Did you know that your full-time Yoga Teachers struggle to survive on teaching? Here’s an excerpt from a Yoga Journal article on the results of the Yoga Alliance research study on “Yoga in the World,” 2022:
Survey Says: In the U.S., nearly 75 percent of the teachers surveyed indicated that leading yoga classes is their primary source of income.
Context: Most yoga teachers are contracted at a flat rate for the hour spent instructing a class. Compensation for an hour-long yoga class varies dramatically depending on teaching experience and other considerations. Although the survey did not indicate income, compensation for a studio or gym class typically falls between $20 and $50.
That rate does not include the time spent commuting, answering students’ questions, preparing the sequence for class, and creating a playlist. There is also no compensation for transportation, music streaming platforms, or continued training.
Many full-time teachers consider a full schedule to be approximately 15 classes a week. Newer yoga teachers tend to enthusiastically take on more classes a week than is sustainable, and eventually lessen their schedule—and their take-home pay—to reflect reality. Do the math and the challenge inherent in teaching yoga to the exclusion of any other work becomes apparent….
Many full-time yoga teachers supplement their studio income with one-on-one yoga sessions, teaching at higher-paying corporations and resorts, leading workshops, retreats, or yoga teacher trainings. Those teachers will tell you it’s a hustle culture. And it’s exhausting….
The irony of this stress is not lost on teachers and studio owners. Yet there are also implications for students. What do we lose when knowledgeable teachers with diverse backgrounds and experiences can no longer afford to share their time and talents? What happens when those responsible for sharing yoga are unable to afford the time or tuition to further their studies?
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While our students may highly value what we’re offering, our employers (mostly) do not. Our society in general doesn’t appreciate the hundreds of hours and thousands of dollars of training we’ve undertaken to be good at what we do. Nevertheless, those of us who are called to this teaching persevere as best we can.
Access the full Yoga Journal article HERE
Holistic Yoga & Spiritual Guidance 