Substitute teachers, short-term
SOC Code: 25-3031
Substitute teachers, short-term carries a 35% AI exposure score (Medium automation risk), with a median annual wage of $38,470 and +1.6% projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034 (BLS), affecting approximately 510,100 workers. Full task breakdown, skills, and employer data are below.
Proportion of tasks susceptible to AI automation (O*NET analysis)
At 35% AI exposure, Substitute teachers, short-term sits 2 points below the 37.2% average across 832 U.S. occupations - more exposed than 46% of them. Most of its core tasks still require human judgment.
Where Substitute teachers, short-term sits among all occupations
AI-exposure score distribution across 832 U.S. occupations (O*NET task analysis). This occupation is marked in rose.
Substitute teachers, short-term has ai exposure of 35%. Distribution: 1 occupations at 0-10%; 43 occupations at 10-20%; 184 occupations at 20-30%; 332 occupations at 30-40%; 158 occupations at 40-50%; 64 occupations at 50-60%; 29 occupations at 60-70%; 15 occupations at 70-80%; 5 occupations at 80-90%; 1 occupations at 90-100%.
Source: O*NET task data (U.S. Department of Labor); AI-exposure scores are PlainWorkforce's analysis. As of BLS 2024–2034.
Substitute teachers, short-term vs. its occupational neighbors
AI exposure (horizontal) vs projected 2024–2034 growth (vertical) for occupations in the same SOC group. Substitute teachers, short-term is marked in rose; the top-left corner is the most future-proof.
Source: BLS Employment Projections 2024–2034 (growth) and O*NET (AI-exposure analysis by PlainWorkforce).
Employment Projections
Occupation Insight
Substitute teachers, short-term (SOC 25-3031) carries an AI exposure score of 35%, placing it in the Medium automation-risk tier. This score is computed from O*NET Database 30.0 task-level analysis, where each task an occupation performs is evaluated against current generative AI, robotic process automation, and machine-learning capabilities. A score below 40% reflects tasks anchored in physical dexterity, unstructured environments, or high-touch human interaction that current AI cannot reliably replicate.
The economic context matters alongside the risk score. BLS counted approximately 510,100 workers in this occupation in 2024, and projects a +1.6% change through 2034 - modest growth that keeps the occupation viable even as tasks evolve. Median annual compensation stands at $38,470, reflecting both skill scarcity and the value employers place on the tasks that remain difficult to automate. Entry typically requires Bachelor's degree, plus None of related experience.
For career planners, this profile should be read alongside the task, skill, and knowledge breakdowns below and the list of employers whose workforce composition includes Substitute teachers, short-term. Adjacent occupations shown further down offer lateral moves that preserve industry knowledge while potentially reducing exposure. Pair the AI exposure score with the BLS employment projection and wage percentiles above for a complete career assessment.
Education & Entry Requirements
Top Tasks (O*NET)
- 1. Enforce school and class rules to maintain order in the classroom.
- 2. Answer students' questions.
- 3. Follow lesson plans designed by absent teachers.
- 4. Take class attendance and maintain attendance records.
- 5. Provide students with disabilities with assistive devices, supportive technology, or assistance accessing facilities, such as restrooms.
- 6. Supervise students during activities outside the classroom, such as recess, lunch, and field trips.
- 7. Organize and supervise games or other recreational activities.
- 8. Teach social skills to students, such as communication, conflict resolution, and etiquette.
- 9. Assist students with boarding or exiting school buses.
- 10. Tutor or assist students individually or in small groups.
Key Skills Required
- Reading Comprehension
- Active Listening
- Speaking
- Social Perceptiveness
- Critical Thinking
- Monitoring
- Instructing
- Writing
- Learning Strategies
- Time Management
Knowledge Areas
- English Language
- Education and Training
- Public Safety and Security
- Customer and Personal Service
- Computers and Electronics
- Mathematics
- Psychology
- Communications and Media
- History and Archeology
- Geography
Frequently Asked Questions
Will AI replace Substitute teachers, short-term?
Substitute teachers, short-term has an AI exposure score of 35%, indicating a medium level of automation risk. The majority of tasks in this role require human judgment, creativity, or physical presence that AI cannot easily replicate.
What is the job outlook for Substitute teachers, short-term?
According to BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034, Substitute teachers, short-term is projected to grow by 1.6% over the decade. Current employment stands at approximately 510,100 workers.
What skills are needed for Substitute teachers, short-term?
Key skills for Substitute teachers, short-term include Reading Comprehension, Active Listening, Speaking, and others. Typical entry-level education is Bachelor's degree.
How much do Substitute teachers, short-term earn?
The median annual wage for Substitute teachers, short-term is $38,470, according to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024). Actual earnings vary by location, experience, industry, and employer. The BLS publishes detailed wage percentiles by region in its Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program.
What education is required for Substitute teachers, short-term?
The typical entry-level education for Substitute teachers, short-term is Bachelor's degree. Employers generally expect None of related work experience. On-the-job training typically involves None. Requirements can vary by employer and specialization.
Which companies employ Substitute teachers, short-term?
Substitute teachers, short-term roles exist across many industries and employers. Workforce composition is estimated from BLS industry-occupation employment distributions matched to SEC-registered public companies.
AI Exposure Rating
Medium automation risk based on 10 analyzed tasks. Most tasks require human judgment and are resistant to automation.
Related Occupations
Career Guides
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Data sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections 2024–2034 and O*NET Database 30.0. Employment figures are rounded. Wage data from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics (OES).