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Certified Substitute Teacher: Average Salary of a Certified Substitute Teacher

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Published Aug 29, 2009

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Consider working as a Certified Substitute Teacher. Are you interested in a career in teaching but want to make sure that you'll enjoy the work? Do you want a job that doesn't interfere with your school-aged children's schedule? Are you a retired teacher wanting to earn extra money? Then becoming a Certified Substitute Teacher could be the answer.

Certified Substitute Teacher Career Summary

Certified Substitute Teachers are qualified to fill in for absent teachers in public and private elementary, middle and high schools. The specific duties that a Certified Substitute Teacher is responsible for vary based on the school in need of a substitute teacher. Generally, Certified Substitute Teachers are expected to follow instructions left by absent teachers and are not responsible for developing lesson plans. Requirements to become a Certified Substitute Teacher depend on the state and possibly the school district. Qualifications range from a high school diploma to a bachelor's degree to a teacher's license. NEA (National Education Association), www.nea.org, has a state-by-state listing of requirements for substitute teachers. One may also like to check with their state's Department of Education. NSTA (National Substitute Teachers Alliance), www.nstasubs.org, has a listing of links to state Departments of Education.

Certified Substitute Teacher Career Outlook and Salary Information

The job outlook for Certified Substitute Teachers varies, depending on where one lives. However, many full-time teachers, laid off during the 2009 recession, may have become substitute teachers. In addition, non-educators, who have lost their jobs, may apply for substitute teacher positions. For example, in California the number of individuals applying for substitute teaching position rose from 54,975 in 2006 to about 65,000 in 2008, according to the Sacramento Bee. The New York Times reports that New York State has put a freeze on hiring teachers externally for the fall of 2009, forcing many new graduates and laid off teachers to apply for substitute teaching positions. This makes obtaining a position presently more competitive. Salaries earned by Certified Substitute Teachers vary by state or district. Other factors impacting pay for Certified Substitute Teachers include education level, years of experience in substitute teaching, level of school taught and duration of commitment. Because Certified Substitute Teachers might not work regular hours, they are generally paid hourly rather than receiving an annual salary. According to Payscale.com, Certified Substitute Teachers can make between ten and 30 dollars an hour, depending on experience. NSTA puts the national average at $105 for a full day.

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