How to pay instructors: per class, per head or revenue share

Instructor pay is usually a studio's biggest cost after rent, and it is also one of the most sensitive conversations an owner has. There is no single right model, but there is usually a right model for your studio.

Per class: a flat rate

The instructor earns the same amount for every class they teach, whether three people come or thirty.

Good for: new studios and new classes that are still building an audience, and instructors who value predictable income. Watch out for: it gives instructors little reason to help fill their classes.

Per head: pay by attendance

The instructor earns a set amount for each person who attends, often with a minimum so quiet classes still pay fairly.

Good for: established classes and instructors with a following. It rewards people who bring friends and promote their sessions. Watch out for: income swings, which can feel unfair when a class is quiet for reasons outside their control.

Revenue share: a percentage

The instructor earns a share of the revenue their classes bring in, which is common for private sessions and workshops.

Good for: personal training, workshops and premium classes. Watch out for: it needs clear, trusted numbers, because instructors will want to see how their share was worked out.

Hybrid models

Many studios combine models, for example a base rate per class plus a bonus for every person above ten. This gives instructors security and still rewards full classes.

Keep it transparent

Whatever you choose, put it in writing and share a breakdown each month: classes taught, attendance and the total. Disputes about pay are almost always about surprises, not about the rate itself.

Stop calculating by hand

Working out pay from spreadsheets at the end of the month is slow and error-prone, especially with several models in play. Software that knows who taught what, and who attended, can do the maths for you.