The average earnings for martial arts instructors is $36,949 per year. MMA fighters earn more at $147,965 per year. Dojo owners earn in between those ranges at about $13,000 per month in net profit. For someone starting their own martial arts business, they can make around $13,125 per month on average, with a 50 percent profit margin.
In 2020, the US martial arts industry was worth $4.64 billion and was forecast to grow in 2021, reaching approximately $4.8 billion.
Owning a martial arts school is the simplest way to earn income from martial arts. Putting on seminars is another way for highly skilled martial artists to earn money.
Top UFC fighters earned up to $1.9 million in 2022.
However, newcomers tend to initially struggle financially in professional MMA careers. How much UFC fighters earn depends on past fights, popularity, and how often they fight per year. UFC fight cards in 2023 are already proving very popular and lucrative for top fighters.
Overall, professional martial artists face challenges like competition, limited jobs, and inconsistent income. Earnings range widely depending on factors like martial art style, skill level, and location. But passionate martial artists can find ways to make a living from their craft.