How much do substitute teachers make in Texas?

Substitute teachers in Texas make $15.61 as the mean hourly wage. At Kelly Education, we’re here to help you get started with substitute teaching. We know that clear, accurate pay rates play an important role in helping you determine whether you’d like to move forward with substitute teaching. 

In this article, we’ll explore the different factors that contribute to how much substitute teachers make in Texas, as well as other benefits of working as a substitute teacher. 

What determines how much a substitute teacher in Texas makes?

Individual districts determine substitute teacher pay. Even if you become a substitute teacher with Kelly Education, the school district will still determine your pay rate. Your school district may offer the same rates for substitute teachers year-round, or rates may change over time, depending on an increase or decrease in the district’s need for substitute teachers. 

School districts consider several factors when determining substitute teacher pay rates, including: 

• Cost of living in your local area 

• State minimum substitute teacher pay rates 

• Current need for substitute teachers 

• School district budget constraints 

• State and local taxes (an important note: in Texas, there is no state income tax) 

Your education level may also factor into your pay rate. Some school districts set tiered pay rates for substitute teachers with high school diplomas, those with bachelor’s degrees, and those with graduate degrees. Those with a teaching certificate or teaching experience may also qualify for higher pay rates. Your district may increase your pay rate each year you work as a substitute teacher to compensate you for your experience.

How are Texas substitute teachers paid?

It’s up to each individual school district to decide how they pay substitute teachers. Some offer a daily pay rate, while others pay hourly. If you’re working as a long-term substitute teacher (you’re filling in for a classroom teacher for several weeks or months), your pay structure may differ from when you’re teaching in a classroom for a single day. 

While most substitute teachers work in various buildings across the school district, your district may offer the option of becoming a building substitute teacher. In this role, you’ll go to work at the same building each day, filling in for classroom teachers and aides as needed. Sometimes, not often, working as a building substitute is a salaried role. 

How much do substitute teachers make in Texas?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the mean hourly wage for substitute teachers across the United States is $20.95 per hour or $43,570 per year. 

In Texas, there are more than 54,000 substitute teachers, making it the state with the second-highest amount of substitute teachers in the country, just behind California. The mean hourly wage for substitute teachers in Texas is $15.61, or $32,460 annually. 

Many factors contribute to how much a substitute teacher can make in a year in Texas. Since you have control over your own schedule, you’ll get to decide how often you work. You may also choose to accept long-term substitute teaching positions, which can impact your annual pay. 

Benefits of working as a Texas substitute teacher.

Working as a substitute teacher isn’t just about earning a living — it’s also about making a difference in each classroom, as well as enjoying a high level of flexibility. 

Some benefits you’ll enjoy as a substitute teacher in Texas include: 

• You’ll get to leave your work at school each day. In most substitute teaching positions, you won’t be expected to lesson plan or grade papers. If you’re interested in taking on a more intensive role that includes these duties, you may be interested in learning more about long-term substitute teaching opportunities. 

• Your work hours mirror school hours. This means that you’ll be out of work by 3 p.m., allowing you plenty of time to run errands and enjoy hobbies. 

• You’ll be responsible for your own schedule. You can decide when you want to work. Day-to-day flexibility sometimes allows you to decide whether you’re going to work the night before. 

Kelly Education: Here to help Texas substitute teachers thrive, one job at a time.

There are many rewarding reasons to become a substitute teacher. That being said, many substitute teachers are not typically eligible for benefits with their school district, as they are not full-time employees. 

If your district is a partner with Kelly Education, we support you throughout the process of becoming a Texas substitute teacher. When you work for us, Kelly Education substitute teachers are offered individual voluntary options that include: 

• Kelly-sponsored ACA health coverage 

• Vision coverage  

• Dental coverage  

• Telemedicine  

• Critical illness coverage  

• Short-term disability  

• Life insurance  

• Accident insurance  

Our substitute teachers are also eligible for: 

• Corporate discounts  

• Holiday pay plan  

• Complimentary employee well-being program  
• Access to retirement savings plans  

Grow as a substitute teacher with Kelly Education. 

You’re ready to make a difference — we’re here to help. At Kelly Education, we believe in helping our substitute teachers become the best educators for students. We support our substitute teachers every step of the way. To get started, check out these articles from our fully stocked resource library: 

• A complete guide to becoming a substitute teacher 
• What not to do as a substitute teacher 
• How to become a substitute teacher in Texas 

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 substitute teacher with one of our school district partners.

I’m interested