Substitute Teacher Salary
Average Salary of a Substitute Teacher in the USA (2025)
Find out the salary of a Substitute Teacher in the USA. Based on 3K+ case studies, you'll get a breakdown by earnings, experience levels, countries...
Substitute Teachers are the backbone of America's education system.
They step in when regular teachers are sick, attend training, or need time off. These dedicated professionals keep classrooms running well. They make sure students can learn without interruption. Substitute teachers help out in elementary, middle, and high schools nationwide.
In 2025, knowing how much Substitute Teachers make is key for anyone thinking about this flexible job.
The education field has many chances for those who want to impact students' lives. You can also enjoy a good work-life balance. Many Substitute Teachers like the freedom to pick their workdays. They also gain experience in various school settings.
This blog shows how much Substitute Teachers earn in America today. We'll cover daily rates, annual salaries for full-time substitutes, and which factors affect earnings the most.
You'll discover pay differences between school districts. You’ll also find out which states offer the best pay. Plus, you'll get practical tips to boost your income as a Substitute Teacher.
We’ll discuss substitute teaching pay. This includes benefits, experience, and qualifications that affect the daily rate. This information will help you make informed decisions.
What's the Average Salary of a Substitute Teacher in the USA?
$40,455 per year (Average)
We calculated this average from multiple trusted salary platforms and government sources. ZipRecruiter reports $42,244. Glassdoor shows $39,016. Talent.com lists $40,455. Zippia indicates $32,904. Indeed lists an hourly rate of $22.43. This amounts to about $46,654 per year for full-time work.
The current average shows steady demand in the field. Recent data reveals $20.31 per hour, which equals $42,244 per year. This year's numbers show that people are recognizing how important substitute teachers are. Recent challenges in education have made it clear that we need reliable classroom coverage.
Substitute Teacher Salary Key Metrics 2025
Average salary: Substitute Teachers make about $40,455 a year. This figure comes from various salary surveys and government data in the USA. This figure shows pay for regular substitutes working during the school year.
Salary range: Government data shows that entry-level jobs start at $30,002 a year. In contrast, experienced workers can earn up to $156,000 a year. K-12 substitute teachers earn an average of $16.48 per hour. But, this rate can change a lot depending on the location and school district.
Salary by experience: Many data sources in the USA show that entry-level Substitute Teachers earn about $30,002 a year. In contrast, experienced professionals can earn significantly more. Permanent Substitute Teachers earn about $52,665 a year. This shows that steady work and experience can boost earnings.
75th percentile: Government data shows that substitute teachers in the top 25% earn much more than average. This is especially true for those in permanent roles or high-paying districts. Location and specialized subject areas greatly influence top-tier earnings.
Substitute Teacher Salary Regional Comparison
Geographic location dramatically affects substitute teacher pay across America. Different states and school districts pay teachers differently. This depends on local funding, cost of living, and teacher shortages.
Some areas have a big shortage of substitutes. They offer high pay to attract qualified candidates. The top-paying states are Hawaii, Alaska, Oregon, and California. Their average salaries range from $40,000 to $46,000 a year.
Here's how salaries compare across major regions:
Data collected from many USA salary surveys and government labor statistics for 2025.
Washington pays the most for substitute teacher jobs. Florida pays the least. Western states usually provide higher pay, but the cost of living matters when looking at the overall value.
6 Tips to Grow Your Substitute Teacher Salary
1. Get Teaching Certification or License: Earn your teaching license to access higher-paying permanent substitute positions. Many global salary surveys show that licensed substitute teachers earn 20-30% more than non-licensed ones in most districts.
2. Specialize in High-Demand Subject Areas: Focus on math, science, special education, or foreign languages. Many data sources in the USA show that skilled substitute teachers earn 15-25% more than general education substitutes. This is because there are shortages in certain areas.
3. Build Relationships with Multiple School Districts: Register with several districts to maximize work opportunities. Substitute teachers who work in multiple districts earn 30-50% more each year than those who only work in one district.
4. Pursue Long-Term Substitute Assignments: Seek extended placements lasting weeks or months. International salary surveys show that long-term substitutes earn daily rates 20-40% more than day-to-day substitutes. They may also receive some benefits.
5. Develop Classroom Management and Technology Skills: Master modern teaching tools and effective classroom management techniques. USA salary reports indicate that substitute teachers with strong tech skills are in higher demand. This demand results in 25-35% more workdays each year.
6. Consider Permanent Substitute Positions: Apply for full-time substitute roles at larger districts. Global salary surveys show that permanent substitute teachers earn more than daily substitutes. They make about $52,665 a year, including benefits.
FAQs About Substitute Teacher Salaries
What is the daily rate for a substitute teacher in the USA?
Substitute teachers usually make $16.48 to $22.43 an hour. This means they earn $130 to $180 a day. The pay varies by school district and the length of the school day. Daily rates vary significantly by state and local funding levels.
How much does experience affect a substitute teacher's salary?
Experience significantly impacts earnings potential. Entry-level substitutes make about $30,002 a year. In contrast, experienced substitutes can earn as much as $156,000. Building relationships with schools and gaining permanent substitute positions greatly increases earning potential.
Do substitute teacher salaries include benefits and bonuses?
Most daily substitute positions don't include benefits. Permanent substitute teachers make $52,665 a year. They often receive benefits such as health insurance, retirement contributions, and paid time off. This is similar to what regular teachers get.
Is the substitute teacher's salary before or after taxes?
All salary figures mentioned are gross annual income before taxes. Your take-home pay will drop after federal, state, and local taxes are taken out.
What qualifications increase a substitute teacher's earning potential?
Teaching licenses, college degrees, and specialized certifications boost earning potential. Many data sources in the USA show that licensed teachers earn 20-30% more as substitutes. A master's degree can boost daily rates by another 10-15%.
How does substitute teacher pay compare to regular teacher salaries?
Entry-level teachers make $53,698 a year and get full benefits. Substitute teachers earn about $40,455 but don’t receive benefits. However, substitutes enjoy greater schedule flexibility and less administrative responsibility.
Which school districts pay substitute teachers the highest salaries?
Large urban districts and wealthy suburban areas typically pay the most. Metropolitan areas usually pay a bit more than non-metropolitan places. Some districts pay over $200 per day for hard-to-fill jobs.
Do substitute teachers get paid during school breaks and summers?
Substitute teachers generally earn income only when schools are in session and they are needed to work. Annual income depends on how many days are worked and the available assignments during the school year.
How often do substitute teacher rates increase?
Most school districts review substitute pay annually as part of budget planning. Rate increases usually come after teacher contract talks. They range from 2% to 5% each year. However, some districts with shortages might give bigger raises.
What is the difference between daily and permanent substitute teacher positions?
Daily substitutes call in as needed and earn daily rates. Permanent substitutes, on the other hand, work full-time schedules. Permanent positions pay an average of $52,665 a year and include benefits. In contrast, daily substitutes earn about $40,455 a year but enjoy more flexibility and no benefits.
All pay information is current as of 2025. Data comes from several global salary surveys and government statistics, 2025.
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