Substitute teaching offers a unique mix of flexibility and opportunity, making it an appealing choice for many educators. Whether you're exploring teaching as a long-term career or looking for a side income, you may be asking yourself: “How much do substitute teachers earn?”

This guide breaks down key factors that influence substitute teacher salaries, provides a state-by-state pay comparison, and offers tips to maximize your earning potential.

If you're interested in teacher salaries more broadly, check out our general guide to teacher pay.

National Average Salary for Substitute Teachers

In the United States, substitute teacher salaries vary based on factors such as location, experience, and education. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, as of May 2023, the median hourly wage for short-term substitute teachers was $14.36, equating to an annual salary of approximately $29,880.

Other sources report different figures. For instance, Indeed.com indicates that as of February 2025, the average hourly wage for substitute teachers is $21.77.

ZipRecruiter reports an average annual salary of $42,244, which translates to about $20.31 per hour.

These variations in the data just go to show the influence of factors such as geographic location, school district policies, and individual qualifications on substitute teacher compensation.

Daily vs. Long-Term Substitute Pay

• Daily Substitute Pay: Most substitutes are paid per day worked, typically earning between $100 and $200 depending on the state and school district.
  
  

• Long-Term Substitute Pay: Assignments that last several weeks or months often pay significantly more—sometimes up to $250 per day or higher. In some districts, long-term substitutes receive prorated salaries that align with full-time teacher pay.

Tip: If you prefer consistency, long-term substitute positions offer both higher pay and job stability.

State-by-State Salary Comparison

Pay for substitute teachers varies significantly by state and local demand. Below is a breakdown of average daily rates across key states:

While states like California and New York typically offer higher pay, it's important to consider their higher cost of living. On the other hand, states like Georgia and Florida may offer lower wages but have more affordable living expenses.

However, it's essential to note that specific state-level salary data for substitute teachers is not comprehensively available from authoritative sources. 

For the most accurate and up-to-date salary information, prospective substitutes should check with local school districts or state education departments.

Pro Tip: Even within the same state, pay rates can vary significantly by district—so research local opportunities carefully.

Factors That Affect Substitute Teacher Pay

Several factors influence how much you can earn as a substitute teacher. Here’s what impacts your salary the most:

1. Public vs. Private Schools

   • Public Schools: Typically follow district-wide pay structures, ensuring consistent salaries but often with set limits.

   • Private Schools: Pay can vary greatly. Some prestigious private schools pay more than public schools, while others may have tighter budgets and offer lower wages.

2. Experience and Certifications

   • Prior teaching experience and additional certifications can increase your earning potential.

   • Specializations in STEM subjects, special education, or bilingual education are often in higher demand and command better pay.

3. Demand and Shortage Areas

   • Schools in high-need districts or rural areas often offer higher pay rates to attract substitute teachers.

   • Zen Educate work with schools with a wide range of flexible requirements from schools who need to fill roles quickly to longer term contracts. Our platform will match you with the perfect role.

4. Time of Year and Urgency

   • Demand spikes during flu season and peak vacation periods, which can lead to higher pay.

   • Schools may also offer premium rates for last-minute or emergency substitute requests.

How to Increase Your Earning Potential

Want to boost your income as a substitute teacher? Here are a few strategies to help you earn more while maintaining flexibility:

1. Seek Long-Term Assignments

   • Long-term substitute roles pay more and offer greater job stability.

   • They also provide valuable experience if you’re considering a full-time teaching career.
     
     
     

2. Get Additional Certifications

   • Certain certifications make you more valuable and increase your earning potential. Some of the most in-demand certifications include:

     • Special Education Certification (for working with students with learning differences)

     • Bilingual Education Certification (for classrooms with English learners)

     • STEM Certifications (for subjects like math, science, and technology)

   • Bonus Tip: Many states and school districts offer financial aid for certification programs—check for available funding options!
     
     

3. Target High-Demand School Districts

   • Schools struggling with teacher shortages often pay substitutes at higher rates.

   • Research districts with low retention rates or high demand to find better-paying opportunities.
     
     

4. Use Job Placement Services

   • Platforms like Zen Educate help match substitute teachers with high-paying schools, streamlining the job search process.

Better pay, better jobs, better support.

Looking for a better package? Zen Educate connects teachers and substitutes to schools looking for candidates. We match your profile with 100s of roles to make your job search quick and stress-free.

Find exciting new positions that align with your skills and interests.

Why should you work through Zen Educate?

✔️ Higher rates of pay

✔️ Set travel times to find work on your terms

✔️ Great personal support from our team