Can you work every day as a substitute teacher?

Yes, you can work every day as a substitute teacher, especially if you're flexible and in a district with high demand, by picking up daily assignments or by taking on long-term roles, though it's usually part-time; some districts even offer specific "full-time" substitute positions with more consistent work and benefits. The key is to use online systems to accept jobs or to build a strong reputation to get called frequently, fitting work around your other commitments or treating it like a full-time job.

Do substitute teachers have to work every day?

Work-Life Balance FAQs for Substitute Teacher

Typically, they can expect to work standard school hours, ranging from 15 to 30 hours per week. However, hours can fluctuate widely with some weeks being full-time and others having no work at all, depending on the availability of assignments and personal flexibility.

Can you make a living off of being a substitute teacher?

Yes, you can make a living as a substitute teacher, but it depends heavily on your location, willingness to work daily, qualifications (higher pay for certified/degreed subs), and ability to find long-term assignments or work consistently in a high-paying district, with some areas offering over $200/day or even substantial annual incomes in metropolitan areas, while lower-paying regions might require a second job or frugal living. 

How much do subs get paid in WV?

Average base salary

The average salary for a substitute teacher is $15.95 per hour in West Virginia. 16 salaries taken from job postings on Indeed in the past 36 months (updated December 17, 2025).

What is the daily life of a substitute teacher?

Your primary goal is to keep the class safe and help them continue learning in the absence of their teacher. You'll usually be following a lesson plan left by the teacher, along with some guidelines to follow that are specific to your class and school site. The rest of the day is as varied as the assignments available!

10 TIPS FOR SUBSTITUTE TEACHERS & THINGS TO CONSIDER | Tips for Subs

Why do substitute teachers quit?

Substitute teachers are quitting due to a combination of low pay, lack of benefits, poor working conditions (especially challenging classrooms with behavioral issues and no support), health concerns, job insecurity, and burnout, with many finding better pay and stability in other sectors, while also feeling disrespected and lacking professional growth opportunities, leading to high turnover. 

Can you make a living as a sub?

On average, substitute teachers in the U.S. earn $38,240 yearly, but this varies by state, experience, and education. For instance, Hawaii's substitutes make around $46,680, while Mississippi's earn about $28,460. Generally, having a bachelor's degree can mean higher earnings.

Is subbing harder than teaching?

Subbing is often considered harder than full-time teaching because of the constant unpredictability, lack of established relationships, and pressure to manage classrooms with unfamiliar students and often incomplete lesson plans, requiring immense flexibility and quick adaptation, whereas a full-time teacher benefits from knowing routines, students, and curriculum, though they face the demands of planning and grading. While subbing offers flexibility (no grading/planning outside work), the day-to-day chaos, testing by students, and logistical hurdles (like finding the bathroom) make it extremely demanding. 

Do subs get paid every day?

Substitute teachers may be paid on the day they work, weekly, or monthly depending on the school. Substitute teachers rarely receive benefits such as health care, life insurance, or vacation pay.

How many hours does a sub work in a day?

While substitute teaching is a flexible job where you can set your own schedule, some guest teachers really want a long term substitute teacher job that resembles full-time employment. At most school districts across the country, substitute teaching hours are scheduled to be 6-7 hours a day-up to five days a week.

What are the cons of substitute teaching?

Con: Subs have fewer days available to them to work.

While having a flexible schedule is definitely a perk of subbing, the downside is that there are many days you cannot work, even if you would like to, resulting in fewer opportunities to make money.

How much is subbing a day?

Casual (short term) substitute: Since 1 October 2024, the casual daily rate is €216.79 per day, plus €26.79 holiday pay (paid later), making a total of €243.58. Non Casual (long-term) substitute (over 40 days) the daily rate is calculated by dividing the teacher's annual salary equivalent by 182.

What are the requirements of being a sub?

