How much do substitute teachers make in Minnesota per day?

Substitute teachers in Minnesota typically earn between $100 and $165 per day. The average daily rate is around $130. Long-term substitute positions and assignments in high-demand subjects may pay more.

Do substitute teachers in Minnesota get benefits?

Most short-term substitute teachers in Minnesota do not receive benefits such as health insurance or retirement contributions. However, long-term substitutes working 30+ consecutive days in the same position may qualify for limited benefits depending on the district.

What is the highest-paying district for substitutes in Minnesota?

Minneapolis Public Schools is generally among the highest-paying districts for substitute teachers in Minnesota, often offering daily rates above the state average due to local cost of living and district funding levels.

How can I earn more as a substitute teacher in Minnesota?

To maximize your substitute teaching income in Minnesota, register with multiple school districts, build a strong reputation for reliability, accept assignments in high-demand areas like special education and STEM, and consider working through staffing agencies that partner with districts.

Minnesota

Salary Guide

Substitute Teacher Salary in Minnesota (2026 Guide)

Minnesota substitute teacher salary guide. Average Daily Rate: $130. Daily Rate Range: $100-$165.

$130

Average Daily Rate

$100-$165

Daily Rate Range

$20K-$36K

Annual Earnings Range

Minneapolis Public Schools

Highest-Paying District

Moderate

Cost of Living

Minnesota: Salary Guide

Minnesota salary guide: average daily rate is $130, daily rate range is $100-$165, annual earnings range is $20K-$36K, highest-paying district is Minneapolis Public Schools, cost of living is Moderate. Larger cities in this guide: Minneapolis, St. Paul, Rochester, Duluth, Bloomington. Minneapolis is the largest listed city, population 429,954, out of 20 cities on file. Example districts: Minneapolis Public Schools, Saint Paul Public Schools, Anoka-Hennepin School District, South Washington County Schools. Notes specific to this Minnesota page: approximately $130. Minnesota state record: a credential is required; a background check is required. Cost-of-living index 100. Region: midwest.

Minnesota Requirements Snapshot

Legal minimums. Real success comes from exceeding them with classroom skills.

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Required

Education Requirements

Minnesota does not require a bachelor's degree for short-call substitute teachers. The minimum education requirement is a two-year degree (associate's degree) or 60 semester credit hours from an accredited institution. For long-term substitute assignments exceeding 15 consecutive days in the same position, a bachelor's degree and additional qualifications may be required.

Background Check

Minnesota requires all substitute teachers to undergo a criminal background check through the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) and the FBI. The background check includes fingerprinting and is initiated by the hiring school district. Results must be cleared before the substitute can begin working in any Minnesota school.

Age Requirements

Substitute teachers in Minnesota must be at least 18 years of age. This requirement is consistent across all substitute teaching license tiers and applies to both short-call and long-term substitute positions.

Application Process

Candidates apply for a short-call substitute teaching license through the Minnesota Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board (PELSB) online system. The application requires official transcripts, background check clearance, and payment of the licensure fee. Once licensed, candidates apply with individual school districts to be added to their substitute teacher roster.

Substitute Teaching License

Minnesota issues a Short-Call Substitute Teaching License through PELSB that allows holders to substitute for up to 15 consecutive days in the same assignment. The license requires a minimum of a two-year degree and is valid for five years. Candidates seeking to serve in longer-term substitute roles must obtain additional licensure with higher education requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Resources

Minnesota Requirements

Full state overview

Minnesota: Without a Degree

Minnesota: Background Check

Minnesota: Age Requirements

Minnesota: State Credential

Substitute Teaching in Minneapolis

Substitute Teaching in St. Paul

Substitute Teaching in Rochester

Skills Training Courses

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 Minnesota state and district government authorities — never by any training provider.

Succeed as a Substitute in Minnesota

Practical skills training that helps you stand out once you have met the government's authorization requirements. We do not issue credentials or guarantees.

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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.