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The differences between substitute teachers and pre-k teachers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a pre-k teacher has an average salary of $40,301, which is higher than the $32,904 average annual salary of a substitute teacher.
The top three skills for a substitute teacher include kids, math and help support. The most important skills for a pre-k teacher are kids, math, and language arts.
| Substitute Teacher | Pre-K Teacher | |
| Yearly salary | $32,904 | $40,301 |
| Hourly rate | $15.82 | $19.38 |
| Growth rate | 4% | 4% |
| Number of jobs | 69,292 | 60,464 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 67% | Bachelor's Degree, 57% |
| Average age | 42 | 42 |
| Years of experience | - | - |
Substitute teachers are responsible for filling in the role of regular teachers who will not be able to come to school. They may be engaged short-term or long-term, depending on the need. Substitute teachers should have a deep understanding of the topics that are related to the subject matter and are appropriate to the learning level of the student. They should be able to advance the lessons while the regular teacher is unavailable. At times, they are required to create their own lesson plans. Substitute teachers should have the skills of regular teachers. They should also be flexible and adaptable.
Pre-K teachers play an essential role in the lives of young children ages three to five years old by developing and nurturing their interest in subjects appropriate for their age. They promote a creative learning environment and encourage social interactions among students while providing the fundamental educational foundation that will prepare them for a successful start to kindergarten. They are responsible for overseeing children during their mealtimes, reinforcing personal hygiene, and developing children's social skills. Pre-K teachers also plan curriculum and work with other school staff members.
Substitute teachers and pre-k teachers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Substitute Teacher | Pre-K Teacher | |
| Average salary | $32,904 | $40,301 |
| Salary range | Between $23,000 And $45,000 | Between $28,000 And $57,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | New York, NY |
| Highest paying state | Alaska | New York |
| Best paying company | Ethical Culture Fieldston School | Faulkner University |
| Best paying industry | Education | - |
There are a few differences between a substitute teacher and a pre-k teacher in terms of educational background:
| Substitute Teacher | Pre-K Teacher | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 67% | Bachelor's Degree, 57% |
| Most common major | Elementary Education | Early Childhood Education |
| Most common college | University of Pennsylvania | University of Pennsylvania |
Here are the differences between substitute teachers' and pre-k teachers' demographics:
| Substitute Teacher | Pre-K Teacher | |
| Average age | 42 | 42 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 27.2% Female, 72.8% | Male, 8.5% Female, 91.5% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 11.8% Unknown, 5.9% Hispanic or Latino, 16.0% Asian, 7.7% White, 58.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5% | Black or African American, 9.7% Unknown, 3.9% Hispanic or Latino, 12.6% Asian, 3.7% White, 69.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5% |
| LGBT Percentage | 11% | 9% |