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Job outlook for yoga instructors in the United States
Yoga instructor job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected yoga instructor job growth rate is 19% from 2018-2028.
About 57,800 new jobs for yoga instructors are projected over the next decade.
Yoga instructor salaries have increased 6% for yoga instructors in the last 5 years.
There are over 14,752 yoga instructors currently employed in the United States.
There are 25,406 active yoga instructor job openings in the US.
The average yoga instructor salary is $45,673.
Are yoga instructor jobs in demand?
Yoga instructor job and salary trends over time
Yoga instructor jobs over time
Yoga instructor job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 14,752 | 0.00% |
| 2020 | 16,514 | 0.00% |
| 2019 | 21,668 | 0.01% |
| 2018 | 20,535 | 0.01% |
| 2017 | 18,645 | 0.01% |
Average yoga instructor salary over time
Yoga instructor salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | $45,673 | $21.96 | +0.3% |
| 2025 | $45,538 | $21.89 | +1.4% |
| 2024 | $44,895 | $21.58 | +1.6% |
| 2023 | $44,207 | $21.25 | +2.8% |
| 2022 | $43,023 | $20.68 | +5.5% |
Yoga instructor jobs by state
Most common states for yoga instructors
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Colorado | 5,607,154 | 477 | 9% |
| 2 | Virginia | 8,470,020 | 577 | 7% |
| 3 | Delaware | 961,939 | 66 | 7% |
| 4 | Alaska | 739,795 | 52 | 7% |
| 5 | Georgia | 10,429,379 | 648 | 6% |
| 6 | South Carolina | 5,024,369 | 314 | 6% |
| 7 | Oregon | 4,142,776 | 249 | 6% |
| 8 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 66 | 6% |
| 9 | Wyoming | 579,315 | 36 | 6% |
| 10 | North Carolina | 10,273,419 | 517 | 5% |
| 11 | New Jersey | 9,005,644 | 422 | 5% |
| 12 | Iowa | 3,145,711 | 150 | 5% |
| 13 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 34 | 5% |
| 14 | Vermont | 623,657 | 30 | 5% |
| 15 | California | 39,536,653 | 1,682 | 4% |
| 16 | Michigan | 9,962,311 | 402 | 4% |
| 17 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 282 | 4% |
| 18 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 259 | 4% |
| 19 | Nevada | 2,998,039 | 127 | 4% |
| 20 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 48 | 4% |
Most common cities for yoga instructors
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ocean | 1 | 4% | $46,191 |
| 2 | Coral Gables | 1 | 2% | $45,283 |
| 3 | Cambridge | 1 | 1% | $50,900 |
| 4 | Fort Lauderdale | 1 | 1% | $45,134 |
| 5 | Miami Beach | 1 | 1% | $45,241 |
| 6 | Norwalk | 1 | 1% | $53,429 |
| 7 | Austin | 1 | 0% | $46,266 |
| 8 | Baltimore | 1 | 0% | $51,421 |
| 9 | Boston | 1 | 0% | $50,929 |
| 10 | Dallas | 1 | 0% | $45,215 |
| 11 | Denver | 1 | 0% | $44,469 |
| 12 | Houston | 1 | 0% | $45,960 |
| 13 | Irvine | 1 | 0% | $57,603 |
| 14 | Las Vegas | 1 | 0% | $51,088 |
| 15 | Los Angeles | 1 | 0% | $57,690 |
| 16 | Miami | 1 | 0% | $45,258 |
Yoga Instructor job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of yoga instructor experts
Endicott College
University of Central Missouri
Howard University
USA Rugby Football Union
Next College Student Athlete
Kentucky Wesleyan College
Brigham Young University–Hawaii
Chadron State College
Denison University
Belhaven University
CREP - Coalition for the Registration of Exercise Professionals
Northwestern University
University of Southern Mississippi
Youngstown State University
Center of Excellence for Sport Science and Coach Education
Kevin Rooney Ph.D.
Associate Dean, School of Sport Science, Clinical Coordinator of Athletic TrainingEndicott College
School of Sport Science
What skills will help Yoga Instructors earn the most?
Kevin Rooney Ph.D.: There are numerous settings Exercise Scientists can work in. I believe that the most important skills to become successful include effective communication, active listening, compassion, being a team player, and critical thinking. Regardless of your work setting, if you possess these characteristics and skills, your professional growth ceiling is endless.
