What Does a Substitute Teacher Do?
Substitute teachers fill in for regular classroom teachers who are absent due to illness, professional development, or personal leave. They follow lesson plans, maintain classroom order, and ensure that students continue learning in the regular teacher absence. Substitute teachers work across all grade levels and subject areas.
Other Job Titles for This Work
Workers in this occupation report titles such as Building Sub (Building Substitute), Building Sub Teacher (Building Substitute Teacher), Child Development Sub Teacher (Child Development Substitute Teacher), ESL Sub (English as a Second Language Substitute), HS Sub Teacher (High School Substitute Teacher), Pre-School Sub Teacher (Pre-School Substitute Teacher), Short-Term Sub Teacher (Short-Term Substitute Teacher), Sub (Substitute).
Substitute Teacher Duties and Responsibilities
The primary responsibilities of a substitute teacher include:
- Follow lesson plans left by the regular teacher, delivering instruction and overseeing student activities.
- Manage classroom behavior using established rules, routines, and positive reinforcement techniques.
- Take accurate attendance and report any student absences according to school procedures.
- Adapt lesson plans when necessary, using professional judgment to keep students engaged and on task.
- Supervise students during class, lunch, recess, and transitions throughout the school day.
- Collect and organize student work to return to the regular teacher for grading and review.
- Communicate any issues, incidents, or notable events to the regular teacher and school administration.
- Maintain a safe and respectful classroom environment for all students.
- Build rapport with students quickly to establish trust and cooperation for the duration of the assignment.
- Report to the school office, obtain class rosters and keys, and follow all check-in and check-out procedures.
Required Skills and Qualifications
To succeed as a substitute teacher, you will need the following skills and qualifications:
- Classroom management
- Adaptability and flexibility
- Lesson plan execution
- Quick rapport building with students
- Communication with school staff
- Patience and composure
- Subject matter versatility
- Professional reliability
Education and Training
Substitute teacher requirements vary by state and school district. Most states require at least a bachelor degree, though some allow substitutes with an associate degree or a minimum number of college credits. A teaching certificate is preferred but not always required for short-term substitute assignments. Long-term substitutes who fill positions for extended periods often must hold a valid teaching license. Background checks are universally required. Some districts provide orientation or training programs for new substitutes covering classroom management and school procedures.
Salary and Job Outlook
Typical pay: $34,170 - $54,890 per year, with a median of $41,670.
The range covers the middle half of earners nationwide. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025, Substitute Teachers, Short-Term.
Demand for substitute teachers remains consistently high, as schools always need qualified individuals to cover teacher absences. Many districts face chronic shortages of available substitutes, creating abundant opportunities for flexible employment. The ongoing teacher shortage has increased the need for long-term substitutes who can fill vacant positions for extended periods. Substitutes who are reliable, effective, and available on short notice are highly valued by school administrators.
Substitute Teacher Pay Range
| Earners | Annual pay |
|---|---|
| Bottom 10% earn less than | $28,560 |
| Bottom 25% earn less than | $34,170 |
| Median (half earn more, half less) | $41,670 |
| Top 25% earn more than | $54,890 |
| Top 10% earn more than | $65,790 |
What the Work Is Like
O*NET surveys people who work as substitute teachers, short-term about their daily conditions. Of those surveyed:
- 67% say teamwork is very or extremely important in their job
- 57% have a lot of freedom to make decisions
- 55% use their hands on tools, objects or controls for more than half the day
- 53% speak in front of groups at least once a week
- 51% use email every day
- 48% say being exact and accurate is very or extremely important
- 39% spend more than half the workday on their feet
Education Workers Say the Job Needs
| Education level | Share of workers |
|---|---|
| Bachelor's degree | 40% |
| Associate's degree | 35% |
| Some college | 10% |
| High school diploma or GED | 10% |
Tools and Software Substitute Teachers Use
Software
Is This Job a Good Fit for You?
People who do well in this job tend to enjoy helping, teaching or caring for people as well as organized work with data, records and clear procedures.
Skills O*NET rates most important: Reading Comprehension, Active Listening, Speaking, Social Perceptiveness, Critical Thinking, Monitoring.
Knowledge areas used most: English Language, Education and Training, Public Safety and Security, Customer and Personal Service, Computers and Electronics.
Preparation: O*NET places this occupation in Job Zone 4 of 5, which means considerable preparation.
Related Careers
These jobs use similar skills, according to O*NET's related-occupation data:
Applying for a Substitute Teacher Job
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Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025.
- O*NET 30.1 Database, occupation 25-3031.00 (Substitute Teachers, Short-Term). View on O*NET OnLine.
This page includes information from the O*NET 30.1 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. The Job Explorer has modified some of the information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed or tested these changes.