Substitute Teachers, Short-Term Salary in Sacramento, CA
BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA
Compare Substitute Teachers, Short-Term salary & buying power
Type a city below to see how Sacramento, CA stacks up on salary and cost of living.
In Sacramento, CA, substitute teachers working on a short-term basis typically earn a median annual salary of $57,680 or approximately $27.73 per hour. This figure is significantly higher than the national median for this occupation, which stands at $38,470, reflecting the generally higher cost of living in California compared to the national average. When considering local economic conditions, substitute teachers' earnings are about 61% of the area's median household income of $93,986. The discrepancy between these figures highlights a substantial gap, suggesting that while substitute teaching provides a respectable income relative to other roles within education, it still falls short of meeting the financial benchmarks typical for households in this region.
The earning potential for substitute teachers in Sacramento varies considerably based on experience and tenure. Entry-level workers or those at the 10th percentile earn around $45,450 annually, while those at the 25th percentile make approximately $48,960. As experience increases, earnings can rise significantly, with individuals at the 75th percentile earning about $65,810 per year and those at the 90th percentile reaching $74,140. The variation in earnings is largely driven by factors such as length of service, frequency of assignments, geographical location within Sacramento County, and additional qualifications or certifications that may enhance a substitute teacher's marketability and desirability to schools. These elements collectively create a broad spectrum of earning potential for those in this profession.
Salary percentile breakdown
Sacramento economic context
Frequently asked questions
How much do Substitute Teachers, Short-Term make per hour in Sacramento?
The median hourly wage for Substitute Teachers, Short-Term in Sacramento, CA is $27.73, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $36.73 or more per hour.
Is Sacramento above or below average for Substitute Teachers, Short-Term salaries?
The median Substitute Teachers, Short-Term salary in Sacramento, CA is 49.9% 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 Sacramento?
Entry-level Substitute Teachers, Short-Term (10th percentile) earn around $45,450 per year in Sacramento, CA. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $48,960.