Substitute Teacher Pay Calculator

Substitute teacher daily pay rates typically range from $90 to $200 per day depending on the state, district, and education level. The national average falls around $120–$140 per day. Long-term substitutes and those with a bachelor's degree or higher generally earn at the upper end of that range.

Annual earnings for substitute teachers in the U.S. average around $38,240, but can range from roughly $22,850 to $46,680 depending on location, how many days are worked, and education level. Because most substitute positions are day-to-day, annual income varies widely based on how often you're called in.

Holding a bachelor's degree can increase a substitute teacher's daily rate by roughly 10–20% in many districts. Some school systems have separate pay tiers specifically for degree-holding substitutes, and a degree may also qualify you for long-term assignments that pay even more.

Long-term substitutes — typically those filling a position for 10 or more consecutive days — often earn a higher daily rate than day-to-day subs. Depending on the district, long-term pay can be 15–30% higher than the standard rate, and some districts place long-term subs on the lower rungs of the regular teacher salary scale.

Hawaii, Connecticut, New Jersey, and California tend to offer the highest substitute teacher pay, with average annual salaries exceeding $45,000 in top-paying states. Mississippi, Arkansas, and West Virginia are typically among the lowest-paying states for substitute positions.

Most day-to-day substitute teachers do not receive benefits such as health insurance, paid time off, or retirement contributions. Long-term and full-time substitutes in some districts may qualify for partial benefits. This is an important consideration when comparing substitute pay to regular teaching salaries.

The number of days worked varies greatly. A part-time substitute might work 1–2 days per week, while a highly available sub in a large district might work nearly every school day. Across a 36-week school year, common totals range from 50 to 150 days worked annually.

Substitute teaching can be a flexible supplemental income source, but it's generally not sufficient as a sole income for most people due to the inconsistent scheduling and lack of benefits. It works best for retired educators, college students in education programs, or those seeking part-time work aligned with a school calendar.