Teacher Assistant salary

The median pay for a teacher assistant nationally is $17.68 an hour — about $36,780 a year full time. That figure comes from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics for U.S. (2025). Half of the roles pay more than this and half pay less, so treat it as the middle of the market rather than a target.

Most teacher assistants nationally earn between $13.05 an hour and $24.06 an hour — that is the 10th to the 90th percentile. The spread usually reflects experience, shift, certifications and employer size more than anything else.

Pay at the bottom of the range — roughly what someone starting out can expect — is around $13.05 an hour. A quarter of teacher assistants earn below $14.93 an hour, so the first year or two typically sits in that band. This is a role employers routinely fill with people who have no prior experience.

The top 10% of teacher assistants nationally earn about $24.06 an hour or more, roughly 1.4× the median. Getting there usually means experience plus something specific — certifications, supervisory duties, specialised skills or premium shifts.

Teacher assistants support classroom teachers with instruction, supervision and individual pupil help — often working with students who need extra support. Day to day, that means support small groups and individual pupils, help prepare materials and the classroom, supervise during breaks and activities and reinforce lessons and instructions.

The usual route is: (1) check your district's specific requirements, (2) complete any required assessment or coursework, (3) start in a classroom or support role, (4) many go on to complete a teaching qualification. Employers typically look for requirements vary; Title I schools often require an associate degree or a competency assessment, background check and some districts require a paraprofessional certificate.

Usually not. Most employers hire teacher assistants without a specific licence, though some districts require a paraprofessional certificate will widen your options and often your pay.

Persistent demand, especially in special education support. School-year hours suit people needing school-aligned schedules.

Usually not — most positions follow the school calendar, meaning unpaid summers unless you take summer school or other work. Annual earnings are therefore lower than the hourly rate implies, which is worth factoring in.