Embarking on a journey through the winding, interwoven past of yoga can be incredibly rewarding, allowing you to take your yoga experience to the next level and teach others about the benefits of the practice. While the thought of having RYT after your name is exciting, the prospect of starting your training program might seem daunting, especially when you start researching the cost.
Key Points:
- To become a registered yoga teacher (RYT), you’ll need to complete either a 200 or 500 hour certification program.
- Certain job requirements, such as CPR & first aid certification and registration with the Yoga Alliance, must be met to teach yoga professionally.
- The cost of becoming a yoga instructor can range anywhere from $500-$5000, depending on your chosen program.
However, while classes can be pricey, you shouldn’t let the cost deter you from your dreams of becoming a registered yoga teacher! This article reviews the costs associated with these programs, what it takes, and how to make them more affordable, so continue reading to learn more!
What Does It Take To Become A Yoga Teacher?
If you’re interested in becoming a yoga teacher, there are a few essential steps to complete. For most yogis, the process starts with a seed of interest. In their earlier years, many yoga teachers spent time developing a passion for the practice, honing their skills, and finding the desire to further their learning.
While some folks further their learning under the knowledgeable wing of a seasoned yogi, others opt for educational courses. Once you decide to proceed with yoga instructor training, you’ll need to pick a program.
You have a few options, although most instructors opt for a 200-hour or 500-hour teaching certificate. The 200-hour option is excellent for beginners interested in starting their yoga instructing journey.
The 500-hour certification is the advanced yoga certification, tacking on an additional 300 hours of learning time. Most students start with the 200-hour yoga certification before continuing on to the 500-hour certification program.
Once you complete a 200-hour certification, you can finish the extra 300 hours of learning time to complete your 500-hour level of training and obtain the correlating yoga instructor certification. With your certification program complete, you can register with the Yoga Alliance to become a registered yoga teacher (RYT).
Registering with the Yoga Alliance allows you to use their RYT trademark after your name, but it isn’t necessary, as it doesn’t mean anything at a state, government, or national level. If you decide to register with the Yoga Alliance, you’ll need to maintain your certification by completing specific tasks.
With your certificate and hours upon hours of experience, you can start your teaching journey!
Requirements Of A Yoga Instructor
To get a job as a yoga teacher, you usually need to meet certain requirements. While the job requirements often vary slightly from one position to the next, here are a few common ones:
- Complete training through a registered yoga school
- Become a registered yoga teacher
- Obtain CPR/first aid certification
Do You To Be Certified To Teach Yoga?
Legally, you don’t need to have a yoga certification to begin teaching. However, while the certificate isn’t required in all areas, you might have difficulty building a client base or finding a teaching job.
In most cases, you’ll need a 200-hour registered yoga teacher (RYT) certification to work as a yoga instructor in a studio. Many studios look for teachers with complete training and a Yoga Alliance registration, so obtaining the certificate can be beneficial.
How Much Does It Cost To Be A Yoga Instructor?
The cost of becoming a yoga instructor can quickly climb into the thousands as various factors affect the price. For example, the school you choose, the course you do, and where you take the course will affect the cost of completing the program.
If you opt for a 200-hour yoga training course, you’ll likely spend between $500 and $3,000, depending on those factors. For the lengthier 500-hour course, most folks spend between $1,500 and $5,000.
How Much Is A Yoga Certification?
The cost to enroll in and complete a yoga certification program varies based on your chosen program. Some programs are cheaper than others, so pricing is highly dependent on which option you select. On average, certification programs cost between $500 and $5,000.
The 200-hour certificate usually falls on the cheaper end of the spectrum, while the 500-hour certificate errs on the pricey end of the spectrum.
Courses at yoga teaching schools in India, Indonesia, and Costa Rica are often much more affordable than those offered in North America and European schools. So, if you’re not opposed to the idea of traveling to another country to learn the craft, you can always consider that as an option.
After all, India is the birthplace of yoga, so taking a class here can be an excellent option. Bonus: It’s usually one of the most affordable options!
Why Are Yoga Teacher Training Courses So Expensive?
