How to become substitute teachers, short-termeducation, training, experience and the steps to enter

United States Education Confidence ★★★★★

Median annual pay

$41,670

25th–75th pct. $34,170–$54,890

Top pay (est.)

$85,500

Top 10% $65,790

Pay in 5 years

$48,300est.

2031

Pay in 10 years

$55,900est.

$48,100–$64,900

Outlook score

49/100

★★☆☆☆ Average

AI replacement risk

39%

Low

Job growth (10 yr)

+2.0%

65K openings / yr

How to become substitute teachers, short-term

Typical education

Bachelor's degree

BLS

Related experience

None

On-the-job training

None

A step-by-step guide for this occupation is being prepared. The education, training and experience data above show the typical path.

Skills, education and requirements for Substitute Teachers, Short-Term

Key skills

Reading Comprehension

3.8

Active Listening

3.8

Social Perceptiveness

3.6

Speaking

3.5

Monitoring

3.4

Writing

3.4

Critical Thinking

3.2

Instructing

3.1

O*NET skill level ratings (0–7).

Key knowledge areas

English Language

4.5

Customer and Personal Service

3.5

Education and Training

3.2

Computers and Electronics

3.1

History and Archeology

2.8

Philosophy and Theology

2.7

Public Safety and Security

2.6

Psychology

2.6

What the work involves

Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsMonitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsIdentifying Objects, Actions, and EventsAssisting and Caring for OthersOrganizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkResolving Conflicts and Negotiating with OthersCommunicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesMaking Decisions and Solving Problems

Important abilities

Oral ExpressionOral ComprehensionWritten ExpressionWritten ComprehensionSpeech ClarityProblem Sensitivity

Education of workers

Bachelor's degree

40%

Associate's degree

35%

Some college

10%

High school diploma

10%

Master's degree

Training before entry

None / short demo

43%

Up to 1 month

34%

1–3 months

3–6 months

4–10 years

2–4 years

1–2 years

Related work experience

None

40%

1–2 years

29%

6–12 months

17%

Up to 1 month

6–8 years

2–4 years

Job Zone 4 — considerable preparation needed (O*NET)

Difficulty of entry: ★★☆☆☆ Fairly easy (from education, training, experience and Job Zone)

Career path and how to earn more as substitute teachers, short-term

Career-path guidance is being prepared. Pay by percentile is shown in the Pay section.

Related occupations

	Occupation	Pay	Outlook	AI risk
1	Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education Teach academic and social skills to students at the elementary school level.	$63,970	46/100	28%
2	Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education Teach one or more subjects to students at the secondary school level.	$72,040	45/100	36%
3	Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education Teach one or more subjects to students at the middle, intermediate, or junior high school level.	$64,370	40/100	45%
4	Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education Instruct preschool-aged students, following curricula or lesson plans, in activities designed to promote social, physical, and intellectual growth.	$38,140	62/100	16%
5	Self-Enrichment Teachers Teach or instruct individuals or groups for the primary purpose of self-enrichment or recreation, rather than for an occupational objective, educational attainment, competition, or fitness.	$46,800	61/100	22%
6	Instructional Coordinators Develop instructional material, coordinate educational content, and incorporate current technology into instruction in order to provide guidelines to educators and instructors for developing curricula and conducting courses.	$77,440	57/100	50%

Pay and employment figures are national statistics. Projected pay, outlook scores and AI replacement risk are estimates from the Shigoto Zukan model, not guarantees. To request a correction, use the contact form. How to read the data

Sources: BLS OEWS May 2025; BLS Employment Projections 2025–35; O*NET 31.0 Database by USDOL/ETA (CC BY 4.0), modified by Shigoto Zukan. Pay ranges, projections and scores are Shigoto Zukan estimates.