Substitute Teachers
O*NET title: Substitute Teachers, Short-Term
Teach students on a short-term basis as a temporary replacement for a regular classroom teacher, typically using the regular teacher's lesson plan.
Also called: Building Sub (Building Substitute), Building Sub Teacher (Building Substitute Teacher), Certified Sub Teacher (Certified Substitute Teacher), Child Development Sub Teacher (Child Development Substitute Teacher), Classroom Sub Teacher (Classroom Substitute Teacher), Elementary Sub Teacher (Elementary Substitute Teacher)
Median pay
$41,670
per year, U.S.
Pay range (10th–90th)
$28,560 – $65,790
People employed
524,770
Holland code
SCA
Social · Conventional · Artistic
Updated October 2026 · Data: O*NET 31.0 and BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
Is this career right for you?
These are the things that stand out in this job compared with other U.S. jobs (O*NET 31.0 work context). Answer honestly.
- 1.Do you prefer a steady pace without constant deadlines?
- 2.Do you want to lead or coordinate other people’s work?
- 3.Do you want a job with little physical risk?
- 4.Would you rather not deal with customers or the public?
- 5.Do you want to stay at 40 hours a week or less?
Substitute Teachers pay by state
Annual median pay by state (49 states and DC with published data). Source: BLS OEWS May 2025.
What substitute teachers do
- 01Enforce school and class rules to maintain order in the classroom.
- 02Answer students' questions.
- 03Follow lesson plans designed by absent teachers.
- 04Take class attendance and maintain attendance records.
- 05Provide students with disabilities with assistive devices, supportive technology, or assistance accessing facilities, such as restrooms.
- 06Supervise students during activities outside the classroom, such as recess, lunch, and field trips.
Skills that matter most
- Reading Comprehension
- Active Listening
- Speaking
- Critical Thinking
- Monitoring
- Learning Strategies
Knowledge
- English Language
- Education and Training
- Public Safety and Security
- Customer and Personal Service
- Computers and Electronics
Work styles that stand out
- Dependability
- Cooperation
- Social Orientation
- Self-Control
- Stress Tolerance
Education and first steps
Share of workers by required education, as reported to O*NET.
How people get started
- Usually needs a bachelor's degree (O*NET Job Zone 4).
- Related work experience: none.
- On-the-job training: none or short demonstration.
- A certification can help.
Most common answers from O*NET 31.0 Education, Training and Experience.
Interest fit (Holland code)
O*NET occupational interest scores, scale 1–7. Take the Free Career Test to compare with your own.
Career changes
Change from substitute teachers
- Kindergarten Teachers, Except Special Education94% · +50%
- Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education93% · +54%
- Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education92% · +73%
- Special Education Teachers, Secondary School92% · +78%
- Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education89% · +54%
Change into substitute teachers
Jobs whose skills carry over best (skill match, their median pay).
- Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education76% · $38,140
- Adapted Physical Education Specialists74% · $76,580
- Social and Human Service Assistants74% · $45,930
- Teaching Assistants, Postsecondary74% · $42,910
- Kindergarten Teachers, Except Special Education73% · $62,680