Completing a yoga teaching training course is far from cheap, but why is it so expensive? The cost of the course stems from a few factors, as tuition usually covers the following:
- Educational materials, including training manuals
- Access to yoga props, including mats, bolsters, blocks, and more
- Opportunity to train with and receive feedback from experienced, certified yoga instructors
- An in-depth education diving into a yoga posture, anatomy, meditation, pranayama breathing techniques, teaching practicum, philosophy, the business of yoga, and much more
- Meals, although this depends on the location and course
- Yoga teaching certificate
- Opportunity to bear the RYT trademark after your name
After considering the extensive inclusions in a yoga teaching training course, the price makes more sense. Of course, some training programs may offer extra perks, while others may not cover the entire list – it all depends on the program you choose.
Four Ways To Make Your Yoga Teacher Training Program More Affordable
While the cost of a yoga teacher training program can be steep, there are a few methods you can employ to make the journey more affordable. Here are a few excellent ways to make your training course more budget-friendly:
- Utilize a monthly payment plan: Many yoga teacher training courses offer payment plan opportunities to make the courses available to those of all financial backgrounds. Sometimes, you can pay a smaller monthly fee for the course, allowing you to pay it off over time instead of all at once. However, these plans usually require you to pay for the program before starting the course, so you’ll need to enroll and plan in advance.
- Opt for a work exchange program: Some programs offer work exchange or influencer programs that can cut or potentially eliminate the cost factor. Influencer exchange programs often require you to provide your social media skills of content production, such as blogging, as a form of marketing in exchange for your certification.
- Keep an eye out for scholarship programs: While limited, a few scholarship programs can help manage payment costs. So, keep an eye out for applicable scholarship programs that can help you pay for your training course.
- Get a side gig: While yoga teacher training programs demand a significant amount of time, some programs offer more flexibility than others. If your program offers some flexibility, it might not hurt to consider getting a side gig. This way, you can work as you progress through the program, potentially making enough to pay for it as you go!
How Much Do Yoga Instructors Make?
Unfortunately, asanas and pranayamas may feed the soul, but they won’t sustain the body or cover rent payments. If you want to teach yoga for a living, it’s essential to familiarize yourself with salaries and pay.
The amount you make is entirely up to you. Some yogis make an excellent living teaching yoga classes, while others barely scrape by. While some yogis make six figures, others make less than $20,000 annually.
So, why the variation in the pay? It all comes down to how you approach teaching yoga. Some yoga instructors go straight to yoga studios, gyms, and private clubs, hiring as staff instructors. While this option may provide a more consistent and reliable income, it might only work for some.
Other instructors open their own practices, using their knowledge and expertise to run their own studios. This option can be an excellent fit for entrepreneurial minds, but owning and operating a business isn’t always sunshine and rainbows. As the owner, you’ll have more to consider than simply teaching yoga, as the business aspect of things demands attention. While this option can be incredibly lucrative if done right, it might not be the best fit for every instructor.
Some yoga instructors fill their days with private clients, looking for gigs in the local newspaper. While this option can be great for those prioritizing a flexible schedule, it might not be a great fit for every instructor.
Ultimately, the best place for your teaching expertise hinges on your preferences and expectations. It might take a few tries to determine the best placement for you, as it’s not always a straightforward, easy pick.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can You Take An Online Yoga Teacher Training Course?
While there are several online yoga teacher training courses available to students, many opt for in-person courses, as the face-to-face experience is invaluable. However, for some folks, an online course might make more sense.
This is entirely okay, but it’s important to note that the Yoga Alliance doesn’t usually offer RYT certificates to those who complete online programs. They typically require contact hours with in-person instruction to get an RYT certification.
Are Yoga Teaching Training Courses Worth It?
For some people, yoga teacher training courses make a world of difference. With RYT behind your name, you prove your dedication to learning about the practice. However, for some folks, paying for and completing the course may not be worthwhile, especially if they’re unsure whether they want to teach.
It all depends on you and what your priorities are. If you’re passionate about yoga and love the prospect of teaching, a yoga teacher training course might be well worth it. On the other hand, if you love the practice but are unsure about teaching, completing a training course might not be your best option.
If you’re on the fence about the course, talking to your certified yoga instructor might help. They can offer insight into the program, which might help you decide one way or the other.
