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Paying Instructors Through Zipper: What's Possible

Zipper tracks what instructors are owed — but doesn't send payments. Here's what the platform handles and how the typical workflow looks.

What Zipper Does

Zipper is a payroll tracking tool, not a payroll execution tool. It calculates instructor earnings based on:

  • Pay rates assigned to each staff member (flat rate per class, per-head, hourly, etc.)
  • Classes and appointments taught (logged automatically when instructors are assigned)
  • Time clock records (for hourly staff using clock-in/clock-out)

You can run reports to see exactly what each instructor is owed for any period.

What Zipper Does NOT Do

  • Direct bank transfers to instructors
  • ACH payroll processing
  • Paycheck generation or tax calculations
  • W-2 or 1099 forms

The Standard Workflow

  1. Assign pay rates to each instructor — Staff > Staff Members → open the instructor → Pay Rates
  2. Instructors teach — Zipper logs each class and appointment they’re assigned to
  3. Clock in/out — hourly staff use time tracking for additional hours
  4. Run a payroll report at the end of your pay period

Reports page showing available report categories including payroll and revenue options

  1. Export the report as a CSV
  2. Pay instructors externally using Gusto, QuickBooks Payroll, check, bank transfer, or Venmo — whatever you use
  • Gusto — most popular for small fitness studios; handles direct deposit, W-2s, and tax filings
  • QuickBooks Payroll — good if you already use QuickBooks for accounting
  • Check or bank transfer — works for small teams with no payroll software

Tips

  • Where to find pay rate settings: Each instructor’s rate is on their staff profile. Templates can be shared across instructors with similar pay structures.
  • Contractor vs. employee: Zipper’s reports work the same regardless of employment type. You handle tax implications in your external payroll tool.

Troubleshooting

Instructor’s earnings look wrong in the report. Check: (1) their pay rate is set correctly, (2) they were assigned as the instructor on the right classes/appointments, (3) the report’s date range covers the right period.

Can Zipper pay instructors directly? Not currently. Payroll execution is a frequently requested feature — check Zipper’s product updates for future availability.

Need a hand?

Email our team at support@joinzipper.com and we'll usually reply within a few hours.

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