Making Money as a Yoga Instructor

Yoga instructors are a rare commodity, in high demand. The popularity of yoga has gained momentum, especially with people seeking low-impact fitness routines. A certified yoga instructor can use this time as a career springboard.

What kind of money can you make as a yoga instructor? It all depends on a few factors, with the most important one being experience. Yoga isn't a discipline that can be taught without extensive knowledge and training. The extreme nature of many positions, and stretches, could cause serious injury in the hands of a lesser teacher. A yoga master can charge much more for his/her safe instruction than a novice instructor.

Even though you may focus on one or two styles, a highly skilled yoga instructor has the combined knowledge of many styles of yoga. A rudimentary knowledge of yogic philosophy also helps. As a yoga instructor, you'll deal with many different personalities, so it's important to have patience and compassion.

Many certified yoga instructors choose to teach part time, while keeping a day job. This gives them the flexibility they need, at the same time that they are bringing in extra income. It also keeps them in great shape as they are teaching.

You can choose whether you want to teach a class or prefer providing private instruction. The rates you charge will vary, depending on the situation and your students needs. Private instruction can run anywhere from $30 an hour to $150 an hour. The highest rates are usually from teaching clients in their home or office.

Private clientele can range from office working professionals to professional athletes, and everything in between. Private clients are looking for quality yoga instruction and are willing to pay for it. Teaching classes to groups, costs a bit less per student, and is usually priced around $15-$20 each for a drop-in rate.

© Copyright 2008 - Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500, has written many books on the subject of Yoga. He is a co-owner and the Director of Yoga Teacher Training at: Aura Wellness Center, in Attleboro, MA - aurawellnesscenter.com aurawellnesscenter.com - He has been a certified Master Yoga Teacher since 1995. To receive a Free Yoga e-Book: "Yoga in Practice," and a Free Yoga Newsletter, please visit: yoga-teacher-training.org/index.html yoga-teacher-training.org/index.html