The earnings potential for yoga instructors ranges depending on location, type of yoga taught, and the training undergone towards certification. However, starting a career as a yoga instructor is a great way to add to your monthly income, contribute to your community, and start your own small business. Training and certifications play a significant role in determining the earning potential of yoga instructors. Like any profession, the more time you invest in your skills, the more earning potential you have. This article will take you through the different types of yoga instructors, and the training and educational opportunities they have while attempting to find an answer to the most commonly asked question – “How much does a yoga instructor make?”
Training to Become a Certified Yoga Instructor
There are many factors involved in calculating the value of a good yoga instructor. The main element is their training and educational background. Yoga instructors can go through various kinds of training and courses. Experienced instructors learn to combine styles and techniques to provide unique experiences in their yoga studio.
The amount an instructor earns directly reflects the value they offer in their classes, and certified training programs contribute to the instructor’s skills, increasing the value of their courses. You can add value to your yoga classes by continuing to seek out more training in your area of expertise.
The Different Types of Yoga Instructors
There are many different types of yoga instructors, each with its unique style and approach. However, here are some of the most common types of instructors:
- Vinyasa Yoga Instructors: Vinyasa instructors focus on linking breath with movement. They often teach a flowing, dynamic form of yoga that can be quite physically challenging.
- Hatha Yoga Instructors: Hatha instructors typically teach slower-paced yoga, emphasizing proper alignment and holding poses for extended periods.
- Iyengar Yoga Instructors: Iyengar instructors place a strong emphasis on proper alignment in all yoga poses. Their classes often use props such as blocks and straps to help students achieve the correct alignment.
- Kundalini Yoga Instructors: Kundalini instructors focus on awakening the energy known as “kundalini,” which lies at the base of the spine. Their classes often incorporate breathwork, mantra chanting, meditation, and physical yoga poses.
- Bikram Yoga Instructors: Bikram instructors teach a form of hot yoga done in a room heated to 105 degrees Fahrenheit. The 26 poses are practiced in Bikram Yoga.
Similarly, we see a lot of other instructors who handle Yin Yoga, restorative yoga, prenatal yoga, and so on, where the instructor or trainer is experienced in a particular style. These yogic techniques are all interconnected and they are branches that have evolved over the period to address specific issues or needs. Therefore, if you are an instructor trained in a particular style or discipline, you can always take advantage of either enhancing the existing skill and improving the output, or learning new styles and methodologies to design unique classes for a customized experience for your students.
How to Become a Yoga Instructor
So, you want to become a yoga instructor? Great! Yoga is an excellent way to improve your health and well-being and a fantastic way to make a living, but first, you will need to be trained and certified. Training factors greatly impact your earning potential as a yoga instructor.
Get Certified as a Yoga Instructor
If you’re considering becoming a yoga instructor, the first step is getting certified. There are many different certification programs available, and the one you choose will depend on your personal goals and preferences. Generally speaking, the more comprehensive the program, the more expensive it will be. Certification programs can range in price from a few hundred to several thousand dollars.
Once you’ve chosen a certification program, the next step is to complete the training. This typically involves attending classes and workshops, both online and in person. The time it takes to complete the training will vary depending on your chosen program, but it typically takes several months to a year.
After completing your training, the final step is to register with a yoga alliance. This organization offers accreditation for yoga instructors and provides a directory of certified instructors. Registering with the yoga alliance will ensure you meet all the requirements to be a certified yoga instructor.
Continuing Education as a Yoga Instructor
As a yoga instructor, you are never done learning. There are always new techniques and approaches to learning and new research about yoga’s benefits. Fortunately, there are many ways to continue your education as a yoga instructor. Here are some of the options:
- Online Courses: Many online courses can help you deepen your understanding of yoga and learn new techniques.
- Workshops: Attending workshops is a great way to learn from more experienced instructors and explore different styles of yoga.
- Retreats: Yoga retreats offer an immersive experience where you can focus on your practice and personal development.
- Teacher Training: If you want to take your knowledge to the next level, consider completing a teacher training program.
- Reading: Keeping up with the latest research is essential for any profession, and many great books about yoga can help you expand your understanding.
Actual Earning Potential
So how much does a yoga instructor make? According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, yoga instructors earn a median annual salary of $62,400. This means that half of all yoga instructors earn more than this, and half earn less. The lowest 10 percent of earners make less than $31,700, while the highest 10 percent make more than $96,950.
According to Payscale.com, the average hourly rate for a yoga instructor is $25.21. However, this number can range from $10.25 to $49.50 per hour, depending on the abovementioned factors.
Private Yoga Instructor Potential Profits
As a yoga instructor, you have the potential to make a lot of money through private yoga instruction. Depending on your experience and expertise, you can charge anywhere from $30 to $100 per hour for private yoga instruction. In addition, if you can teach multiple students at once, you can make even more money. The average yoga instructor makes about $50 per hour, but the top earners can make over $100 per hour.
Invest in your Yoga Business
When starting a yoga business, the most significant initial investment you’ll make is in yourself. This includes your training, certifications, and continuing education. Depending on your approach, yoga teacher training can cost anywhere from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars. And while there are plenty of free online resources available, taking an in-person class or workshop can better help you connect with other like-minded individuals and create a supportive network as you embark on this new journey.
Of course, you’ll also need to invest in some supplies for your classes. A good yoga mat, props, and comfortable clothing are essential for any yogi or yogini. You may also want to consider investing in a liability insurance policy to protect yourself and your business in an accident or injury.
The more you invest in your own personal growth as a business owner and the proper supplies for your business, the more potential you have for increasing your income.
Here, we have listed some of the possible and tried and tested methods by successful yoga practitioners across the world, that might probably help you reach your earning goals:
- Corporate training and workshops
- Yoga in schools and colleges
- Yoga knowledge podcasting
- Yoga pop-up studio in communities
- SME (Subject Matter Expert) for Yoga related Publications
- Personalized private yoga sessions
- Yoga training workshops for beginners (mind your experience before you step into this!)
- Hybrid yoga retreat programs with wellness coaches
- Problem-centric workshops
- Online yoga studio
- Start your own community with a social media boost
You can try giving these a shot based on your interest, comfort, confidence, and experience levels.
Conclusion
So, how much does a yoga instructor make? It depends on a variety of factors, from where you teach, how many classes you teach per week, your style and techniques, and your training and certification background. However, the average yoga instructor can expect to earn anywhere from $30 to $ 50 per hour.
If you’re looking to make a career out of teaching yoga, then money can be made. Remember that it takes time and dedication to build a clientele and become a successful yoga instructor.