Substitute Teacher: Career Overview

Official government data · Updated April 2026

Substitute Teachers earn a national median of $38,470/yr with 1.6% projected employment growth over 2024–2034. The role draws on expertise in English Language, Education and Training, Public Safety and Security.

Median Salary

$38,470

National · 2024

10-Year Growth

1.6%

Slower than average

Employed Nationally

481,300

2024 data

Typical Education

Bachelor's degree

Entry-level

What Employers Expect From a Substitute Teacher

These are the competencies recruiters screen for in Substitute Teacher candidates, ranked by importance. Your resume should demonstrate each one:

1 Reading Comprehension 2 Active Listening 3 Speaking 4 Social Perceptiveness 5 Critical Thinking 6 Monitoring 7 Instructing 8 Writing 9 Learning Strategies 10 Time Management

Knowledge Areas

Core knowledge domains most important for Substitute Teacher performance, based on verified occupational data.

English Language Education and Training Public Safety and Security Customer and Personal Service Computers and Electronics

Job Outlook: 2024–2034

Employment is projected to grow 1.6% for Substitute Teacher roles over the 2024–2034 decade. That's slower than average compared to the 4% average across all occupations.

Current Employment
481,300
Projected Growth
1.6%
Typical Education
Bachelor's degree

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a Substitute Teacher do?
Substitute Teachers apply expertise in English Language, Education and Training, Public Safety and Security to perform their core responsibilities. Key competencies include Reading Comprehension, Active Listening, Speaking, Social Perceptiveness.
How much does a Substitute Teacher make?
The national median salary for a Substitute Teacher is $38,470 per year based on official government wage survey data. Actual compensation varies by location, experience, and employer.
Is Substitute Teacher a good career in 2026?
Employment for Substitute Teacher roles is projected to grow 1.6% over the 2024–2034 decade — slower than average compared to all occupations. There are currently 481,300 workers in this occupation nationally.
What education do you need to become a Substitute Teacher?
The typical entry-level education for a Substitute Teacher is Bachelor's degree. Requirements vary by employer and specialization.
What skills do Substitute Teachers need?
The most important skills for Substitute Teacher roles based on verified occupational data: Reading Comprehension, Active Listening, Speaking, Social Perceptiveness, Critical Thinking, Monitoring, Instructing, Writing, Learning Strategies, Time Management.

Does Your Resume Cover These Skills?

Tap the skills that are currently on your resume.

Salary, employment, and skills figures sourced from official U.S. government records and occupational databases. Actual compensation and requirements vary by location, experience, and employer. Salary and employment figures from official U.S. government records. Actual compensation varies by location, experience, and employer.