Dr. Kenneth Bias
Professor & Program CoordinatorUniversity of Central Missouri
School of Teaching and Learning
What Yoga Instructor skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Kenneth Bias: The gap year really depends on the level in which they want to use their degree. Those going into collegiate coaching would be well served to volunteer coach to gain experience. Those choosing to go into the sports and recreation side would be better severed working on their knowledge of what opportunities there are in their region of the country and enhancing their knowledge in those areas.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Yoga Instructors?
Dr. Jason Perry: It is unclear what the long-term effects will be on the sports business industry moving forward. A lot is unknown of how live sporting events will be impacted in the future. We may find that fans do not rush back to attend games in-person as they did prior to the coronavirus pandemic. Thus, leaving some gaps in the positions that employers are hiring for in the foreseeable future.
However, it is likely that many facets of the industry will continue to move towards making processes easier for consumers through technology even after the pandemic. As a result, graduates must be tech-savvy. Further they must be flexible and possess the ability to adapt quickly as changes occur related to the pandemic. Graduates that have obtained practical work experience that has introduced them to various job responsibilities in the field can stand out in the talent pool.
A specific job experience on a graduate's resume can be the deciding factor in receiving an interview during these challenging times. Previous experience in the desired area of employment can also help graduates to adapt more quickly to working in a new position during the pandemic.
What type of skills will young Yoga Instructors need?
Dr. Jason Perry: It is best that graduates have some of the traditional skills such as communication, teamwork, leadership, organizational, and time management. In addition, depending on the position in the sports business industry, the ability to handle a fast-paced work environment is important. These skills translate well in a variety of business environments and employers are looking to add those who adapt well to their organizational landscape.
Additional skills that are key at this time include analytical, critical thinking, digital, and emotional intelligence. I think that emotional intelligence should be on the top of the list of skills that young professionals should have as they transition into careers in sports and recreation. The ability to foster meaningful relationships with people in the workplace and the capacity to manage stress, conflicts, and one's emotions is needed to finding sustainability in the profession.
What experience really stands out on Yoga Instructor resumes?
Dr. Jason Perry: Due to the high level of competition for jobs in the industry, sports management students cannot simply wait until the pandemic is over to gain professional experience in the field. Many sports businesses and professional organizations have altered internship positions during the pandemic and are still offering opportunities to budding professionals. A growing number of professional sports organizations have implemented virtual internships, distance-learning experiences, and other programs in lieu of the traditional internships that were available prior to the pandemic. Experience in sports analytics, sales, marketing, and digital communication are areas that stand out to employers.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Yoga Instructor job market given the pandemic?
Jessica Dombrowski: I think we will continue to see more remote access opportunities, from online webinars and courses to more open forum discussion platforms. All of our members have been too enthusiastic about any online educational opportunities; this has given us a chance to think more creatively about what type of content we can deliver and give us a broader audience.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Yoga Instructors?
Lisa Strasman: With many companies operating remotely throughout the pandemic, recent college graduates face unique circumstances as they enter the workforce. Instead of happy hours with new co-workers, many recent college grads find themselves logging into work from their living room. Great companies find ways to maintain a strong company culture and team unity even in a remote environment. Recent grads should seek out organizations where they can embrace the culture and mission, regardless of where their desk may be located.
What type of skills will young Yoga Instructors need?
Lisa Strasman: Adaptability, great communication skills, time-management, strong work ethic/grit, teamwork, resilience, humility.
Julie Richardson
Professor of Exercise ScienceKentucky Wesleyan College
Department of Exercise Science
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Yoga Instructors to find work opportunities?
Julie Richardson: As the world becomes more aware of the detrimental effects of society's current lifestyle, more opportunities will arise within the health sciences. Graduates should pursue higher education within this field to gain an edge over other applicants. This will allow them to access the many job opportunities available in research labs and sports facilities.
How do you envision technology impacting Yoga Instructors in the next 5 years?
Julie Richardson: Technology advancements will allow for more concentrated and complex research to be conducted to further our knowledge regarding the complexities of the human body and how it responds to various stimuli such as exercise and diseases.
What experience really stands out on Yoga Instructor resumes?
Joel Reece Ph.D.: I teach my students that the experience that stands out most on a resume is the experience that best matches the job posting. A resume is only a selected snapshot of your experiences. Choose to display the experiences you have had with what the job posting is looking for.
