience.” Collaborate with influencers, brands, or publishers with large or niche audiences, such as blogs or email lists.

Guest appearances, joint content, or cross-promotions can help you tap into their following, connect with potential students, and build your audience faster while enhancing your credibility.

Business and Finance

How Much Can You Earn as a Yoga Teacher

Research is key. Use the US Bureau of Labor Statistics to look up average salaries for yoga professionals in your area. If you’re from a different place in the world, enquire with most studios and fellow teachers local to your area.

Your earning potential is based on your experience, qualifications and reputation. If you are constantly upskilling, your value will increase. Similarly, if you create multiple income streams, your overall earnings will benefit.

Also Read >>> What Is An Average Yoga Teacher Salary?

Yoga and Business

Like with any business, you need to manage your finances. Create a budget that takes into account your income, expenses and goals.

Use online accounting tools like Mint or Personal Capital to track your financials. Consider the following:

If you struggle to take care of the business side, it may be wise to hire an accountant or financial advisor.

Success as a Yoga Teacher

In the journey of making money as a yoga teacher, think about your strengths, weaknesses and goals. Use yoga teacher training to practice your skills. Reflect on what success means to you.

• Are you meeting your financial goals?
• How’s your work-life balance?
• Does your work correspond with yoga ethics?

Success isn’t just about the money but about doing what you love and taking care of yourself.

So go for it! Namaste.

PS: We’d love to hear from you! Please share your thoughts and tell us if there’s any additional information you’d like to see in this article. Your feedback is invaluable to us.