Career comparison
High School Teacher vs. Substitute Teacher
Side-by-side pay, training, growth and day-to-day duties to help you choose between two related careers.
High school teachers earn more at the median ($72,040 vs. $41,670), while substitute teachers usually get to work faster (Days to weeks for a substitute permit of training). High school teachers teach teenagers a subject and prepare them for college, careers and life. 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
| High School Teacher | Substitute Teacher | |
|---|---|---|
| Median pay | $72,040 | $41,670 ($20.03/hr) |
| Pay range (10th–90th) | $48,780 – $107,600 | $28,560 – $65,790 |
| Job growth, 2025–35 | -0.2% (little or no change) | +2.0% (slower than average) |
| Openings per year | 63,500 | 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 | High school teachers work in classrooms and labs, with after-school activities, meetings and events.. | Substitutes work in schools, often in different classrooms and grades each day.. |
What each job does
High School Teacher
- Plan and teach lessons in a subject
- Grade assignments and exams
- Prepare students for state and AP exams
- Manage classroom behavior
- Differentiate instruction
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 high school teacher if…
- I love my subject
- I enjoy working with teenagers
- I can manage a classroom
Choose substitute teacher if…
- I want a flexible schedule
- I’m confident in front of groups
- I’m adaptable
Still torn? Take the High School Teacher fit quiz and the Substitute Teacher fit quiz, or the full Career Match Quiz.
Quick comparisons
Which pays more, high school teacher or substitute teacher?
High School Teachers earn more at the median: $72,040 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 high 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 -0.2% for high school teachers.