Childcare Workers vs Substitute Teachers, Short-Term: Salary Comparison (2024)
Side-by-side salary comparison using 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics data.
Which Career Pays More?
Substitute Teachers, Short-Term professionals earn $6,420 more per year than Childcare Workers professionals — that's 20.0% higher. At the 90th percentile, Childcare Workers earns $44,560 compared to $63,460 for Substitute Teachers, Short-Term.
Salary Range Comparison
Childcare Workers$22,900 – $44,560
Substitute Teachers, Short-Term$26,240 – $63,460
$22,900$63,460
Detailed Salary Comparison
| Percentile | Childcare Workers | Substitute Teachers, Short-Term | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $22,900 | $26,240 | $-3,340 |
| 25th Percentile | $28,000 | $31,310 | $-3,310 |
| Median (50th) | $32,050 | $38,470 | $-6,420 |
| 75th Percentile | $36,960 | $51,930 | $-14,970 |
| 90th Percentile | $44,560 | $63,460 | $-18,900 |
| Mean (Average) | $33,140 | $44,930 | $-11,790 |
Employment Numbers
Childcare Workers
520,180
employed nationwide
Substitute Teachers, Short-Term
481,300
employed nationwide
Top Paying Cities
Best Cities for Childcare Workers
| City | Median |
|---|---|
| San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, CA | $44,970 |
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $43,640 |
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA | $40,180 |
| Boston-Cambridge-Nashua, MA-NH | $39,290 |
| Denver-Aurora-Lakewood, CO | $38,720 |
Best Cities for Substitute Teachers, Short-Term
| City | Median |
|---|---|
| San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, CA | $64,090 |
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $60,080 |
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA | $58,570 |
| Miami-Fort Lauderdale-Pompano Beach, FL | $58,070 |
| Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA | $57,740 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who earns more: Childcare Workers or Substitute Teachers, Short-Term?
Substitute Teachers, Short-Term professionals earn more, with a median salary difference of $6,420 (20.0% higher) as of 2024 BLS data.
What is the salary range for Childcare Workers?
Childcare Workers salaries range from $22,900 (10th percentile) to $44,560 (90th percentile), with a median of $32,050.
What is the salary range for Substitute Teachers, Short-Term?
Substitute Teachers, Short-Term salaries range from $26,240 (10th percentile) to $63,460 (90th percentile), with a median of $38,470.
How many Childcare Workers and Substitute Teachers, Short-Term jobs are there?
There are approximately 520,180 Childcare Workers positions and 481,300 Substitute Teachers, Short-Term positions nationwide according to 2024 BLS data.
Is it worth switching from Substitute Teachers, Short-Term to Childcare Workers?
Career decisions depend on many factors beyond salary. Childcare Workers has a median salary of $32,050 while Substitute Teachers, Short-Term earns $38,470. Consider job satisfaction, growth prospects, required education, and work-life balance.
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Data verified March 2026 · Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS