Many martial artist and MMA fans think of starting a career as an instructor and may be one day managing or even owning their own school. So what is the reality of becoming an instructor; how much can you really expect to make and what will you really be doing? If you think you are just going to be having fun teaching a few classes a day and making a six figure salary, this is going to be a serious reality check for you! Is it possible? Yes, but it's not something you are likely to experience for a number of years unless you are already a UFC legend.
The qualifications for becoming an instructor in most schools are pretty basic. Generally you just have to be really good at your chosen style or styles. But that doesn't mean that is all it will take to become a successful instructor. Besides just being good at practicing your chosen form of martial arts or combat you will also need to become good at teaching others and develop some serious sales skills. So what does an MMA or martial arts instructor really do all day? You may only see your instructors a few hours a week during your classes and think they have an easy job, but the reality is that they probably are working 6 days a week and are putting in some serious hours. Besides your time actually teaching students you may also likely be required to go out in the community and promote the school, recruit new students, and do various other marketing tasks. As a new instructor in a small school you may also find yourself being the one taking out the trash and doing paperwork.
According to Salary.com statistics, which gives details of average salaries throughout the US the average 'Fitness Instructor' makes around $66,000 per year including all benefits and bonuses. This sounds good, but the definition of this position is actually for someone who runs all aspects of a facility as a manager. At some of the franchises and nationwide schools you may only expect to make minimum wage starting out, but will be offered commissions based on the students you enroll in the school and perhaps bonuses varying on the overall school performance and profitability. This could eventually add up to a decent income, but will take a will for you to get in a roll and build a steady pipeline of new students. Obviously the bigger money is in managing your own school or owning your own.
Do not be discouraged by this article, it is just designed to give you a real world view of what to expect starting out. Of course there are plenty of opportunities to make the big bucks as you develop your skills and to have the freedom to work your own schedule and has more entrepreneurial and love the idea of being able to create your own infomercials featuring your own informational or training products!
