Substitute Teachers Salary in California
Substitute Teachers in California earn a median of $60,300 a year, +45% compared with the U.S. median.
Updated October 2026 · Data: BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
- Median pay
- $60,300
- vs. U.S. median
- +45% ($41,670)
- Rank among states
- 2 of 50
- Jobs in the state
- 115,660
Pay range in California
The lowest-paid 10% earn under $39,040; the top 10% earn over $78,670. Nationally the range is $28,560 to $65,790.
States ranked near California
Similar jobs in California
- Kindergarten Teachers, Except Special Education$82,550 median in California
- Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education$99,650 median in California
- Special Education Teachers, Middle School$101,530 median in California
- Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education$101,370 median in California
- Special Education Teachers, Secondary School$101,060 median in California
- Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education$98,950 median in California
Substitute Teachers pay in California
How much do substitute teachers make in California?
The median is $60,300 a year. The lowest-paid 10% earn under $39,040 and the top 10% earn over $78,670. BLS OEWS May 2025.
Is California a good state for substitute teachers?
On pay alone it ranks 2 of 50 (+45% vs. the national median of $41,670). Living costs are not included.