Computer Programmers vs Substitute Teachers, Short-Term: Salary Comparison (2024)
Side-by-side salary comparison using 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics data.
Which Career Pays More?
Computer Programmers professionals earn $60,200 more per year than Substitute Teachers, Short-Term professionals — that's 156.5% higher. At the 90th percentile, Computer Programmers earns $162,090 compared to $63,460 for Substitute Teachers, Short-Term.
Salary Range Comparison
Computer Programmers$52,190 – $162,090
Substitute Teachers, Short-Term$26,240 – $63,460
$26,240$162,090
Detailed Salary Comparison
| Percentile | Computer Programmers | Substitute Teachers, Short-Term | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $52,190 | $26,240 | +$25,950 |
| 25th Percentile | $71,860 | $31,310 | +$40,550 |
| Median (50th) | $98,670 | $38,470 | +$60,200 |
| 75th Percentile | $128,960 | $51,930 | +$77,030 |
| 90th Percentile | $162,090 | $63,460 | +$98,630 |
| Mean (Average) | $103,640 | $44,930 | +$58,710 |
Employment Numbers
Computer Programmers
109,870
employed nationwide
Substitute Teachers, Short-Term
481,300
employed nationwide
Top Paying Cities
Best Cities for Computer Programmers
| City | Median |
|---|---|
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA | $167,970 |
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $159,250 |
| San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA | $133,560 |
| Denver-Aurora-Lakewood, CO | $122,580 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, CA | $122,000 |
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: Computer Programmers or Substitute Teachers, Short-Term?
Computer Programmers professionals earn more, with a median salary difference of $60,200 (156.5% higher) as of 2024 BLS data.
What is the salary range for Computer Programmers?
Computer Programmers salaries range from $52,190 (10th percentile) to $162,090 (90th percentile), with a median of $98,670.
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 Computer Programmers and Substitute Teachers, Short-Term jobs are there?
There are approximately 109,870 Computer Programmers 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 Computer Programmers?
Career decisions depend on many factors beyond salary. Computer Programmers has a median salary of $98,670 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