Highest-Paying Substitute Teacher Jobs [2026]
Research Summary. Utilizing a blend of public government data, company insights, and comprehensive job posting analysis, the Zippia data team has developed average salary estimates for various jobs across the United States. This analysis highlights the highest-paying substitute teacher roles based on average annual salaries.
Here’s a summary of our findings for the most lucrative types of substitute teachers:
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Student Teacher ranks as the highest-paid substitute teacher, boasting an average salary of $59,035 and an average hourly rate of $28.38.
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Following closely is the Summer School Teacher, with an average salary of $52,828.
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The average salary for substitute teachers stands at $32,904 annually, translating to an average hourly wage of $15.82.
Table Of Contents: Background | Table | Methodology | FAQs
Background
Choosing a career path can be challenging, and while compensation isn’t the only consideration, it plays a vital role in your decision. Understanding the highest-paying types of substitute teaching roles can help you navigate your career trajectory effectively.
Here are the top salaries for various substitute teacher roles:
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Student Teacher
Average Salary: $59,035
Student teachers assist supervising instructors in maintaining classroom order during lectures and activities. Their responsibilities include aiding in lesson planning, organizing learning activities, managing student behaviors, observing classroom procedures, preparing educational materials, providing feedback, and maintaining student records. Effective communication and decision-making skills are essential for ensuring student engagement and progress.
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Summer School Teacher
Average Salary: $52,828
Summer school teachers work during the summer, developing and implementing lesson plans that align with curriculum goals. They share similar responsibilities with regular school teachers.
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ESL Teacher
Average Salary: $52,701
ESL teachers focus on teaching English to non-native speakers, often in virtual environments. Their roles involve creating lesson plans, organizing learning materials, evaluating student progress, and fostering a comfortable learning atmosphere. A stable internet connection and an organized teaching space are crucial for effective online instruction.
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Head Teacher
Average Salary: $51,715
Head teachers oversee the overall learning process, managing staff performance and implementing effective strategies for student development. They lead meetings, communicate with parents regarding student progress, enforce safety policies, and address disciplinary issues. Strong leadership and communication skills are essential for this role.
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Certified Teacher
Average Salary: $50,708
Certified teachers design lesson plans tailored to curriculum standards and student needs. They manage classroom dynamics, assess student performance, and facilitate engaging activities to foster both academic and social growth.
Below is a comprehensive table detailing the average pay for various substitute teacher roles, followed by an explanation of our methodology.
Highest-Paying Types Of Substitute Teachers
| Rank | Job Title | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Student Teacher | |
| 2 | Summer School Teacher | |
| 3 | ESL Teacher | |
| 4 | Head Teacher | |
| 5 | Certified Teacher | |
| 6 | Teacher Internship | |
| 7 | Mentor Teacher | |
| 8 | Teacher | |
| 9 | Teacher/Tutor | |
| 10 | Long Term Substitute Teacher | |
| 11 | Pre-K Teacher | |
| 12 | Certified Substitute Teacher | |
| 13 | Teacher Associate | |
| 14 | Preschool Teacher | |
| 15 | Substitute School Teacher | |
| 16 | Guest Teacher | |
| 17 | Teacher Aide | |
| 18 | Substitute Paraprofessional | |
| 19 | Substitute Teachers Aide | |
| 20 | Assistant Language Teacher |
Methodology
Zippia employs publicly available information from government sources such as the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the Foreign Labor Certification Data Center (FLC), and the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to generate salary estimates.
Our data science team also reviews job postings and company resources for up-to-date salary information pertaining to substitute teaching roles.
After collecting the data, the team calculates a weighted average for each job title being analyzed. For more detailed insights into our salary estimates, please refer to our detailed methodology.
Highest-Paying Types Of Substitute Teacher Jobs FAQs
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What is the highest-paid substitute teacher job?
The highest-paid substitute teacher job is a Student Teacher. Student Teachers earn an average salary of $59,035, equating to $28.38 hourly.
Student teachers assist supervising instructors in maintaining classroom order during lectures and activities. Their duties include aiding with lesson plans, organizing learning activities, managing student behaviors, observing classroom procedures, preparing educational materials, providing feedback, and maintaining student records. Excellent communication and decision-making skills are crucial for engaging students and ensuring progress.
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What is a good salary for a substitute teacher?
A good salary for a substitute teacher is $32,904 or more. This figure represents the average salary for substitute teachers, indicating that those earning this amount or more are receiving above-average compensation.
However, it’s essential to note that salaries can vary by location, as pay scales are often adjusted based on regional cost of living. Researching average salaries for your expertise and experience in your specific area will provide more context regarding your compensation.
If you are just starting your career as a substitute teacher, keep in mind that entry-level salaries may be lower than the overall average, which includes teachers at all levels of experience.
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Do substitute teacher jobs pay well?
Generally, substitute teacher jobs do not pay particularly well. Some positions may offer higher salaries, but the average annual salary of $32,904 is below the average national salary of approximately $44,225 per year.
While many substitute teacher roles have potential for higher earnings, it’s crucial to consider that salaries can fluctuate based on experience, industry, and location. Conducting thorough research on local market rates for substitute teachers will empower you to negotiate your salary effectively.
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Where do substitute teachers get paid the most?
Substitute teachers earn the highest salaries in Arizona. In Arizona, the average annual salary for substitute teachers is $33,237, with an average hourly wage of $15.98.
Following Arizona, the states with the highest-paying substitute teacher roles include Nevada, New Mexico, and Michigan, with average annual salaries of $31,047, $30,732, and $30,022, respectively.
The cities with the most lucrative substitute teacher salaries are:
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San Francisco, CA – $39,574
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Phoenix, AZ – $33,290
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Las Vegas, NV – $30,975
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Author
Chris Kolmar is a co-founder of Zippia and the editor-in-chief of the Zippia career advice blog. He has hired over 50 people in his career, been hired five times, and wants to help you land your next job. His research has been featured on the New York Times, Thrillist, VOX, The Atlantic, and a host of local news. More recently, he's been quoted on USA Today, BusinessInsider, and CNBC.
