Career comparison
Elementary School Teacher vs. Substitute Teacher
Side-by-side pay, training, growth and day-to-day duties to help you choose between two related careers.
Elementary school teachers earn more at the median ($63,970 vs. $41,670), while substitute teachers usually get to work faster (Days to weeks for a substitute permit of training). Elementary school teachers teach children in grades 1 through 5 the foundations of every subject. Substitute teachers step in for absent teachers and keep classrooms learning.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
| Elementary School Teacher | Substitute Teacher | |
|---|---|---|
| Median pay | $63,970 | $41,670 ($20.03/hr) |
| Pay range (10th–90th) | $47,960 – $104,340 | $28,560 – $65,790 |
| Job growth, 2025–35 | -0.4% (little or no change) | +2.0% (slower than average) |
| Openings per year | 87,500 | 65,000 |
| Typical entry education | Bachelor's degree | Bachelor's degree |
| Training time | 4 years plus licensing | Days to weeks for a substitute permit |
| Key credential | State teaching license | State substitute teaching permit |
| Work setting | Teachers work in elementary school classrooms, with time in meetings and duties around the school.. | Substitutes work in schools, often in different classrooms and grades each day.. |
What each job does
Elementary School Teacher
- Plan and teach lessons in core subjects
- Assess and grade student work
- Manage classroom behavior
- Differentiate instruction
- Communicate with families
Substitute Teacher
- Follow lesson plans
- Take attendance
- Manage classroom behavior
- Help students with assignments
- Supervise students throughout the day
How they’re similar
Both careers involve helping others, working with people, indoor work, and in-demand. Both are part of the education & childcare field, so many skills transfer between them.
Which should you choose?
Choose elementary school teacher if…
- I want to help children learn
- I enjoy teaching many subjects
- I’m organized
Choose substitute teacher if…
- I want a flexible schedule
- I’m confident in front of groups
- I’m adaptable
Still torn? Take the Elementary School Teacher fit quiz and the Substitute Teacher fit quiz, or the full Career Match Quiz.
Quick comparisons
Which pays more, elementary school teacher or substitute teacher?
Elementary School Teachers earn more at the median: $63,970 versus $41,670 for substitute teachers, based on BLS May 2025 data.
Which takes less time to train for?
Substitute Teachers typically train faster (Days to weeks for a substitute permit) than elementary school teachers (4 years plus licensing).
Which career has better job growth?
BLS projects substitute teachers to grow +2.0% from 2025–35, compared with -0.4% for elementary school teachers.