Substitute requirements vary by state and district but generally involve at least a high school diploma/GED (often a bachelor's degree is preferred/required), background checks (fingerprinting), application/fees, official transcripts, and sometimes a TB test, with specific state permits or authorizations needed, often focusing on basic eligibility and eligibility for "emergency" permits. Requirements can differ for teaching vs. non-teaching (classified) substitute roles, notes. 

What is the 70 30 rule in teaching?

The 70/30 rule in teaching is a principle that shifts focus from teacher-led instruction to student-centered, active learning, suggesting students should do 70% of the talking/practice and teachers 30% of direct instruction, or that teachers plan 70% for activities and 30% for content, promoting deeper engagement and skill development over passive reception, particularly in language learning. 

Do subs work in the summer?

At the end of the school year, many educators and substitute teachers look for ways to supplement their income during the summer months. From tutoring to working at summer camps, summer jobs for substitute teachers can keep the money flowing.

Is subbing worth it?

While substitute teaching doesn't pay what permanent teaching does, it provides a decent income, especially if you are in school to earn your teaching certificate. Daily pay for subs ranges widely across different states, anywhere from just over $100 to $315 dollars per day.

How many hours do subs work a day?

Every substitute teaching job is different. Sometimes you'll simply look after a class while they watch a movie or complete an assignment that their regular teacher left for them. Other days you will follow a detailed lesson plan. Your work day will typically last six to seven hours, ending when the students go home.

Where do subs get paid the most?

TL;DR: Highest-paid jobs for subs

If you're a certified teacher or looking to maximize your earnings as a substitute, consider applying in places like Oakland, Kodiak Island, Bakersfield, Seattle, or San Francisco.

What's a typical day like for a substitute teacher?

A day in the life of a substitute teacher: what to expect

Prepare for the day ahead with materials and a positive mindset. Check in at the office for keys and instructions. Locate the classroom and review sub plans, rosters, schedules, and emergency procedures. Introduce yourself to neighboring teachers for support.

Can you make a living as a sub-teacher?

The average substitute salary in California is about $152/day, but can be as high as $200+/day in other districts. You are gaining transferable skills that will help you in future substitute teaching jobs but also in professional endeavors beyond the classroom.

What not to do as a substitute teacher?

As a substitute teacher, avoid being unprofessional (using phone, snooping, rearranging rooms), getting too friendly or too strict, taking misbehavior personally, making threats, leaving students unsupervised, or failing to follow the original teacher's plans/notes, as these actions create chaos, erode authority, and can lead to safety issues or complaints. Focus on maintaining a firm but kind demeanor, enforcing clear expectations, and ensuring student safety and learning. 

What is the least stressful teaching job?

Top Types Of Least Stressful Teaching Jobs

• Remote Jewish School Teacher. Salary range: $46,000 - $60,500. ...
• Virtual Christian School Teacher. Salary range: $44,500 - $60,000. ...
• Micro School Teacher Remote. Salary range: $46,000 - $60,500. ...
• Culture Teacher. ...
• Part Time Computer Teacher. ...
• Weekend Teacher. ...
• Hope Academy. ...
• Virtual Teacher.

Do subs get paid monthly?

The frequency of payment for substitute teachers can vary significantly based on several factors, including district policies, state regulations, and individual contracts. In many school districts across the United States, substitutes are typically paid on a per-day basis.

Are subs in high demand?

In one survey, 93% of school district leaders reported some level of substitute teaching shortage. This high demand level isn't new. Back in 2018, one estimate found that just 80% of open sub positions were filled. However, demand fluctuates throughout the year, which is why it is sometimes difficult to find open jobs.

Do subs pay taxes?

Threshold for reporting to the IRS as a substitute teacher.

Even if you only worked a few days during the year, any earnings reported on your W-2 must be included on your tax return. The IRS filing thresholds for 2025 for teachers under age 65 are: $15,750 for single filers. $23,625 for head of household filers.