Relying on studio classes alone is one of the hardest ways to make a living as a yoga teacher. The math just doesn’t work for most people — studios pay $30-75 per class, and there are only so many classes you can teach before burnout hits. The teachers who build sustainable careers? They diversify. Here are 8 income streams that can transform your yoga career from “side hustle” to real livelihood.

1. Studio and Gym Classes

This is the classic starting point, and it’s still valuable — especially for building your reputation and community. Group classes give you visibility, experience, and a consistent schedule. Just don’t make it your only income source. For a deeper look at what yoga teachers actually earn, check out our breakdown of how much yoga teachers make.

2. Private Sessions

One-on-one teaching is one of the fastest ways to increase your income. Private sessions typically range from $75-200+ per hour depending on your location and experience. You offer personalized attention, and students get dramatically better results. Many of your group class students are potential private clients — you just have to let them know it’s an option.

3. Online Classes

Teaching online removes the geographic cap on your audience. You can teach live via Zoom, sell pre-recorded classes through platforms like your own website or membership, or even teach for established online platforms. The overhead is minimal — a good camera, a microphone, and a clean background are all you need to start.

4. Workshops and Specialty Intensives

Workshops let you go deeper on a specific topic — inversions, breathwork, yoga for back pain, chakras, whatever lights you up. They command higher pricing than regular classes ($30-80+ per person) and position you as a specialist. You can host them at studios, community centers, or online.

5. Retreats

Retreats can be significant income events — a single retreat can generate what would take months of studio teaching to earn. They also deepen student relationships in a way regular classes can’t. Start small: a local day retreat before you plan a week in Bali. For guidance on planning one, read our guide on how to plan a yoga retreat.

6. Digital Products

This is where things get exciting — because digital products earn while you sleep. Pre-recorded class bundles, meditation libraries, e-books, pose guides, sequencing templates for other teachers, journaling workbooks… the options are endless. Create once, sell many times. This is one of the most leveraged income streams available to yoga teachers.

7. Corporate Yoga

Companies increasingly invest in employee wellness, and corporate yoga pays well — often $100-250+ per session. Classes are usually gentle, accessible, and focused on stress relief. If you’re comfortable in professional settings and can teach chair yoga or desk-friendly stretches, this is a lucrative niche.

8. Teacher Training (Once You Qualify)

Once you have your E-RYT 200 or E-RYT 500 and enough teaching hours, you can train other teachers. This is the highest-leverage income stream in yoga — and also one of the most fulfilling. You can assist in existing trainings, lead specialty modules, or eventually create your own programs.

The Key: Start With Two or Three

You don’t need all eight running at once. Pick two or three that excite you and build from there. The magic happens when your income streams support each other — your studio students become private clients, your private clients join your retreat, your retreat attendees buy your digital products. 🙌

Our 300-hour advanced yoga teacher training includes in-depth business development — including how to build and diversify your income as a yoga professional. Because your yoga career should sustain you, not drain you. ✨