Substitute Teachers, Short-Term in California
2026 Salary & Job Market Data
Quick Snapshot
| Metric | California | National | Insight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $57,260 | $38,470 | +48.8% vs US |
| State Rank | #1 of 50 states | Top 10 state | |
| Employment | 103,210 jobs | 481,300 jobs | 21.4% of US jobs |
| Job Concentration (LQ) | — | 1.00 | Average |
Full Salary Distribution in California
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $37,900 | $18.22 |
| 25th Percentile | $48,650 | $23.39 |
| Median | $57,260 | $27.53 |
| 75th Percentile | $65,810 | $31.64 |
| 90th Percentile | $76,860 | $36.95 |
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the job outlook for Substitute Teachers, Short-Term in California in 2026?
With a median salary of $57,260 in California and a 2019–2024 salary trend of +49.5%, substitute teachers, short-term are still in strong and growing demand.
How can substitute teachers, short-term increase their salary in California?
Substitute Teachers, Short-Term in California can increase earnings by targeting higher-paying industries which tend to offer compensation well above the state median. Additionally, relocating to a higher-paying state could offer a significant income boost: California currently ranks #1 out of 50 states for this occupation. Pursuing advanced credentials, specializations, or roles with greater responsibility are proven ways to move toward the 75th or 90th percentile of earners.
Which industries pay the most for Substitute Teachers, Short-Term in California?
State-level industry data is limited for this occupation. Nationally, the top-paying industries are:
| Industry | Annual Median |
|---|---|
| Other Schools and Instruction | $70,910 |
| Other Schools and Instruction | $70,910 |
| Hospitals | $62,400 |
How are Substitute Teachers, Short-Term paid in California compared to the national average?
The median salary for Substitute Teachers, Short-Term in California is $57,260, which is 48.8% above the national median of $38,470.