Salary of an Occasional Teacher
Average Salary of an Occasional Teacher in 2025
Are you considering being an occasional teacher? Or are you unsure if your pay is fair? This guide will show you exactly what occasional teachers earn in 2025. We will look at real salary data from top job sites and government sources.
You will learn about pay by state, experience level, and tips to earn more money. We will answer common questions like how much occasional teachers make per day, per hour, and per year.
This info helps you make smart career choices. It also shows your worth in today’s job market. Knowing how much you can earn is crucial for a successful teaching career in 2025.
What's the Average Salary of an Occasional Teacher in the USA?
$42,244 per year (Average)
This average comes from data on job platforms such as ZipRecruiter, Indeed, and PayScale. ZipRecruiter says the average yearly pay for a substitute teacher in the U.S. is $42,244. This equals about $20.31 per hour.
Indeed reports a higher hourly rate for substitute teachers at $22.43. In contrast, PayScale shows the average pay at $11.99.
Occasional teacher salaries have risen by about 3-5% in most states compared to last year. School districts are struggling with teacher shortages. To attract more qualified candidates, they are raising substitute pay.
Occasional Teacher Key Metrics 2025
Average salary: $42,244 per year.
Most occasional teachers earn $32,000 to $52,000 each year. This is based on an analysis of over 8,600 salary data points from major job platforms.
Salary range: $25,000 - $65,000.
Zippia reports the average salary for a substitute teacher is $32,904 per year, or $16 per hour. The lowest 10% earn around $25,000, while the top 10% can make up to $65,000 in high-paying districts.
Salary by experience:
Entry-level (0-1 years): $28,000 - $35,000
Mid-level (2-5 years): $35,000 - $45,000
Experienced (5+ years): $45,000 - $65,000
75th percentile: $52,000. Job platforms reveal that 75% of occasional teachers make under $52,000 a year. The top 25% earn more than this.
Occasional Teacher Regional Comparison
Location plays a big role in how much occasional teachers earn. Urban areas and states with higher costs of living typically pay more. Some states also have teacher shortages, which drives up substitute pay rates.
Here's how salaries compare across major regions:
California provides great value for occasional teachers in terms of salary and job availability. However, remember to consider the higher cost of living in your decision.
6 Tips to Grow Your Salary as an Occasional Teacher
1. Get Teaching Certification: Having a teaching license can increase your daily rate by 15-25%. Many districts pay certified substitutes $20-40 more per day than non-certified ones.
2. Specialize in High-Need Subjects: Math, science, and special education substitutes earn 10-20% more than general classroom subs. These subjects have the biggest teacher shortages.
3. Build Long-Term Relationships: Regular substitutes working at the same schools get preferred status. They often choose assignments first, which means more workdays each month.
4. Work in Multiple Districts: Registering with 3-4 nearby school districts gives you more job opportunities and flexibility to choose higher-paying assignments.
5. Get More Training: Taking courses in emergency first aid, classroom management, or special needs can help you qualify for specialty jobs. These positions may pay $5-$10 more per hour.
6. Think About Long-Term Roles: Long-term substitute jobs (2+ weeks) usually offer a higher daily rate. They may also include benefits, such as health insurance.
FAQs About Occasional Teacher Salaries
Is the average salary of an Occasional Teacher before or after tax?
All salary figures mentioned are gross annual salaries before taxes. You will need to subtract federal, state, and local taxes from these amounts.
Does the average salary include bonuses for Occasional Teachers?
No, the base salary figures do not include bonuses. Some districts offer completion bonuses or performance incentives that are listed separately.
How much do Occasional Teachers make per day?
Daily rates vary by location, with some areas like New York paying $205.25 per day. Most districts pay $80 to $250 per day. This varies based on your qualifications and where you live.
What is the hourly pay rate for Occasional Teachers?
Substitute teachers earn between $10.99 and $22.44 an hour. The national average is about $16 to $20 per hour.
Do Occasional Teachers get benefits?
Most occasional teachers do not receive benefits like health insurance or retirement contributions. However, long-term positions may include some benefits.
How many days per year do Occasional Teachers work on a typical basis?
Most occasional teachers work between 100 and 150 days each school year. This depends on two things: demand and their availability. Full-time substitutes may work up to 180 days.
What qualifications increase an Occasional Teacher's salary?
A bachelor's degree, teaching certification, and subject expertise often mean better pay and more job choices.
Can Occasional Teachers work in multiple school districts?
Yes, many occasional teachers sign up with different districts. This helps them earn more and find more job options.
Note: All pay information is current as of 2025. Data comes from multiple global salary surveys and government stats, 2025.
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