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
Compare Substitute Teachers, Short-Term salary & buying power
Type a city below to see how Philadelphia, PA-NJ-DE-MD stacks up on salary and cost of living.
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
Philadelphia economic context
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.