Indoor climbing coach at local gyms

Adult beginners, parents of kids and teens, school and youth groups, and climbers who want to improve technique.

Hourly fee for private lessons, per-person fees for small group classes, and kids' skills clinics or camps run on a set schedule.

• Solid climbing and belaying experience
• Patient, clear teaching
• Safety awareness and good judgment

• General liability and professional liability insurance, and check whether the gym requires its own coverage
• Many gyms have rules about outside instructors, so get any agreement in writing
• Waivers for every client, and extra care when teaching minors
• Check your state and city for any business license requirements

Estimates suggest startup costs typically around $300 to $1,500, depending on your gear and insurance. Monthly revenue is estimated at about $300 to $2,000, depending on how many lessons and classes you teach.

Check general liability and professional liability insurance, and whether the gym requires its own coverage. Plan on waivers for every client, with extra care when teaching minors. Also check your state and city for any business license requirements.

Not necessarily. Many gyms have rules about outside instructors, so get any agreement in writing. Estimates suggest as little as about 4 hours a week to start, and you'll want solid climbing and belaying experience plus patient, clear teaching.