How Much Do Yoga Instructors Make?

On average, yoga instructors in the UK and US can expect to make anywhere from £20-£50 ($25-$65) per hour. However, this figure can vary widely. Some instructors, especially those in urban areas or with specialized training, can earn significantly more.

How ever, Yoga is more popular than ever, and for many, teaching yoga can be both a passion and a source of income. But just how much do yoga instructors make? The answer to that depends on several factors, including location, experience, certification, and the type of yoga classes they teach.

Factors Affecting a Yoga Instructor’s Salary

1. Location:
   Where you teach yoga plays a big role in your income. In cities like London or New York, where the demand for yoga is high, instructors often charge higher rates for both group and private sessions. In rural areas, the rates might be lower due to less demand.
2. Experience and Certifications:
   The more experience and certifications an instructor has, the more they can charge. Specializing in a niche like prenatal yoga, Kundalini yoga, or somatic yoga can also increase earning potential. Being certified through a recognized program, like Yoga Alliance, can set you apart as a more credible and higher-earning instructor.
3. Type of Yoga Classes:
   Income also depends on the type of classes you teach. Group classes at studios or gyms tend to pay less per hour but offer the chance to work with more people at once. Private classes, on the other hand, can be much more lucrative, with instructors charging upwards of £100 ($120) per session for personalized attention.
4. Online Classes:
   Teaching yoga online has become a viable way to increase earnings. Platforms like certifiedyogateacher.com allow instructors to reach a global audience. Instructors can make a steady income through subscriptions, course sales, or live-streamed classes.
5. Workshops and Retreats:
   Leading specialized workshops or yoga retreats can be a significant boost to an instructor’s income. A weekend retreat could bring in several thousand pounds or dollars, especially if it’s marketed well and offers a unique experience.

Salaries of Yoga Instructors by Region

• United States:
  In the US, the average salary for a yoga instructor is around $30,000 to $60,000 per year, depending on whether they teach full-time or part-time. Instructors working in major cities like Los Angeles, San Francisco, or New York can earn significantly more, particularly if they teach high-end clientele.
• United Kingdom:
  UK yoga instructors earn between £15,000 and £35,000 annually, with higher rates in London and other large cities. Private sessions and workshops can increase earnings.
• Australia:
  Instructors in Australia can expect to make around AUD $20-$60 per hour, with opportunities for higher earnings through private lessons or retreats.

Building Multiple Income Streams as a Yoga Instructor

While teaching regular classes is a staple for many yoga instructors, creating multiple income streams can significantly boost earnings. Here’s how instructors can diversify their income:

1. Online Courses and Memberships:
   With platforms like certifiedyogateacher.com, yoga instructors can create and sell online courses or memberships. This allows them to reach a global audience without being limited by location. Creating on-demand content, such as guided meditations or specialised yoga tutorials, provides a passive income source once the content is live.
2. Private Sessions:
   Offering private yoga sessions is a way to charge premium rates. Many clients prefer one-on-one instruction tailored to their individual needs, and this personalized attention allows instructors to charge much more per session—often in the range of £50 to £100 ($65 to $120) per hour or more, depending on location and experience.
3. Corporate Yoga:
   Corporate wellness programs are increasingly integrating yoga, and this can be a lucrative opportunity for instructors. Companies pay yoga teachers to lead group sessions, either in-person or online, for their employees. These corporate contracts can bring in steady and substantial income, especially with regular sessions.
4. Workshops and Retreats:
   Leading yoga workshops or retreats can be a great way to earn more while deepening your connection with students. A weekend retreat, especially in a scenic or luxury location, can bring in thousands of pounds or dollars, especially if combined with other wellness practices like meditation, nutrition, or mindfulness training.
5. Teacher Training Programs:
   Experienced instructors often move into teacher training programs, where they can earn higher rates by teaching others how to become certified instructors. Leading a 200-hour or 500-hour teacher training not only offers financial benefits but also builds a community of students and future instructors who will continue to engage with your classes and services.

Maximizing Earnings Through Branding and Marketing

Beyond teaching skills, yoga instructors who invest time in branding and marketing can increase their visibility and, ultimately, their income. Having a strong online presence through social media, websites, and email newsletters helps attract more clients, both for in-person and online classes.

• Social Media Presence:
  Platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube are popular places for yoga instructors to showcase their expertise. Posting regular content, such as mini yoga tutorials or tips, helps build a following. Larger audiences can lead to partnerships, sponsorships, and even paid promotions.
• Email Marketing:
  Building an email list is an effective way to stay in touch with students and clients. Regular newsletters can promote upcoming workshops, online courses, or even exclusive discounts for subscribers. Platforms like certifiedyogateacher.com also provide opportunities to promote your classes to a broader audience.
• Collaborations:
  Partnering with wellness brands or collaborating with other instructors on retreats or events can open up additional revenue streams. This could include sponsorships, affiliate marketing, or co-hosting events.

Earnings Based on Teaching Schedule

Yoga instructors’ annual income is heavily influenced by how much they teach. Here’s a rough breakdown based on teaching schedules:

• Part-Time Instructors:
  Many instructors teach yoga part-time while holding other jobs or balancing family responsibilities. Part-time instructors might teach 5-10 classes a week and can earn between £10,000-£20,000 ($13,000-$26,000) per year, depending on their rates and number of students.
• Full-Time Instructors:
  Full-time instructors, teaching multiple classes per day and working in studios, gyms, or privately, can earn anywhere from £20,000-£50,000 ($26,000-$65,000) or more annually, especially if they offer a combination of group classes, private sessions, and online content.
• Highly Successful Instructors:
  For those who have built a strong personal brand, launched successful online programs, or host retreats and workshops, annual earnings can surpass £60,000 ($80,000), with top-tier instructors earning six figures through a combination of in-person teaching, digital products, and passive income streams.

At certifiedyogateacher.com, we help instructors maximize their potential by offering both in-person and online teaching opportunities. By diversifying your income and building a strong presence, you can not only make a living but thrive as a yoga instructor.