How Much Do Yoga Teachers Get Paid?
The path of yoga teachers is one of passion, purpose, and—let’s be honest—practical questions about income. Whether you’re an experienced instructor or just starting your yoga teaching journey, understanding how much yoga teachers get paid is essential for planning a sustainable and rewarding career. With the growing popularity of yoga in North America and around the world, teaching opportunities are expanding—but so is the range in earnings.
So how much can you really expect to make as a yoga teacher? The answer depends on a variety of factors including where you teach, how often, and the strategies you use to grow your income. Let’s explore the numbers, what affects them, and how you can maximize your earnings—with a little help from WellnessLiving.
Average Salary for Yoga Teachers
National and Regional Averages
The average salary for yoga instructors varies widely by location. In the United States, instructors earn between $30,000 and $75,000 annually, with some experienced or full-time instructors making over $100,000 per year.
For example:
- In New York City or San Francisco, yoga teachers may earn $40–$60 per class or more, thanks to high demand and premium pricing.
- In smaller cities or rural areas, class rates might fall closer to $20–$35 per session.
Canada shows a similar pattern, with urban centers like Toronto and Vancouver offering higher rates than rural communities.
Hourly vs. Annual Income
Most yoga teachers are paid per class, not salaried. The average hourly rate ranges from $25 to $50, depending on experience and location. That means if you teach five classes a week at $40 per class, your monthly income is around $800—not including taxes or expenses.
Full-time yoga teachers can earn more by:
- Teaching multiple classes per day
- Offering private sessions
- Diversifying income streams (we’ll cover that below)
Annual income depends heavily on how many classes you teach per week and whether you supplement studio work with other revenue streams.
Key Factors Influencing Yoga Teacher Salaries
Experience and Certifications
Earning potential often scales with experience and education. Teachers with advanced credentials like RYT 500 or specialty certifications (e.g., prenatal, trauma-informed, or restorative yoga) are positioned to charge higher rates and gain more clients.
Many studios also pay more to experienced teachers with a strong following, making your teaching quality and client relationships crucial.
Type of Employment and Venue
Where and how you teach matters. Some yoga teachers are independent contractors, while others are salaried employees. Here’s how pay can vary:
- Yoga studios: Standard rates per class, sometimes with bonuses based on attendance
- Fitness centers/gyms: Slightly lower rates, but steadier work
- Private sessions: Higher rates, typically $75–$150 per hour
- Online teaching or your own studio: Higher profit potential, but requires more management and marketing effort
Owning your own yoga business or teaching online can dramatically boost your income—but it also demands robust tools to stay organized and competitive.
Strategies to Boost Yoga Teacher Earnings
Offering Private Classes
Private yoga sessions are one of the most effective ways to increase income. You can tailor sessions to individual needs and charge premium rates. Many teachers find success offering packages for wellness coaching or rehabilitation-based yoga.
Teaching Specialized Yoga Styles
Niche offerings command higher value. Styles like:
- Prenatal yoga
- Hot yoga
- Yoga for seniors
- Yoga therapy
…attract clients with specific needs and a willingness to pay for expertise. Specialization helps you stand out in a crowded market and raise your rates confidently.
Diversifying Income Streams
Hosting Workshops and Retreats
Retreats and workshops are powerful opportunities to earn more and build deeper connections with students. Whether it’s a weekend mindfulness retreat or a monthly yoga and sound healing workshop, these events can generate thousands in additional revenue while enriching your teaching experience.
Creating Online Courses or Videos
The virtual yoga market is booming. Platforms like YouTube, Teachable, and your own website allow you to reach global audiences. On-demand classes, live Zoom sessions, and subscription-based memberships can provide passive income with low overhead.
Tips for Building a Successful Yoga Career
Developing a Personal Brand
Yoga is personal—and your brand should be, too. Build a recognizable online presence with:
- A professional website
- Social media profiles (Instagram, TikTok, YouTube)
- Consistent branding (logo, voice, photography)
Authenticity and visibility attract loyal students and create opportunities for collaboration and sponsorships.
Networking and Continuous Learning
Attend yoga festivals, teacher trainings, and industry events. The yoga world is rooted in community—connections lead to referrals, new job opportunities, and inspiration. Keep growing with workshops, new certifications, and mentorships.
How WellnessLiving Supports Yoga Teachers
Success in yoga teaching doesn’t just come from mastering the art—it comes from mastering the business. That’s where WellnessLiving can help.
Our all-in-one yoga studio management software empowers teachers and studio owners with tools that simplify:
- Class scheduling (both in-person and virtual)
- Client management and automated marketing
- Payment processing and membership plans
- Online booking and branded mobile apps
WellnessLiving helps you focus on what you love—teaching—while we take care of the logistics. Whether you’re a solo instructor or managing a multi-location studio, our platform is designed to increase your bookings and boost your revenue.
👉 Ready to take your yoga career to the next level? Book a free demo with WellnessLiving today and discover how we can help you grow.
