Civil Engineers vs Substitute Teachers, Short-Term: Salary Comparison (2024)
Side-by-side salary comparison using 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics data.
Which Career Pays More?
Civil Engineers professionals earn $61,120 more per year than Substitute Teachers, Short-Term professionals — that's 158.9% higher. At the 90th percentile, Civil Engineers earns $160,990 compared to $63,460 for Substitute Teachers, Short-Term.
Salary Range Comparison
Civil Engineers$65,920 – $160,990
Substitute Teachers, Short-Term$26,240 – $63,460
$26,240$160,990
Detailed Salary Comparison
| Percentile | Civil Engineers | Substitute Teachers, Short-Term | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $65,920 | $26,240 | +$39,680 |
| 25th Percentile | $78,790 | $31,310 | +$47,480 |
| Median (50th) | $99,590 | $38,470 | +$61,120 |
| 75th Percentile | $128,290 | $51,930 | +$76,360 |
| 90th Percentile | $160,990 | $63,460 | +$97,530 |
| Mean (Average) | $107,050 | $44,930 | +$62,120 |
Employment Numbers
Civil Engineers
355,410
employed nationwide
Substitute Teachers, Short-Term
481,300
employed nationwide
Top Paying Cities
Best Cities for Civil Engineers
| City | Median |
|---|---|
| Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA | $130,310 |
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $129,260 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, CA | $126,560 |
| Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA | $109,250 |
| Providence-Warwick, RI-MA | $108,010 |
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: Civil Engineers or Substitute Teachers, Short-Term?
Civil Engineers professionals earn more, with a median salary difference of $61,120 (158.9% higher) as of 2024 BLS data.
What is the salary range for Civil Engineers?
Civil Engineers salaries range from $65,920 (10th percentile) to $160,990 (90th percentile), with a median of $99,590.
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 Civil Engineers and Substitute Teachers, Short-Term jobs are there?
There are approximately 355,410 Civil Engineers 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 Civil Engineers?
Career decisions depend on many factors beyond salary. Civil Engineers has a median salary of $99,590 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