Teaching Assistants, Except Postsecondary Salary Guide 2025: $36,780 Median, -1.5% Job Decline Ahead
The median salary for teaching assistants (except postsecondary) is $36,780 per year, or roughly $18 per hour, according to the latest BLS estimates. The typical range runs from $27,150 at the 10th percentile to $50,040 at the 90th. With 1.42 million jobs nationwide, this is a large occupation that's expected to shrink slightly through 2034.
How much Teaching Assistants, Except Postsecondary earn
The BLS reports a mean annual wage of $38,290, with half of all TAs earning between $27,150 and $50,040. The top 10% exceed $50,040, while the bottom 10% earn less than $27,150. Pay varies by school district, union contracts, and years of experience.
Full-time TAs typically work a 9-month school year, so annual pay reflects that schedule. Many supplement income with summer jobs or second positions.
Pay by state
Location heavily affects TA salaries. The highest-paying state is Washington, with an average of $49,120. District of Columbia ($46,920), Maine ($46,750), California ($46,490), and Vermont ($43,800) round out the top five. The lowest-paying states are mostly in the South: Louisiana averages $27,400, Mississippi $25,840, and Alabama $24,070. Cost of living partly explains these differences, so a salary in Mississippi goes further than the raw number suggests.
How to become Teaching Assistants, Except Postsecondary
Requirements vary by state and district, but many schools only require a high school diploma or associate degree. Some states require paraeducator certification or the ParaPro Assessment, a test of reading, writing, and math skills. A few districts mandate an associate degree or 60 college credits.
- Earn a high school diploma or GED.
- Complete any state-specific training, such as CPR/first aid or child development courses.
- Pass a background check (mandatory in every state).
- Obtain required credentials: e.g., the ParaPro exam or a paraprofessional certificate.
- Apply to school districts or private schools; experience working with children is a plus.
- Consider an associate degree in early childhood education or a related field to widen opportunities.
Job outlook
The BLS projects a 1.5% decline in employment from 2024 to 2034, translating to roughly 170,400 openings per year on average. Most openings will come from workers leaving the occupation, not new job creation. School budget constraints and slow enrollment growth contribute to the decline. Still, demand remains steady in special education and in districts with high teacher turnover. Job prospects will be best for those with formal credentials and experience with students with disabilities.
Frequently asked questions
What is the salary of a teaching assistant in 2025?
The median annual salary is $36,780, according to BLS data. The typical range is $27,150 to $50,040.
Do you need a degree to become a teaching assistant?
Not always. Many districts require only a high school diploma and a paraprofessional assessment. Some mandate an associate degree or 60 college credits.
Is the job outlook for teaching assistants good?
The BLS expects a 1.5% decline from 2024 to 2034, with about 170,400 openings per year. That decline means fewer new jobs, but turnover creates opportunities.
Salary figures are U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates (OEWS / Employment Projections). For informational purposes only; not career or financial advice. See the full Teaching Assistants, Except Postsecondary data.