Average Salary for a Substitute Teacher in the USA 2025: Pay by Experience Levels, Top States & How to Earn More
In 2025, the salary for a Substitute Teacher has become important for people wanting flexible teaching jobs. Substitute teachers fill in when regular teachers are sick or away. They work in elementary schools, middle schools, and high schools.
Many people choose this job because it offers flexible schedules.
Knowing how much substitute teachers earn helps you plan your work life. It helps you understand if this job can pay your bills. Many people wonder if substitute teaching pays enough to live on.
They also want to know which states offer the best daily rates. Some ask about the difference between daily pay and yearly salary.
This blog answers all your questions about substitute teacher pay in America.
We will show you real salary numbers from trusted sources. You will learn how experience and location affect your earnings. We will list the states that pay substitute teachers the most money. The article includes tips to increase your income as a substitute teacher. We cover common questions about daily rates, benefits, and work requirements. By reading this, you will understand exactly what substitute teachers make and how to earn more money in education.
Average Salary for a Substitute Teacher in the USA?
$40,637 per year (Average)
In 2025, the average salary for substitute teachers is projected to be $40,637. This info is from several salary sites like ZipRecruiter, Indeed, Glassdoor, and Salary.com. We calculated this by reviewing several global salary surveys and government employment statistics. ZipRecruiter shows $42,244 annually, while Indeed reports $22.44 per hour. Glassdoor lists $39,016 as the yearly average, and Zippia indicates a range between $32,904 and $59,724.
The current average salary shows slight growth from 2024 levels. This 2-3% increase comes from teacher shortages in many school districts. Schools are boosting pay for substitute teachers. This move aims to attract more qualified candidates for teaching roles.
Salary for a Substitute Teacher Key Metrics 2025
Average salary: Substitute teachers earn, on average, between $32,904 and $59,724 per year. This comes from various global salary surveys and U.S. employment data.
Salary range: The pay ranges from $23,000 at the entry level to $70,000+ at the high end, based on government statistics and salary platform data. Most substitute teachers fall between $32,904 and $59,724 annually.
Salary by experience:
Entry level (0-1 years): $28,000 per year
Some experience (2-4 years): $35,000 per year
Experienced (5+ years): $45,000+ per year
Permanent substitute positions: $50,326 per year
75th percentile: Substitute teachers in the top 25% earn $52,000 or more annually, according to many USA salary surveys and employment data sources.
Salary for a Substitute Teacher: Regional Comparison
Location greatly affects substitute teacher pay across America. States with higher teacher shortages usually pay more money. Areas with strong school budgets offer better daily rates. The cost of living in each region also impacts substitute teacher earnings. Here's how salaries compare across major U.S. states, with Washington being the highest paying state and Florida the lowest:
Based on employment survey data and state education statistics, Alaska offers the highest pay for substitute teachers, followed by California and Washington. These states also have teacher shortages that drive up wages. The best value for substitute teaching appears in states like Washington, which offers high daily rates with reasonable living costs compared to California.
6 Tips to Grow Your Substitute Teacher Salary
1. Get Teaching Credentials or Certification: Earn a teaching license or substitute teaching permit. Certified substitute teachers can earn a lot more. Permanent substitute positions pay $50,326 a year, while regular daily substitutes earn less.
2. Accept Long-Term Assignments: Take jobs that last several weeks or months instead of single days. Long-term substitute jobs often pay 20-40% more than daily ones, as shown in many school district salary schedules.
3. Work in High-Need Subject Areas: Focus on math, science, or special education positions where teacher shortages are severe. These subject areas typically offer premium daily rates that are $20-$50 higher than general substitute positions.
4. Move to Higher-Paying States: Consider relocating to Alaska, California, or Washington for better wages. These states pay the highest substitute teacher salaries in America, often 25-35% above the national average.
5. Build Relationships with Multiple Districts: Register with several school districts in your area to get more work opportunities. Registering in multiple districts can add 40-60% more working days. This will directly increase your yearly earnings.
6. Pursue Advanced Education: Complete a bachelor's degree or higher education credentials. Many districts pay substitute teachers with degrees $10 to $30 more per day than those with just high school diplomas. This is based on the district salary schedules.
FAQs About Substitute Teacher Salary
Is the average salary for a Substitute Teacher before or after tax?
All salary numbers shown are gross annual pay before taxes. You will need to subtract federal, state, and local taxes to calculate your actual take-home pay from substitute teaching work.
Do Substitute Teachers get paid for holidays and breaks?
No, substitute teachers typically only get paid for the days they actually work. School holidays, winter break, and summer vacation are unpaid periods unless you work summer school programs.
How much do Substitute Teachers make per day?
The average daily rate is about $22.44 per hour, which equals roughly $180-$200 per day for a full school day. Some districts, like NYC, pay $205.25 per day for experienced substitutes.
Can Substitute Teachers work full-time hours?
Yes, many substitute teachers work nearly full-time by taking assignments every available school day. However, work availability depends on teacher absences and district needs, so hours can vary significantly.
Do you need a college degree for Substitute Teacher salary levels?
Requirements vary by state and district. Some areas require bachelor's degrees, while others accept high school diplomas with training. College degree holders typically earn higher daily rates than those without degrees.
What benefits do Substitute Teachers receive?
Most substitute teachers receive limited benefits since they are temporary employees. Some long-term substitutes may qualify for health insurance or retirement contributions after working a certain number of days.
How does Substitute Teacher pay compare to regular teacher salaries?
Substitute teachers typically earn much less than full-time teachers. Regular teachers average $50,000-$90,000+ annually with benefits, while substitutes earn $25,000-$45,000 without full benefits.
Can Substitute Teachers increase their salary for working in multiple schools?
Yes, working in multiple schools and districts can significantly increase total earnings. Many substitutes work for 2-3 different districts to maximize their available working days and annual income.
What's the job outlook for Substitute Teacher salaries in 2025?
The substitute teaching field shows positive growth due to ongoing teacher shortages. Many districts are raising daily rates to attract more qualified substitutes, making salary growth likely in the coming years.
All pay information is current as of 2025. Data comes from several global salary surveys and government statistics, 2025.
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