It can sometimes be a bit awkward to ask someone “how much do you earn as a Pilates instructor?” This is a question I’ve been asked by new instructors, and I think it’s an important one. With any new job or career, you want financial security, so let’s dive into this topic and breakdown the earning potential of a Pilates instructor in Australia in 2025. 

There are a few factors that can impact on how much you be paid as a Pilates teacher in Australia, including:

1. Your education or training;
2. Your experience; 
3. Whether you teach a single class or a block of classes; 
4. If you are hired as a casual or contractor, and
5. Where you’re working.

Let’s start with the fitness industry award rates. I’ve taken the below details from the Fair Work Ombudsman Pay Guide - Fitness Industry Award. These awards apply to casual Pilates teachers. 

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How does training impact your rate?

Most Pilates certificates that are not diplomas start at Level 2 (see table 1). An instructor who has completed 456 hours of training is classified at Level 2 or above. This level of qualification is generally attained as part of your Pilates certificates (i.e. Anatomy course, Matwork course and Reformer course).  However, beware of three- or four-day courses in which you are ‘certified’ in 30 hours or less of contact days with no post course work whatsoever, as you will not be close to those 456 hours of training you need to complete to reach the Level 2 pay bracket. 

In my experience, most Pilates studios pay close to or above the industry award. You can always negotiate your class or hourly rate, but many studios have a standard entry level rate for new Pilates instructors. The training you’ve completed and the amount of experience you have will impact this rate. For instance, when I first started working as a Pilates instructor in 2020, it was standard for an instructor with my level of qualification and no previous experience to be paid around $30.00 per class. Someone who has been instructing for a couple of years and completed further training; for instance, in prenatal Pilates, Barre and Jump board, could expect to be paid $35.00 per class. Of course, these pay rates might have changed over the last few years so it is important for any Pilates instructor to get to know the market that they are working in. A good way to do this is to join a Pilates instructor Facebook group or get to know a few instructors from different studios. This may also be a good way for you to pick up some extra work!

Your teaching location matters!

Another factor to consider is whether you teach fewer classes at a higher rate or whether you teach multiple classes at the industry award rate. Some studios pay more per class but offer fewer spots, meaning more money per session—but also more unpaid travel, teaching one Pilates class at a time across different studios. Others offer back-to-back classes at a lower rate, making your time more cost-effective. Different instructors will choose different configurations to suit their needs. I personally prefer to teach more classes in a row as it better suits my availabilities and I drive around less. 

Public gyms that offer Pilates or reformer classes often pay a higher rate, as they are big companies that potentially involve the instructor teaching a large number of clients per class. Some gyms offer classes to add value to their memberships, but the classes are not their primary focus. They generally offer fewer classes than dedicated studios but pay a higher rate. 

Instructors can also choose to work in a clinical setting. It is important to be aware that to work in a clinical setting, you must have completed a Diploma qualification. Some instructors prefer working in a clinical setting as they can work with small groups or 1:1 with clients. 

What's your work arrangement?

Some Pilates studios and gyms that pay a higher rate per class will hire you as contractor. This means you'll be responsible for your own insurance, first aid and CPR, and they won't pay superannuation. You'll also need to invoice these businesses for payment, which requires setting up your own ABN. This setup might work well if you’re teaching Pilates classes at several different studios or gyms that require these arrangements.

Personally, I've found it much easier to work as a casual Pilates teacher for a business. They cover things like my super, first aid and CPR, and insurance so I don’t have to worry about those. I also don't need to invoice them and they withhold tax on my behalf, so at the end of the financial year I don’t get hit with a big tax bill at the end of the financial year, like contractors do. Generally speaking, being an employee offers more financial security than contracting. 

You may find that the independent (non-franchised) Pilates studios pay their instructors less per class, however, you may receive benefits not always available at a bigger company or gym. This could include additional training, a sense of community, ongoing support, and a opportunities to develop and grow your role over time, as the business grows. 

I work as a full-time Pilates instructor, and I earn more than enough to live off. And whilst I don’t earn what I did when I used to be a lawyer, I’m happier and healthier now. Beyond what I earn, I get a lot out of my job. I don’t have to work outside of my class hours, there aren’t any deadlines I have to meet, and I don’t take my work home with me. These are some things you should keep in mind when deciding whether you want to become a Pilates teacher/instructor. 

Curious about becoming a Pilates instructor? Explore:

7 Reasons to Become a Pilates Instructor,

‍Teaching Through Movement: Simone's Path to Becoming a Pilates Instructor

Or learn more about our Pilates Instructor Courses in Brisbane.