Substitute Teachers, Short-Term Salary in Philadelphia, PA-NJ-DE-MD

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD

Median annual salary $45,310 +17.8% vs national
Median hourly $21.78
10th percentile $31,200
90th percentile $56,560
Employed locally 5,900
National median $38,470

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    In Philadelphia, PA-NJ-DE-MD, substitute teachers working on a short-term basis typically earn a median annual salary of $45,310, which translates to an hourly rate of $21.78. When compared to the national median salary for this occupation at $38,470, local substitute teachers enjoy a higher earning potential by approximately $6,840 per year. This regional compensation is notably significant when juxtaposed with the area's median household income of $89,273, indicating that while substitute teaching provides a respectable source of income, it still falls short of the average household earnings in the region. The salary distribution also shows variation within the occupation, with the 10th percentile earning around $31,200 annually and those at the 90th percentile making up to $56,560, reflecting a broad range of compensation based on factors such as school district budgets and demand for substitute teachers.

    For entry-level substitute teachers in this region, salaries generally align closer to or slightly above the 25th percentile mark of $36,250. In contrast, experienced substitutes who have developed strong relationships with schools and demonstrated reliability may earn near or beyond the 75th percentile at approximately $46,300, with some reaching into the 90th percentile earning up to $56,560 annually. The disparity in earnings between entry-level and seasoned professionals is largely driven by experience, familiarity with specific school systems, and the ability to fill gaps as needed without prior notice. Additionally, substitutes who can seamlessly adapt to various educational environments or possess specialized skills may command higher wages, highlighting the importance of versatility and experience in this field.

    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $31,200
    25th
    $36,250
    50th (median)
    $45,310
    75th
    $46,300
    90th
    $56,560

    Philadelphia economic context

    Unemployment rate 3.80% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $89,273 2023 • Census ACS
    Substitute Teachers, Short-Term salary vs area income 51% Median Substitute Teachers, Short-Term salary is 49% below the area median household income

    Frequently asked questions

    How much do Substitute Teachers, Short-Term make per hour in Philadelphia?

    The median hourly wage for Substitute Teachers, Short-Term in Philadelphia, PA-NJ-DE-MD is $21.78, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $29.11 or more per hour.

    Is Philadelphia above or below average for Substitute Teachers, Short-Term salaries?

    The median Substitute Teachers, Short-Term salary in Philadelphia, PA-NJ-DE-MD is 17.8% above the national median of $38,470. The national figure is from BLS OEWS 2025 data covering all US metropolitan areas.

    What is the entry-level salary for Substitute Teachers, Short-Term in Philadelphia?

    Entry-level Substitute Teachers, Short-Term (10th percentile) earn around $31,200 per year in Philadelphia, PA-NJ-DE-MD. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $36,250.