Also called: Guest teacher, Supply teacher
Fills in for absent teachers, following their lesson plans and keeping class on track.
Subs get a call or app notification in the morning, show up at a new school, and run class for the day. It's flexible and a great way to test whether you like teaching. Long-term subs may take over a class for months.
BLS substitute teachers, short-term (annualized).
High school diploma, about 1 year after high school. Requirements vary: some states require a bachelor's, others just a high school diploma or some college plus a permit.
Ways in: On-the-job training, Certification. Training cost: Under $15k.
Majors to look at: Education, Any major.
Growing slowly (about 0% over 10 years). BLS projects little change.
Low risk for 10 years. AI may supply backup lesson plans, but schools still need an adult in the room to supervise and teach when a teacher is out.
Age 18+. One way to start: Check your state's substitute permit rules; some only need a diploma and a short online course First: State or district substitute permit and fingerprints; many states require some college or a degree
Classes: Speech or drama, Psychology, Child development CTE class.
Official data: O*NET occupation 25-3031.
Career Universe is an early version. Pay, training and AI-risk figures are estimates to start your own research, not verified facts. The research was written with AI research assistants, checked by validation scripts and spot-checked by hand. Check anything important with schools, employers and official sources. How the numbers work.