What Yoga Instructor skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Joel Reece Ph.D.: It depends on what they want to do. Look at the job postings or graduate school applications you want to apply for. Of course, there are universal skills that apply across jobs/graduate programs. For example, communication skills (e.g., writing, oral), collaboration, leadership, critical thinking, etc... However, it is also important to find opportunities to develop or observe skills in people that have the job you want. If you want to apply to a physical therapy program and you have a gap year, reconsider taking a year off to travel, and look for a job that puts you in a setting that will help you observe the in and outs of being a physical therapist. Be a sponge and soak up everything you can about the business.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Yoga Instructor job market given the pandemic?
Dr. Brittany Helmbrecht: The most significant trend I have noticed is a move to online and outdoor workouts. Many trainers are offering recorded or live activity classes delivered online. Others are hosting group fitness classes outdoors, where social distancing is possible. The ability to market oneself as a fitness professional will be a necessary skill as these trends continue.
What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for Yoga Instructors in the next 3-5 years?
Dr. Brittany Helmbrecht: Recording technology, whether as simple as a phone or as complex as a dedicated studio set, is up to the fitness professional. I have completed workouts during the pandemic on Facebook Live, Instagram, and YouTube from the comfort of my own home.
Will there be an increase or decrease in demand for Yoga Instructors in the next 5 years?
Dr. Brittany Helmbrecht: I am not sure. I hope this pandemic has caused people to evaluate their health and make positive changes, but I can't say it has. I believe the difference in fitness delivery, when fitness centers and gyms were shut down, changed the fitness industry and how people prefer to work out. Though there are still many who went back to fitness centers as soon as possible, I think many recognized how easy it could be to work out in your own home.
Dr. Eric Winters Ph.D.
Associate ProfessorDenison University
Department of Health, Exercise, and Sport Studies
How do you envision technology impacting Yoga Instructors in the next 5 years?
Dr. Eric Winters Ph.D.: I look for young professionals who can examine and identify current, unfulfilled needs within the community, and effectively design programs that draw upon technology's strengths to augment professional practice. The influence of a knowledgeable, caring practitioner will remain central to the profession of Kinesiology, but the needs we address and how we intervene have changed. The young professionals who seek unique settings and opportunities to engage in practice with creativity will always be valued colleagues.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Yoga Instructors?
Dr. Eric Winters Ph.D.: This pandemic will most certainly have an enduring effect within our profession; to believe otherwise is wishful thinking. Now, is the time to reframe opportunities and boldly engage the emerging needs of those we serve within nontraditional settings and incorporate unique methods that draw upon technology. Those that begin this journey now will become our future leading figures within Kinesiology.
Dr. Benjamin Carr Ph.D.
Associate Professor and ChairBelhaven University
Department of Sports Medicine and Exercise Science Faculty
What type of skills will young Yoga Instructors need?
Dr. Benjamin Carr Ph.D.: Very few of our Sports Medicine & Exercise Science graduates enter the workforce once completing their Bachelor of Science. The vast majority (80-90%) of my students will go to graduate/professional school for physical therapy, occupational therapy, athletic training, chiropractic, exercise physiology, or physician assistant.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Yoga Instructors to find work opportunities?
Dr. Benjamin Carr Ph.D.: Some will even go to medical school. Those who do enter the workforce after completing their BS, typically, go into the fitness industry as personal trainers or into coaching (although that often requires continuing education to complete a teacher certification). I say all this to say that I don't have extensive experience in sending students directly into the workforce. There are ample work opportunities in my field, but almost all of them require some advanced degree. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, job growth for the careers mentioned above is faster than the average job growth in all U.S. fields.
How do you envision technology impacting Yoga Instructors in the next 5 years?
Dr. Benjamin Carr Ph.D.: Technology is a vital part of all the occupations in sports medicine/exercise science, with most of the rehabilitative sciences' careers. Therapeutic modalities, such as ultrasound, electrical stimulation, cryotherapy, and infrared, are commonly employed in physical therapy, athletic training, and chiropractic. Since I don't work directly in those fields, I'm not a useful resource regarding the specifics of technology/equipment. From an educational standpoint, technology will be vital for moving more coursework to a virtual format shortly. Things like virtual cadavers and other physiological laboratory experiences will play a critical educational role over the next few years. Due to Covid-19, we've already moved a number of our courses to a strictly virtual format. Video conferencing technology, such as Zoom, has made this relatively easy. With Zoom's screen sharing and whiteboard capabilities, lecturing virtually has become a legitimate alternative to in-person courses.
Brian Biagioli
Immediate Past PresidentCREP - Coalition for the Registration of Exercise Professionals
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Yoga Instructors?
