Many yoga teachers find out quickly that studio classes alone don’t pay enough to make a comfortable living. Studio work is important for practice and community, but it’s not designed to provide a full income. The good news is there are many other ways to earn through teaching yoga. Welcome to the yoga teacher income streams guide.

This guide shows you the main income streams available today, how much they typically pay, and how to start using them at your stage of teaching. Think of it as a map: you’ll see what’s possible beyond the obvious studio class, and you’ll be able to choose the streams that fit you best.

Corporate yoga: Companies often pay $150–$300 for a single class and sometimes book regular weekly sessions. These contracts are reliable and pay more than studios.

Online memberships: Teachers who offer recorded or live classes online usually charge $15–$30 per month. Even a small group of dedicated members adds up to steady income.

Yoga retreats: Retreats can be highly profitable when planned carefully. A typical teacher might earn $500–$700 per guest after covering costs.

Private sessions: One-on-one work commonly pays $50–$150 per hour depending on location and experience.

Workshops and special events: A two-hour workshop can be priced at $30–$50 per person, giving you much more than a single studio class.

How much do Yoga Teachers get paid?

Instead of only charging by the hour, think in terms of the value you’re offering:

• Corporate yoga: Set a flat rate per class and, if possible, ask for a longer commitment (such as a 12-week series).
• Private sessions: Offer packages of 5 or 10 sessions instead of single lessons. This gives your student a plan and gives you steady income.
• Workshops: Price by the seat, not the hour. Create something focused and unique, such as “Yoga for Back Care,” and charge a fair rate per person.
• Memberships: Offer a basic tier with recorded classes and a higher tier that includes live sessions or personal support.
• Retreats: Always calculate your costs first, then add the amount you want to earn. Divide by the number of guests to set the price.

• New teachers: Keep one or two studio classes for practice and exposure. Add a few private clients at $60–$80 per hour. Try a simple online class for your current students.
• Mid-career teachers: Add a corporate contract or two, which can bring in several hundred dollars per month. Run a workshop each season. Grow an online membership gradually.
• Experienced teachers: Build an online membership base of a few hundred students, run one or two retreats each year, and keep a small number of higher-paying private clients.

This kind of mix creates more security and reduces the need to teach an exhausting number of studio classes each week.

Corporate classes: Reach out to local businesses, gyms, libraries, or schools. Offer a short trial period so they can experience the benefits.

Private sessions: Focus on a specific need, such as stress relief, prenatal yoga, or improving flexibility. Packages work well for these.

Workshops: Partner with a studio or community center. Choose a clear topic so people know exactly what they’ll learn.

Memberships: Start by inviting your current students. Keep it simple, even a small library of recorded classes can attract paying members.

Retreats: Begin with a local weekend retreat before organizing something abroad. Co-host with another teacher if you’re new to it.

How much do studios usually pay?
Most studios pay $25–$85 per class. This is helpful for teaching practice and meeting students, but not enough on its own.

How should a new teacher set private rates?
Start between $50–$80 per hour. Create a package of multiple sessions instead of single classes.

Are retreats profitable?
Yes, when you budget carefully. Teachers who plan well often make several thousand dollars from a single retreat.

How to price your Yoga Retreat?

Can online teaching really provide income?
Yes. A 100 members paying $20 each month gives you $2,000 of reliable monthly income.

Teaching yoga can absolutely provide a living, but it’s very difficult if you depend solely on studio classes. By combining different income streams — corporate classes, private sessions, workshops, memberships, and retreats — you can create a more balanced and sustainable career.

Next step: Choose one new stream to explore this season. Start small, test your pricing, and build from there.