Substitute Teachers, Short-Term Salary 2025: Median $41,670, Highest Pay in Alaska
The median salary for Substitute Teachers, Short-Term is $41,670 per year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The mean hourly wage works out to about $20. Most earn between $28,560 (10th percentile) and $65,790 (90th percentile), with 524,770 people employed nationally. Pay varies wildly by state and district—some substitute teachers clear $60,000, while others struggle near $22,000.
How much Substitute Teachers, Short-Term earn
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a national median salary of $41,670 for substitute teachers hired on a short-term basis, with a mean annual wage of $46,420. That breaks down to roughly $20 per hour. The bottom 10% earn $28,560 or less, while the top 10% make $65,790 or more. These figures include both full-time and part-time workers, and many substitutes work fewer than 40 hours per week or only during the school year.
- Median salary: $41,670
- 10th percentile: $28,560
- 90th percentile: $65,790
- Mean hourly wage: ~$20
- Total employment: 524,770
Pay by state
Where you substitute-teach heavily affects your paycheck. Alaska leads the nation at $66,920 average annual salary. California ($60,300), Hawaii ($58,530), Oregon ($58,280), and Washington ($55,740) also pay well above the national median. At the low end, Nevada substitutes earn a median of $24,960, Oklahoma $23,770, and Mississippi just $22,340. That's less than minimum wage in some states when calculated hourly.
How to become Substitute Teachers, Short-Term
Requirements vary by state and district, but the basic path is similar everywhere. Most districts require at least a high school diploma or equivalent, though many prefer some college coursework or an associate's degree. A bachelor's degree is often required for long-term substitute roles. You'll need to pass a background check and may need a state-issued license or permit—typically called a substitute teaching certificate or emergency permit. Some states require a basic skills test.
- Minimum education: High school diploma (some college preferred)
- Background check: Required in all states
- Certification: Substitute teaching permit or license (check state requirements)
- Typical steps: Apply to school district, complete training (if required), get on substitute list
- Alternative route: Retired teachers or college graduates often qualify faster
Job outlook
Employment of Substitute Teachers, Short-Term is projected to grow 1.6% from 2024 to 2034, slower than the average for all occupations. That translates to about 61,100 openings each year, mostly due to workers leaving the occupation or retiring. Demand is steady because schools always need coverage, but budget constraints and a shift toward full-time staffing can limit growth. Rural and low-income districts often have higher demand and harder-to-fill positions.
Frequently asked questions
What is the salary of a Substitute Teachers, Short-Term in 2025?
The national median salary is $41,670 per year, with a mean of $46,420. Pay ranges from $28,560 (10th percentile) to $65,790 (90th percentile).
What are the requirements to become a Substitute Teachers, Short-Term?
Most districts require a high school diploma and a clean background check. Some states or districts require an associate's or bachelor's degree, plus a substitute teaching permit or license. Specific requirements vary by state.
What is the job growth outlook for Substitute Teachers, Short-Term?
Employment is projected to grow 1.6% from 2024 to 2034, slower than average. About 61,100 openings per year are expected, mainly from workers leaving the field.
Salary figures are U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates (OEWS / Employment Projections). For informational purposes only; not career or financial advice. See the full Substitute Teachers, Short-Term data.