Brian Biagioli: Covid has had a diverse impact on the fitness industry; in the positive sense, it has restored work-life balance for some, forced others contemplating entrepreneurial pursuits to leap successfully, and made facilities realize the importance of engagement relationships in maintaining a clientele. Additionally, depending on the political theatre following the election and signs pointing to a potential Covid-rebound, many more exercise professionals will likely embrace the different opportunities to train online, write and manage individual programs, and even establish home-based businesses the industry pivots further away from a club-based, face-to-face interaction. As for the different sized boxes, the overhead the facility carries and where it's located will determine the level and effects of ongoing business stress. That said, 2021, as a whole, will bring a new demand for exercise professionals to replace those who have left the clubs and the industry altogether.
What type of skills will young Yoga Instructors need?
Brian Biagioli: Regardless of the type of job a professional pursues in the fitness or sports industry, employers cite three critical areas of deficiency among new graduates: (1) business acumen and communication skills; (2) proficiency in human engagement; and (3) a lack of organizational efficiencies, related to task completion. Many graduates have a skill set associated with the technical competencies of being in the fitness or sports industry; these are often tested successfully on certification exams, but they lack business and corporate/organizational insight. These skills require positive internship experiences and mentoring and should be a capstone of any educational process.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Yoga Instructors to find work opportunities?
Brian Biagioli: If a professional pursues personal training; California, New York, Texas, and Florida are all high performers. Strength and conditioning jobs are growing in high school environments, and there is more equity for female coaches than ever before in college strength and conditioning. For entrepreneurs looking to start a fitness business right now, one should consider the pandemic and the regional capacities for studios and gyms and risk rates for closure. Technology is everyone's friend right now, and will develop into a must-have facet of the exercise professionals' toolbox. Technology enhances the small business reach and makes market expansion more possible.
What experience really stands out on Yoga Instructor resumes?
Helen Callus: It depends on what kinds of position you are applying for, and for performance students, it's going to be playing or teaching mostly. I recommend that students tailor their resumes to suit the positions, so teaching should be prioritized, and the outline should lead to that. I encourage them to put together their overview and then look at gaps - teaching experience, perhaps some administrative experiences that are always helpful.
If they don't have those things, actively search for them to add that line to their resumes. It can be a terrific way to develop the document in ways that can lead to better job success. A range of skills is most likely to appeal to a broader set of jobs. Doing multiple things (things we don't even realize we do, as musicians, daily) can be helpful. The student is then willing to be creative and open to start out doing things that are related but perhaps not their first choice.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Yoga Instructors to find work opportunities?
Jeff Mitchell: I encourage young graduates to choose where they want to live and thrive and limit their work options based solely on location. We're seeing more flexibility in the workplace today as remote collaboration has proven successful.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Yoga Instructors?
Dragana Crnjak: This year brought many challenges, many drastically changing the ways artists and art institutions operate. The biggest challenge, perhaps, is that we don't know what are the long-term impacts, yet. Interesting is that on the one hand, the restrictions have opened potentials in expanded and vibrant global communication and online collaborations among artists. On the other hand, with these connections more available, I believe, artists are starting to build even stronger relationships with their neighborhoods, communities, regions, and, I hope, we start investing ourselves more fully to this self-sustainable kind of thinking, to create opportunities that will sustain and expand the quality of life and culture locally. We have already seen artists adapting and finding new ways to communicate and do work. I am sincerely optimistic that artists, with the skills I mentioned previously, will keep leading discoveries and finding innovative ways to stay creative.
How do you envision technology impacting Yoga Instructors in the next 5 years?
Meg Stone: In the past ten years or so, technology has become an ever-increasing part of the sport both at the grassroots level and especially at the collegiate and professional level. This discrepancy is mainly due to cost. Schools at the D1 level with a big budget have invested heavily in technology to support their programs. It is my opinion this serves two purposes.
Firstly, a genuine effort to quantify exactly what factors influence athletic development. Secondly, and much less important, is the recruiting aspect. Young recruits are heavily influenced by "bells and whistles," and demonstrating these tools in recruiting can be an advantage. Professional sports have benefited substantially from technological advancement in sports such as soccer. Alex Ferguson, while manager of Manchester United, has been quoted as saying that one of the main reasons for that team's success was developments in sport science, particularly GPS tracking systems.
I believe presently we are reaching a plateau in the application of technology in sport, but there will always be ongoing developments. However, I believe the application of technology in sport is slowing considerably compared with the past ten years. Technology in the future may take us into the realm of Star Trek with transports etc. My concern is for the role of the coach, the human relationship with the athlete, the coaching eye (which is very much undervalued), and the motivational aspect through human interaction.