Career comparison
Substitute Teacher vs. Tutor
Side-by-side pay, training, growth and day-to-day duties to help you choose between two related careers.
Tutors earn more at the median ($43,350 vs. $41,670), while substitute teachers usually get to work faster (Days to weeks for a substitute permit of training). Substitute teachers step in for absent teachers and keep classrooms learning. Tutors help students master subjects and prepare for tests one-on-one.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
| Substitute Teacher | Tutor | |
|---|---|---|
| Median pay | $41,670 ($20.03/hr) | $43,350 ($20.84/hr) |
| Pay range (10th–90th) | $28,560 – $65,790 | $29,430 – $75,990 |
| Job growth, 2025–35 | +2.0% (slower than average) | -0.2% (little or no change) |
| Openings per year | 65,000 | 34,200 |
| Typical entry education | Bachelor's degree | Some college, no degree |
| Training time | Days to weeks for a substitute permit | Weeks to months |
| Key credential | State substitute teaching permit | CRLA tutor certification |
| Work setting | Substitutes work in schools, often in different classrooms and grades each day.. | Tutors work in learning centers, schools, libraries, homes and online.. |
What each job does
Substitute Teacher
- Follow lesson plans
- Take attendance
- Manage classroom behavior
- Help students with assignments
- Supervise students throughout the day
Tutor
- Assess students’ strengths and gaps
- Explain concepts clearly
- Guide practice and homework
- Prepare students for tests
- Teach study and organization skills
How they’re similar
Both careers involve working with people, helping others, and working independently. Both are part of the education & childcare field, so many skills transfer between them.
Which should you choose?
Choose substitute teacher if…
- I want a flexible schedule
- I’m confident in front of groups
- I’m adaptable
Choose tutor if…
- I like explaining things
- I’m patient
- I know a subject well
Still torn? Take the Substitute Teacher fit quiz and the Tutor fit quiz, or the full Career Match Quiz.
Quick comparisons
Which pays more, substitute teacher or tutor?
Tutors earn more at the median: $43,350 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 tutors (Weeks to months).
Which career has better job growth?
BLS projects substitute teachers to grow +2.0% from 2025–35, compared with -0.2% for tutors.