Yoga Teacher Jobs & Careers
At the Yoga Transition, we help experienced yoga teachers develop into masters of their craft and leaders within their communities. We are passionate about helping yoga teachers discover more about the wonderful world of yoga, so whether you’re looking to advance your yoga career, get a yoga job, or make yoga your primary profession, you’re in the right place.
What you need to know about the yoga industry
The yoga industry is thriving globally, with a notable move from the fringe towards the centre. Yoga practice has doubled over the past decade, providing numerous yoga teacher job opportunities. The increasing demand reflects society’s shifting focus towards holistic health, making a career in yoga more financially viable, appealing, and more rewarding as yoga teachers continue to be well appreciated wherever they are.
A yoga teaching career can be incredibly rewarding, offering the chance to inspire others while deepening your own journey and exploration. The yoga industry is expanding, and with it, so are the opportunities for dedicated, passionate yoga teachers to flourish. With the right qualifications, a strategic career plan, and a commitment to continuous professional development, you can thrive in this fulfilling profession.
Career paths for yoga teachers
The typical development path for yoga teachers tends to begin with teaching self initiated classes in perhaps community halls or fitness centres. It then progresses to yoga studio classes, then to workshops, immersions and retreats and then to involvement with teacher trainings.
With additional training, some yoga teachers aspire to become yoga teacher mentors (such as our very own mentor and founder, Susan Allen), guiding aspiring teachers on their journey.
Qualifications and requirements for yoga teaching jobs
In the United States, most yoga teacher jobs require a minimum 200-hour certified training program qualification.
Additionally, prospective yoga teacher employers may look for speciality training, such as prenatal yoga, yin yoga or meditation teaching capacities.
The key requirement to becoming a yoga teacher is not a qualification, but rather a deep passion for yoga which manifests as a commitment to personal practice and a persistent enquiring mind. With yoga teacher training programs churning out teachers by the hundreds, studio employers are interested in much more than just a training certificate when looking for prospective teaching talent. With hundreds of yoga enthusiasts graduating from prolific teacher training courses, authenticity, commitment and integrity are essential qualities that help distinguish motivated teachers from the pack.
It is essential for yoga teachers to have a good grasp of the 8 limbs of yoga including yoga philosophy, to have excellent communication skills, and to demonstrate a commitment to their own exploration of the practice. To become a master teacher, it all begins and ends on the mat.
Finding yoga teaching jobs
There’s a multitude of platforms where yoga teacher roles may be advertised—job boards, yoga studio websites, and networking events are excellent starting points. Social media also plays a vital role in connecting yoga teachers with potential employers.
If you are an aspiring yoga teacher, you may want to consider setting up a professional profile to showcase your skills, experiences, teaching style, and personality. Setting up your own website is a good place to start. Make your website and information about yourself authentic, that is how you will stand out from the crowd. Yoga Instagram with too many ‘yoga in the waterfall’ photos may not convey the maturity of practice you might want to.
If there is a studio you would like to work in, the essential first step is to go and attend a few classes to get a feel for the style of yoga taught there. That way, when you put yourself forward for a teaching position, you will be able to articulate why you are a good fit for the studio and what complementary skills you can offer. Ask the studio owner for the possibility of doing a trial teaching class, or if this is not possible, send them a 5-10 minute video of yourself teaching. Decide which aspect of your teaching you would like to profile – it might be alignment cues, meditation practice, or weaving philosophy into asana classes. If you have attended some classes at the studio you can pinpoint where your point of difference is and highlight this in the interview process.
Creating a sustainable yoga career plan
To create a sustainable yoga teacher career, consider diversifying your income streams. This could mean offering private classes, workshops, or online courses. Additionally, think about additional certifications to increase your marketability. Remember, success in yoga isn’t just about teaching; it’s about continuous learning and evolution.
Professional development as a yoga teacher
Here are some practical tips to develop your yoga career:
- “Network, network, network”: Your connections can open doors to opportunities that you may not find online. Be sure to attend yoga events, seminars, and festivals to connect with other professionals in the field.
- Build an online presence: Utilise social media to showcase your unique teaching style and philosophy. This visibility can attract potential employers and students.
- Continual learning: Consider further training in specific yoga styles or therapeutic areas—the more versatile you are, the more opportunities you’ll have.
- Teach voluntarily: Volunteering can provide valuable experience, especially when starting, and is a great way to build your confidence. However, it’s important to keep in mind that consistently sharing your invaluable yoga teachings without compensation can undermine the value of what you offer. While you don’t want to undercut any yoga teacher’s offerings, it’s important to strike a balance between the spirit of yoga and the value of your experience.
- Create unique offerings: Stand out by offering unique classes or workshops. This could be based on a unique blend of yoga styles, focus on specific groups like seniors, pregnant women, or athletes, or be yoga sessions held at inspiring locations or multi-day events (retreats and immersions).
- Self-care: Teaching yoga can be physically and emotionally demanding. Regular self-care routines will help you maintain your energy and passion for teaching.
Develop your yoga teaching style with mentorship
While your teacher training may have touched on the different career options available to aspiring yoga teachers, it is a varied and extensive subject with many winding pathways. In addition to educating on the various yoga teacher career paths, there are a vast number of teaching elements we help our professional yoga teacher clients develop.
At The Yoga Transition, we celebrate individuality through:
- Steering your practice and teaching in the direction that most interests you
- Encouraging you to discover your unique voice
- Guiding you to develop a teaching methodology that has both integrity and individual authenticity.
Once you have completed your initial teacher training, contact us to find out how mentorship can bring you to the next level.
