As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Substitute Teacher in the United States is $35,662 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $17.
However, a Substitute Teacher's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Substitute Teacher's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Substitute Teacher's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here’s how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Substitute Teacher | $33,760 |
| Intermediate Level Substitute Teacher | $34,039 |
| Senior Level Substitute Teacher | $35,434 |
| Specialist Level Substitute Teacher | $36,570 |
| Expert Level Substitute Teacher | $37,161 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Substitute Teachers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Confidentiality | 5.36% |
| First Aid | 7.14% |
| Support Services | 2.34% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Innovation
|
$39,584 |
11%
|
|
Hard Working
|
$38,158 |
7%
|
|
Coaching
|
$38,158 |
7%
|
|
Critical Thinking
|
$37,445 |
5%
|
|
Flexibility
|
$37,088 |
4%
|
|
Problem Solving
|
$37,088 |
4%
|
For Substitute Teacher roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 100% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Healthcare and Business Services sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 50% above the average. In contrast, Substitute Teacher positions in Hospitality & Leisure or Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Substitute Teacher as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Healthcare | $53,492 | $26.0 | 50% |
| Business Services | $42,794 | $21.0 | 20% |
Understanding how a Substitute Teacher's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
Last Updated on September 01, 2026Salaries for a Substitute Teacher can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $44,496 in 2023 to around $44,134 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Substitute Teacher salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $44,496 |
| 2024 | $44,460 |
| 2025 | $44,134 |
| 2026 |
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|
| 2027 |
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|
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Compensation PlanningHere are companies hiring for Substitute Teacher and their salaries, click below for more details.
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The Healthcare industry offers the highest average compensation for Substitute Teacher roles, with salaries approximately 50% above the market median.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)
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