Software Developers vs Substitute Teachers, Short-Term: Salary Comparison (2024)
Side-by-side salary comparison using 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics data.
Which Career Pays More?
Software Developers professionals earn $94,610 more per year than Substitute Teachers, Short-Term professionals — that's 245.9% higher. At the 90th percentile, Software Developers earns $211,450 compared to $63,460 for Substitute Teachers, Short-Term.
Salary Range Comparison
Software Developers$79,850 – $211,450
Substitute Teachers, Short-Term$26,240 – $63,460
$26,240$211,450
Detailed Salary Comparison
| Percentile | Software Developers | Substitute Teachers, Short-Term | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $79,850 | $26,240 | +$53,610 |
| 25th Percentile | $103,050 | $31,310 | +$71,740 |
| Median (50th) | $133,080 | $38,470 | +$94,610 |
| 75th Percentile | $169,000 | $51,930 | +$117,070 |
| 90th Percentile | $211,450 | $63,460 | +$147,990 |
| Mean (Average) | $144,570 | $44,930 | +$99,640 |
Employment Numbers
Software Developers
1,654,440
employed nationwide
Substitute Teachers, Short-Term
481,300
employed nationwide
Top Paying Cities
Best Cities for Software Developers
| City | Median |
|---|---|
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $208,270 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, CA | $174,910 |
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA | $169,340 |
| New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA | $161,970 |
| San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA | $159,240 |
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: Software Developers or Substitute Teachers, Short-Term?
Software Developers professionals earn more, with a median salary difference of $94,610 (245.9% higher) as of 2024 BLS data.
What is the salary range for Software Developers?
Software Developers salaries range from $79,850 (10th percentile) to $211,450 (90th percentile), with a median of $133,080.
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 Software Developers and Substitute Teachers, Short-Term jobs are there?
There are approximately 1,654,440 Software Developers 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 Software Developers?
Career decisions depend on many factors beyond salary. Software Developers has a median salary of $133,080 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