Yoga has exploded in popularity over the last few decades, and many people have turned to teaching yoga as a way to make a living. However, if you're considering becoming a yoga instructor, you may be wondering if it's possible to make a full-time income teaching yoga. In this blog post, we'll explore the question "Can you make a living off of being a yoga instructor?" and look at the pros and cons of pursuing a career in yoga. We'll also discuss how to turn your yoga practice into a successful career.
The short answer to this question is "Yes, you can make a living off of being a yoga instructor." However, like many professions, the amount of money you can earn as a yoga teacher varies widely depending on several factors. These factors include your level of experience, the location where you teach, the style of yoga you teach, and the demand for yoga in your area.
According to a survey by Yoga Journal, the average income for a full-time yoga instructor in the United States is around $62,000 per year. However, this number varies widely depending on the factors mentioned above. In some areas, the demand for yoga is high, and teachers can make significantly more money. In other areas, the demand for yoga is lower, and teachers may struggle to make ends meet.
If you're not ready to commit to teaching yoga full-time, it can be an excellent side hustle. Many yoga teachers teach part-time or on a freelance basis, which allows them to supplement their income from other sources. For example, you may teach yoga in the mornings or evenings while working a full-time job during the day.
One of the benefits of teaching yoga as a side hustle is that you can start small and build your teaching business over time. You can start by teaching at a local studio or gym and gradually build up your clientele. As you gain experience and build a reputation as a skilled teacher, you can start charging higher rates and teaching more classes.
While teaching yoga can be a rewarding career, it's not without its challenges. Here are a few of the cons to consider before pursuing a career as a yoga instructor:
Irregular Income: One of the challenges of being a yoga instructor is that your income can be unpredictable. If you're teaching part-time or freelancing, your income may vary from month to month, depending on the number of classes you teach.
High Competition: Yoga has exploded in popularity, which means there is a lot of competition for teaching jobs. To be successful as a yoga instructor, you need to be skilled, knowledgeable, and have a unique teaching style that sets you apart from others.
Physical Demands: Teaching yoga can be physically demanding, especially if you teach multiple classes in a day. You need to be in good physical shape and take care of your body to avoid burnout and injury.
Time Commitment: Teaching yoga requires a significant time commitment, including planning classes, attending workshops and trainings, and marketing yourself to potential students.
If you're ready to turn your yoga practice into a career, here are a few steps you can take: