Application Fee
See agencyVerified by MA Board of Education
Substitute Teachers, Short-Term Licensing in Massachusetts
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for substitute teachers, short-term in Massachusetts, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 18, 2026
Current
Exam Requirement
No exam requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Substitute Teachers, Short-Term in Massachusetts
Estimated timeline: Varies by boardCore Requirements
- 1
Education: Specific course required.
- 2
Experience: No experience required.
- 3
Background/Criminal Review: No criminal record prohibitions.
- 4
License Type: Stand-alone license.
- 5
Educators, including teachers, support personnel, and administrators are required to hold a license issued by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education in order to be eligible to teach in Massachusetts Public Schools.
Exam and processing details
- No exam required
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Office of Educator Licensure
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$38,420 median (0% above national)
- State Salary Rank
#17 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (6)
- 1. Confirm eligibility prerequisites (Educators, including teachers, support personnel, and administrators are required to hold a license issued by the Massachusetts Departmen...).
- 2. Complete required education or training: Specific course required.
- 3. Document required supervised experience: No experience required.
- 4. Pass required examination steps: No exam required.
- 5. Prepare supporting documentation (background check: No criminal record prohibitions; Background/Criminal Review: No criminal record prohibitions.).
- 6. Submit the application to Office of Educator Licensure and monitor board communications.
Salary Insights in Massachusetts
With a median salary of $38,420, Substitute Teachers, Short-Terms in Massachusetts earn 0% below the national median of $38,470. Massachusetts ranks #17 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
RisingQoQ Employment Change
+2.1%Average Weekly Wage
$1,805Median annual salary
$38,420Hourly estimate
$18.470% above national median
Difference: -$50
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationSubstitute Teachers, Short-Term Salary Ranking
#17 of 50 statesfor Substitute Teachers, Short-Term median salary
| Rank | State | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | California | $57,260 |
| #2 | Oregon | $55,540 |
| #3 | Washington | $54,880 |
| #4 | Hawaii | $50,070 |
| #5 | Minnesota | $48,710 |
Nearby States Comparison
Substitute Teachers, Short-Term licensing across the region| State | Median Salary | Education | Exam | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts | $38,420 | Specific course required | No exam required | Varies by board |
| New Hampshire | $34,260 | Specific course required | State exam required | 1-3 months |
| Vermont | $37,280 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| New York | $39,500 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Connecticut | $38,590 | No educational requirements | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| Rhode Island | $44,680 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
License by Endorsement
Transfer requirements are state-specific. Use this quick matrix as a planning signal, then verify final endorsement rules with each board.
| State | Reciprocity Score | Tier | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts | 54 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| New Hampshire | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Vermont | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| New York | 54 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Connecticut | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| Rhode Island | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
- License status indicator: Active.
- Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Official Licensing Agency
Official website verified
Office of Educator Licensure
75 Pleasant St, Malden, MA, 02148
Phone: 7813886600
Related Careers in Massachusetts
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary | $83,490 | No educational requirements | Varies by board |
| Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary | $83,560 | No educational requirements | Varies by board |
| Business Teachers, Postsecondary | $99,600 | No educational requirements | Varies by board |
| Education Teachers, Postsecondary | $77,440 | No educational requirements | Varies by board |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Substitute Teachers, Short-Term in Massachusetts?
Most applicants finish the licensing path in about Varies by board, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.
What exams are required for Substitute Teachers, Short-Terms in Massachusetts?
Massachusetts lists No exam required as part of the licensure process for Substitute Teachers, Short-Terms.
What education do you need to become a Substitute Teachers, Short-Term in Massachusetts?
The board typically expects Specific course required for Substitute Teachers, Short-Term licensure in Massachusetts.
What is the typical Substitute Teachers, Short-Term salary in Massachusetts?
The median annual salary for Substitute Teachers, Short-Terms in Massachusetts is $38,420. Salaries range from $31,890 (10th percentile) to $58,130 (90th percentile).
How does the Substitute Teachers, Short-Term salary in Massachusetts compare to the national average?
Substitute Teachers, Short-Terms in Massachusetts earn 0% below the national median of $38,470, with a state median of $38,420.
How many Substitute Teachers, Short-Terms work in Massachusetts?
Massachusetts employs approximately 7,960 Substitute Teachers, Short-Terms according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Substitute Teachers, Short-Term license to Massachusetts from another state?
Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Who is the licensing agency for Substitute Teachers, Short-Terms in Massachusetts?
The licensing agency is Office of Educator Licensure. Review agency details at http://www.mass.gov/edu/government/departments-and-boards/ese/programs/educator-effectiveness/licensure/.
How often do you renew a Substitute Teachers, Short-Term license in Massachusetts?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.