How much do substitute teachers make?

If you are considering becoming a substitute teacher, congratulations! It’s one of the most rewarding jobs out there. 

You might be wondering how much does a substitute teacher make? Is there an average substitute teacher salary? Good questions to ask as compensation is an important part of why most people go to work! Let’s look more closely into how substitute teachers get paid and the benefits of doing this meaningful work in our schools. 

How is pay for substitute educators set?

Kelly Education hires substitute teachers in hundreds of school districts across the country. So, we know that there are many factors that contribute to local pay. Most substitute teachers don’t earn a salary, instead they fall into an hourly or per diem pay structure.

School districts determine the pay scale for substitute teachers. As a starting point, many look to state minimum wage requirements for substitute teachers. Local cost of living, taxes, and school bond rates play a role in what the districts can pay. Districts also look at the pay scales for comparable jobs in the area.

How much do substitute teachers make on average?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) website, the 2023 national mean hourly wage of short-term substitute teachers is $20.95.  

As a point of reference, the average hourly rate by state ranges from $33 in Wisconsin to almost $15.60 in Texas. Again, keep in mind that some districts pay more or less depending on their local and state tax base and other factors. Some states and districts require a college degree to become a substitute teacher while others require a high school diploma 

For an average rate in your state, you can check out the BLS website. However, you’ll find the most accurate local pay information by referring to the job description for the actual substitute teacher position. These are typically found on the school district website or job board postings. 

Note that while substitute teacher pay can be be reported as an hourly rate, some school districts pay a daily rate. For example, a district might pay you $80-125 per day. Districts may set higher rates for individuals who meet certain criteria, like having a higher education degree or prior experience as a teacher. At Kelly Education, we work with our partner school districts to provide an analysis of the local job market to assist in setting competitive pay. 

Flexibility of scheduling is a value-add.

Many substitute teachers weigh the pay rate with the flexibility of the work. 

• You can decide weeks in advance (or sometimes the night before) if you want to schedule work. 
• Your work hours that finish before “normal business hours” are typically over. School ends early enough to complete personal errands in the late afternoon and be home in time for dinner. 
• You won’t bring your work home with you if serving in a daily, short-term substitute capacity. Though, you might enjoy grading papers or prepping a lesson in a long-term role. 

What are the benefits of working with Kelly Education?

Most substitute teacher roles are part-time and may not be eligible for district benefits. When working as a substitute teacher through Kelly Education, educators have access to: 

• Kelly-sponsored ACA health coverage 
• Telemedicine 

• Dental insurance 
• Vision coverage 
• Critical illness coverage 
• Accident insurance 
• Life insurance 
• Short-term disability 
• Free online training 
• Holiday pay plan 
• Corporate discounts 
• Weekly electronic pay options 
• Service bonus plan 
• Employee well-being program 
• Transportation spending accounts 

Become a substitute teacher with Kelly Education. 

If you are ready to make a difference with flexible work that matters, the Kelly Education team is here to help you explore your options. Fill out our brief interest form and one of our recruiters will contact you to share more about opportunities to become a sub teacher with one of our school district partners.

For more guidance on working as a substitute teacher, check out our complete guide to becoming a substitute teacher. We also have an entire library of articles, including: classroom management for substitute teachers, social media guidance for substitute teachers, and how to introduce yourself as a substitute teacher. 

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