Substitute Teachers, Short-Term
Job Zone 4 - Considerable preparation needed
Teach students on a short-term basis as a temporary replacement for a regular classroom teacher, typically using the regular teacher's lesson plan.
Median pay: $41,670/yr (U.S. national, May 2025)
Typical range nationwide (10th–90th percentile). This is a population snapshot, not a personal prediction - actual pay varies by location, employer, and experience.
Job outlook: +1.6% projected growth, 2024–2034 — about as fast as average.
About 61,100 openings per year, on average, over the decade.
Typical entry-level education: Bachelor's degree.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS and Employment Projections.
• Enforce school and class rules to maintain order in the classroom.
• Answer students' questions.
• Follow lesson plans designed by absent teachers.
• Take class attendance and maintain attendance records.
• Supervise students during activities outside the classroom, such as recess, lunch, and field trips.
• Teach social skills to students, such as communication, conflict resolution, and etiquette.
• Tutor or assist students individually or in small groups.
• Distribute or collect tests or homework assignments.
What's the median pay for Substitute Teachers, Short-Term?
The median pay for Substitute Teachers, Short-Term is $41,670 per year, per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
What's the job outlook for Substitute Teachers, Short-Term?
Employment for Substitute Teachers, Short-Term is projected to change +1.6% from 2024 to 2034 - about as fast as average.
What education is typically required for Substitute Teachers, Short-Term?
Typical entry-level education: Bachelor's degree.
How many job openings are there each year for Substitute Teachers, Short-Term?
About 61,100 openings per year, on average, over the decade.