How to Become a Substitute Teacher – And How Much You Can Make

Editor’s Note: This story originally appeared on Penny Hoarder.

If there’s one job that always needs people, it’s substitute teaching.

A quick Google search for “acting teacher” will turn up offers with flexible hours and “no experience necessary” to help fill vacancies in your local school system.

The teacher shortage plays a major role in the need for substitute teachers, but no matter where you live, teachers need support to avoid being overworked or teaching while sick.

If you’re looking to make extra money, here’s everything you need to know about how to become a substitute teacher right now.

How to Become a Substitute Teacher

Because of all the challenges school systems face, it’s easier than ever to become a substitute teacher. Whether you want to work full-time, part-time or per diem, most schools are willing to take any help they can get.

But there are still a few degrees you should know about.

Requirements for substitute teacher candidates are set at the state level and each local school district, said Joseph Fitzgerald, vice president of operations for the Mountain West States division of substitute staffing provider ESS.

“Many states and school districts allow people with a high school diploma or GED to serve as substitute teachers, while others add requirements ranging from passing the ParaPro Exam to requiring a degree,” he said.

Although education and experience requirements vary, one thing is certain: You will need to pass a criminal background check and undergo training before you can enter the classroom.

Why Is Now a Good Time to Become a Substitute Teacher?

As the demand for teachers increases, some school districts are not only raising salaries, but adding incentives and relaxing their general requirements.

Kansas, for example, relaxed requirements for substitute teachers in 2025. Anyone 18 and older with a high school diploma can apply for an emergency substitute teaching license (but will still need to pass a background check).

To fully understand what is causing the shortage, it helps to go back a few years.

Recent data shows that 20 to 30% fewer people are becoming teachers compared to ten years ago. Downward trends in incoming teachers happened before in the ’70s and ’80s, but what is causing this decline?

The increase in remote and flexible work has given teachers more options to transition to more lucrative careers, while substitute teachers can find high-paying part-time jobs and even part-time jobs with benefits. Combine that with limited resources, and we are facing a shortage of qualified teachers to fill schools.

How Much Can You Earn as a Substitute Teacher?

The average hourly pay for substitute teachers ranges from $15.28 to $31.99 depending on your position, according to ZipRecruiter. Although most schools do not require extensive teaching experience, advanced degrees or college credit hours, you will likely earn more if you have those qualifications.

“I’ve heard of pay as low as $70 a day and as high as $200 a day,” says longtime certified teacher and education writer Whitney Rancourt of Mama Manages. “Most districts will pay less than their original rate for certified, bachelor’s and retired teachers in the district.”

The biggest factor, Rancourt said, is location. High-end residences typically pay high hourly rates.

That being said, school districts everywhere are combining their offerings to create a competitive offering in today’s market. High-paying metropolitan areas such as New York and Washington, DC pay an average of more than $60,000 per year for full-time enrollment.

“We’re seeing school districts respond to staffing shortages with higher wages and other incentives,” Fitzgerald said. “If you’ve considered switching in the last year or two, we encourage you to look again as many school districts have increased their pay rates.”

What Are Some of the Best Paying Teaching Jobs?

Another factor that affects pay rates is the time for a substitute teaching gig.

“Construction-based substitutes and permanent residences are the highest-paying roles,” Fitzgerald said. Building-based substitute teachers commit to working each school day at the same school. Long-term substitute teachers have additional responsibilities for lesson planning and grading, “so school districts compensate the position more than substitutes every day.”

Some school systems will also pay higher wages to substitute teachers who hold a valid teaching license, are qualified to work with students with special needs, or teach a specific subject or grade level.

Another thing to ask is whether the school pays by the hour or daily. If you end up working longer, this can make a big difference in your overall take home pay.

What Benefits and Perks Can You Get as a Substitute Teacher?

Another thing to keep in mind when it comes to your earning potential as a substitute teacher: Some jobs may offer benefits, especially if you’re hired through a staffing agency.

“At ESS, we offer all of our acting employees health, vision, dental and life insurance,” Fitzgerald said. “Many school districts do not offer benefits to those who will take office, but it is good to look because some do.”

Another advantage? Once hired, you’ll receive a school ID badge, which you can use to get discounts and freebies at a long list of places, including museums and restaurants.

What If You’re Not Making Enough Money as a Part-Time Teacher?

Although being a substitute teacher offers flexibility and competitive pay, you may not have all the time to teach and you may not have all the options to teach the subjects of your choice.

Also, summer break is great, but if you’re a substitute teacher, that’s unpaid time off. If you need more ways to make money, check out our list of work-from-home side gigs.

How to Apply to Be a Substitute Teacher

Procedures vary from district to district and from school district to school district. But here is the general procedure.

1. Apply on the website of your local school or employment agency

Although you may be applying for a specific substitute teacher position, most teaching roles are sorted by school district, not just one school.

The main exception is when you’re applying for a role with a staffing agency like ESS, where you’ll apply on their website, which links to the local school district on your behalf.

2. Complete the substitute teacher onboarding process

Once your initial application has been reviewed, you will be asked to complete a criminal background check, as required by law for prospective substitute teachers.

Once this is approved, you may also be asked to take orientation training, and provide professional references and proof of your education and certifications.

3. Log in through the ‘proxy portal’

After completing the on-boarding process with your local school district, you will typically gain access to the online substitute teacher portal, which is where jobs are posted. This is where the process gets interesting because, from here, you can start mapping out your new work plan.

“If you’re a Type-A planner, you can come in early and take assignments early,” Rancourt said. “However, there is some benefit to going in early on the days you can work.”

By doing a combination of the two, you’ll be able to cover tasks that happen early (planned teacher absences), and use any last-minute sick days.

Is Substitute Teaching Right For You?

It’s important to consider whether classroom teaching is really for you – because it’s by no means the easiest job.

Being a substitute teacher is not easy money,” said Rancourt. “If you’re physically tired at the end of the day, you’re not doing a good job. Students have to go to class all day, interact with students, actively monitor, and monitor the quality of their work.”

So who is a good fit for this type of side hustle? Fitzgerald fills us in.

“The best types of people for substitute teaching are people who care about education and want to have a positive impact on students’ lives,” he said. “They should also be able to communicate and lead a group of children or teenagers, so those with strong interpersonal skills and resilience can be more successful in teaching positions.”

How Substitute Teaching Can Improve Your Career

If that sounds like something you’re interested in, you might want to try another teaching position. Even if it doesn’t end up being your long-term job, the role may open other doors and career opportunities for you.

“Substitute teaching can create educational advancements in a variety of academic fields,” Fitzgerald said. “Many of our substitute teachers go on to become school district employees in various capacities, such as teachers, paraprofessionals, or other support positions such as working in the front office.”

Essentials About Substitute Teaching

While it may not be for everyone, substitute teaching is worth checking out if you love education, want to work with children, and are trying to earn extra money.

And who knows? Alternative teaching may encourage you to explore other roles in education, including online teaching. It can also be a good motivation for your resume. Either way, that’s a win.