Teacher assistants — also called paraprofessionals, classroom aides, or instructional aides — support licensed teachers in classrooms across the country. It’s an entry point into education and a full career path for those who specialize in special education support.
Teacher Assistant Salary Overview
The BLS reports a 2024 median annual wage of $33,050 for teacher assistants, or $15.87 per hour.
| Percentile | Annual Salary | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $22,500 | $10.82 |
| 25th percentile | $27,000 | $12.98 |
| Median (50th) | $33,050 | $15.87 |
| 75th percentile | $40,500 | $19.47 |
| 90th percentile | $50,000 | $24.04 |
Teacher Assistant Salary by State
| State | Median Annual Salary | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Connecticut | $44,000 | High cost of living; strong district funding |
| Massachusetts | $41,000 | Union contracts in most districts |
| New York | $40,000 | NYC and Long Island drive high median |
| California | $39,000 | Varies widely by district |
| New Jersey | $38,000 | High property tax funding |
| Maryland | $37,000 | DC metro influence |
| Washington | $36,000 | Strong public sector wages |
| Texas | $29,000 | Low district funding in many counties |
| Mississippi | $25,000 | Lowest-paid state for teaching aides |
| Louisiana | $26,000 | |
| Alabama | $26,000 |
Teacher Assistant Salary by School Setting
| School Setting | Median Annual Salary | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Public Elementary School | $33,000 | Most common placement |
| Public Secondary School | $34,000 | |
| Special Education (Public) | $36,000 | IDEA paraprofessional premium |
| Private School | $28,000 | Typically lower than public; may lack union |
| Charter School | $30,000 | Varies widely by management organization |
| Head Start / Early Childhood | $29,000 | Federal program, varies by grantee |
How to Increase Earning Potential as a Teacher Assistant
- Pursue a teaching license: Most states allow paraprofessionals with enough college credits and experience to enter alternative certification pathways. Licensed teachers earn $50,000–$75,000+.
- Specialize in special education: Special education paraprofessionals and 1-on-1 aides for students with complex needs often earn at the higher end of the TA pay scale.
- Join a union: In districts with NEA or AFT representation, paraprofessional contracts set minimum wages above non-union counterparts.
- Earn an associate or bachelor’s degree: NCLB and IDEA require paraprofessionals in Title I schools to have at least 2 years of college, an associate degree, or pass a state/local assessment.
Related Profession Guides
- Average Teacher Salary
- How Much Do Teachers Make?
- How Much Do Special Education Teachers Make?
- How Much Do School Counselors Make?
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