As a yoga teacher, you don’t have to rely solely on teaching drop-in classes at a studio to earn a living. There are numerous ways to create diverse income streams that can give you the financial freedom and stability you desire. Whether you’re looking to expand your reach online or prefer in-person interactions, there’s an opportunity out there for you. Here’s a breakdown of 11 ways to make money as a yoga teacher, both online and offline, along with the pros and cons of each option.

1. Drop-In Classes at a Yoga Studio or Gym

This is the most common way for yoga teachers to start earning money. Teaching drop-in classes at a studio or gym offers consistent work and the chance to build experience and connect with local students. However, the pay per class is usually low, and you’re limited by the number of classes you can physically teach in a week, which can cap your income.

Pros:

• Steady work, especially if you secure multiple classes at one location.
• Great way to gain experience and build a local following.

Cons:

• Low pay per class.
• Physically and mentally demanding, especially if you’re teaching many classes per week.

2. Renting a Space to Teach

Renting your own space gives you more control over your schedule and earnings. You set the price, decide how many students to take in, and can potentially earn more per class. However, the financial risk is higher, as you need to cover rental costs and market your classes effectively to fill them.

Pros:

• Higher earning potential as you keep more of the revenue.
• Full control over class size, timing, and pricing.

Cons:

• Financial risk if you can’t fill the classes.
• Requires strong marketing skills to attract students.

3. Corporate Yoga

Corporate yoga involves teaching yoga classes at workplaces, usually as part of a company’s wellness program. This can be a lucrative option, as corporations are often willing to pay premium prices for these services. However, breaking into the corporate market can be challenging without the right connections.

Pros:

• Higher pay rates compared to studio classes.
• Potential for long-term contracts with companies.

Cons:

• Limited flexibility in class times (often during work hours or lunchtime).
• Can be difficult to get started without connections.

4. On-Demand Library

Creating an on-demand library of pre-recorded yoga classes allows you to generate passive income. Once the content is created, it can continue to earn money without requiring you to be present. However, it’s important to note that this is not the best offer to start with if you’re new to teaching online, as it can be difficult to sell and may not significantly increase your income at first.

Pros:

• Passive income potential.
• Students can practice at their convenience, expanding your reach beyond local students.

Cons:

• Time-consuming to create quality content.
• Requires consistent marketing to attract and retain subscribers.

5. Memberships

A membership model allows students to pay a monthly or annual fee for access to a variety of your offerings, such as classes, workshops, and even behind-the-scenes content. This model can provide a steady income stream and build a loyal community of students. Memberships can be purely yoga-focused or include other types of content, and they can be offered on a monthly, quarterly, or yearly basis.

Pros:

• Recurring revenue stream, offering financial stability.
• Builds a strong community of loyal students.

Cons:

• Requires continuous content creation to maintain value.
• High level of engagement needed to retain members.

6. Retreats

Hosting retreats can be financially rewarding and personally fulfilling. Retreats offer students an immersive experience and allow you to deepen your connection with them. However, they require significant upfront planning and investment, and there is a financial risk involved.

Pros:

• High earning potential per retreat as it’s a high-ticket offer.
• Opportunity to travel and connect deeply with students.

Cons:

• High upfront costs and financial risk.
• Time-consuming to plan and execute.

7. Workshops and Class Series

Workshops and class series allow you to dive deeper into specific topics and charge more per student than a regular class. They attract students who are serious about advancing their practice and can significantly boost your income.

Pros:

• Higher earning potential compared to regular classes.
• Opportunity to explore specialized topics in depth.

Cons:

• Requires significant preparation and marketing efforts.
• Filling spots, especially for niche topics, can be challenging.

8. Online Courses

Online courses allow you to reach a global audience and can be highly profitable. You can create a course on anything from beginner yoga to advanced techniques or even niche topics like self-confidence or stress management. Once created, these courses can be sold repeatedly, making them an excellent source of passive income.

Pros:

• Passive income once the course is created.
• Ability to reach a global audience.

Cons:

• Requires effective marketing to sell courses.
• Time-intensive to create a quality course.

9. 1:1 Classes or Programs

Teaching 1:1 classes provides personalized instruction and can be very profitable. However, the impact and income are limited if you only have a few clients. A better option might be to offer 1:1 programs where you work with a client over an extended period, allowing for deeper transformation and more stable income.

Pros:

• High earning potential per session.
• Deep impact on individual students.

Cons:

• Limited by the number of hours you can work.
• More effective as part of a long-term program than occasional classes.

10. Affiliate Marketing

Affiliate marketing involves promoting other people’s products or services and earning a commission on sales. This can be a great way to earn extra income, especially if you have a large audience. For example, you could promote yoga mats, apparel, or online courses that you believe in.

Pros:

• Can be an easy way to earn extra income.
• No need to create your own products.

Cons:

• Earnings can be inconsistent.
• Requires a large audience to generate significant income.

11. Yoga Teacher Training (YTT)

Leading a Yoga Teacher Training (YTT) program can be highly lucrative and impactful. It’s a significant undertaking, but it allows you to train the next generation of yoga teachers while earning a substantial income. The income potential varies depending on your role—whether you’re the organizer, lead trainer, or a guest speaker.

Pros:

• High earning potential.
• Opportunity to make a lasting impact on students’ careers.

Cons:

• Requires extensive experience and qualifications.
• Significant time and effort required to run a successful YTT.

Conclusion

There are countless ways to make money as a yoga teacher, both online and offline. The key is to diversify your income streams and find what works best for you and your lifestyle. Whether you’re teaching in a studio, creating online content, or hosting retreats, each option has its pros and cons. Don’t be afraid to mix and match these methods to build a career that’s both fulfilling and financially rewarding.

If you’re wondering what offer to create next, take my quiz: “What Offer Do You Need to Create?” 

Diversify, experiment, and find the paths that align with your values and goals. Your journey as a yoga teacher can be as unique and expansive as you choose to make it.