Substitute Teacher Salary in California (2026 Guide)
California substitute teacher salary guide. Average Daily Rate: $190. Daily Rate Range: $150-$250.
$190
Average Daily Rate
$150-$250
Daily Rate Range
$28K-$52K
Annual Earnings Range
Los Angeles Unified (LAUSD)
Highest-Paying District
High
Cost of Living
California: Salary Guide
California Requirements Snapshot
Legal minimums. Real success comes from exceeding them with classroom skills.
Required
Education Requirements
California requires substitute teachers to hold a bachelor's degree or higher from a regionally accredited college or university. In addition, candidates must pass the California Basic Educational Skills Test (CBEST) or an equivalent basic skills assessment approved by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC). These requirements apply to all 30-day substitute teaching permits.
Background Check
All substitute teachers in California must complete a Live Scan fingerprinting process for both a California Department of Justice (DOJ) and FBI criminal background check. The fingerprinting must be completed at an authorized Live Scan location. Background clearance must be obtained before any classroom placement, and results are sent directly to the CTC.
Age Requirements
Substitute teachers in California must be at least 18 years of age. Given the bachelor's degree requirement, most candidates are at least 21 or 22, but the legal minimum age for credentialing purposes is 18.
Application Process
Candidates apply for a substitute teaching permit through the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing's online application system. The application requires submission of official transcripts, CBEST or equivalent test scores, completed Live Scan fingerprinting, and the applicable processing fee. After obtaining the permit, candidates apply directly to school districts.
Substitute Teaching Permit/License
California offers a 30-Day Substitute Teaching Permit, which allows the holder to substitute for any teacher for up to 30 days in the same assignment. For longer-term substitute positions, a Short-Term Staff Permit or Emergency Substitute Permit may be required. Emergency permits may have reduced requirements in districts experiencing acute shortages.
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Resources
This is skills-based professional development training only. It does not constitute state certification, a teaching license, or a guarantee of employment or assignments. All substitute teaching authorization and certification is issued exclusively by government/state/provincial/district authorities.
Practical skills training only. Actual substitute teaching authorization, certification, permits, and credentials are issued exclusively by California state and district government authorities — never by any training provider.
Succeed as a Substitute in California
Practical skills training that helps you stand out once you have met the government's authorization requirements. We do not issue credentials or guarantees.
Substitute Teacher Training provides practical skills development and resources to help substitute teachers perform more effectively in the classroom. Actual substitute teaching authorization, certification, permits, and credentials are issued exclusively by government/state/provincial/district education authorities. Decisions about hiring, pay rates, assignments, and any required credentials are made solely by schools, districts, and state education authorities. Completion of our courses results in a Certificate of Completion for professional development purposes only. We do not issue, approve, or guarantee any form of certification or employment.
Substitute Teacher Training does not issue substitute teaching authorization, credentials, or employment. All decisions rest solely with state education authorities, provincial ministries, and local school districts.