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Teacher assistant: pay, job outlook and how to become one

Updated October 23, 2026. Based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and O*NET data. Published by Humblebee.

$36,780median pay per year, May 2025[2]
  1. $27,150lowest 10% earn less
  2. $31,06025th percentile
  3. $36,780median
  4. $45,36075th percentile
  5. $50,040top 10% earn more
Middle half of workers in the inner band[5]Median for all US jobs, $50,980[6]

A teacher assistant job usually calls for some college but no prior work experience[1], and the median pay was $36,780 a year in May 2025[2]. Total jobs are expected to hold about steady over the next decade, but schools will still need to fill many spots each year as people leave[3][4].

Job growth, 2025–35
-0.3%[3]
Openings per year
176,200[4]
Typical entry education
Some college, no degree[1]

How much do teacher assistants make?

The median annual wage for teacher assistants (the BLS category is Teaching Assistants, Except Postsecondary) was $36,780 in May 2025[2]. That means half earned more and half earned less. The average was a little higher, at $38,290[7].

For comparison, the US median across all occupations was $50,980[6]. So a typical teacher assistant earns well below the typical US worker.

The pay range is fairly narrow:

Percentile Annual wage
10th[5] $27,150
25th[5] $31,060
50th (median)[2] $36,780
75th[5] $45,360
90th[5] $50,040

The lowest-paid 10% earned less than $27,150[5]. The top 10% earned more than $50,040[5], which is still a bit below the median for all jobs[6].

BLS does not publish an hourly wage for this job[8]. Many teacher assistants work fewer than a full year of hours but are paid on a yearly basis, so BLS reports annual pay only[8]. These counts cover wage and salary workers only[9].

Pay by state and city

Where you work makes a big difference. The states with the highest median pay were Washington at $49,120, the District of Columbia at $46,920, Maine at $46,750, California at $46,490 and Vermont at $43,800[10]. At the other end, the median was $25,840 in Mississippi and $24,070 in Alabama[10].

The most jobs are in California (177,140), New York (137,820), Texas (108,960), Illinois (64,210) and New Jersey (55,580)[11]. Large job counts do not always mean high pay. Texas has the third most jobs, but its median was $29,850[10].

Washington state dominates the list of top-paying metro areas. Mount Vernon-Anacortes, WA led with a median of $57,950, followed by Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA at $53,950 and Bellingham, WA at $51,670[12]. Outside Washington, San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA ($49,360), San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($49,010) and Portland-South Portland, ME ($48,770) made the list[12].

The New York-Newark-Jersey City metro has by far the most teacher assistant jobs, with 126,920 and a median of $38,890[13]. Next come Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim with 53,010 jobs ($46,240 median) and Chicago-Naperville-Elgin with 46,770 jobs ($37,840 median)[13].

Show median pay in 50 states and DC
StateMedian per yearJobs
Washington[10]$49,12043,420
District of Columbia$46,9203,950
Maine$46,7508,700
California$46,490177,140
Vermont$43,8004,960
Minnesota$40,10038,540
Oregon$39,85023,030
Massachusetts$39,38039,210
Virginia$38,52031,370
New Hampshire$38,4407,880
New York$38,240137,820
North Dakota$38,2405,600
Connecticut$38,11019,740
Delaware$37,8305,040
Wisconsin$37,80026,520
New Jersey$37,29055,580
Rhode Island$37,2205,200
Alaska$37,1903,810
Maryland$37,06023,340
Utah$37,05018,170
Illinois$36,99064,210
Hawaii$36,8105,470
Missouri$36,30020,930
Wyoming$36,1003,680
Ohio$35,92047,300
Arizona$35,90025,280
New Mexico$35,9008,970
Colorado$35,76021,910
Idaho$35,5608,710
Nebraska$35,16011,190
Michigan$35,11039,030
Montana$34,7503,930
Pennsylvania$34,74048,310
Florida$34,43054,530
Indiana$33,30028,450
Nevada$31,9007,100
Iowa$30,51024,520
Kentucky$30,16016,330
Texas$29,850108,960
West Virginia$29,8005,110
North Carolina$29,79032,150
Kansas$29,49020,000
Tennessee$29,21023,280
Arkansas$28,79011,270
Georgia$28,77033,410
South Dakota$28,2204,650
Oklahoma$27,92013,860
South Carolina$27,86014,410
Louisiana$27,40014,530
Mississippi$25,8409,750
Alabama$24,07010,140

How to become a teacher assistant

BLS lists some college, no degree, as the typical education to enter this job, with no related work experience and no typical on-the-job training[1]. The Occupational Outlook Handbook adds that new hires usually have finished at least two years of college classes[14].

1) Take college courses, since public schools want at least two years of college or an associate's degree[15]. Associate's programs for this field teach you to create learning materials, watch and track students, and work alongside the classroom teacher[16]. 2) Check what your school requires[15]. In a Title 1 school (a federal program for schools serving many students from low-income families), you need a 2-year degree, two years of college, or a passing score on a state or local assessment[15]. 3) Pass a skills test if you want to work with special-needs students[17]. Most states require one for these roles[17]. 4) Get CPR and first aid certified if the job asks for it, as some employers do[18].

Some teacher assistants hold a bachelor's degree, for example in education or psychology[19].

The Handbook points to a few personal qualities that help. You need to explain student progress clearly to teachers and parents[20]. You build working relationships with students, parents, teachers and school leaders[21]. You stay patient with students who differ in ability and background[22]. You find new ways to explain ideas when a student learns differently[23].

The job can also be a step toward teaching. With more education, training and a license or certification, teacher assistants may move into roles such as elementary, middle school, high school or special education teacher[24].

Where they work

Local elementary and secondary schools are the main employer, with 72% of teacher assistant jobs[25]. Almost none are self-employed, at 0.1% in 2025[26].

Part of the day can be outdoors, such as during recess or while students board and leave buses[27]. The job is physical at times. Assistants may have to lift students, especially in special education, and that can lead to injuries like strains[27][28].

Full-time work is the norm, but part-time jobs are also common[29]. Some assistants watch over students on buses before or after the school day[29]. Many have summers off, while others work in year-round schools or help out in summer school[29].

Job outlook

BLS projects that employment of teacher assistants will dip 0.3% between 2025 and 2035, going from about 1,463,000 jobs to about 1,458,000[3]. That compares with 3.5% growth for all occupations[30]. In short, the number of jobs is expected to stay about flat.

Hiring will continue, though. BLS expects about 176,200 openings a year, on average, over the decade[4]. Since total jobs are not growing, these openings come from people who retire or move to other occupations[3][4]. Each year about 5.5% of teacher assistants are expected to leave the labor force and 6.6% to move into a different occupation[31].

A note on job counts: the 1,420,350 figure from the May 2025 wage survey counts only wage and salary jobs[9], while the projection count includes self-employed workers[3]. They are different measures, so the numbers do not match exactly.

Is it a good fit?

This job has a low barrier to entry. BLS lists some college and no prior experience as the typical path in[1], and it often means about two years of college classes[14]. Pay is modest, with a median of $36,780 against $50,980 for all occupations[2][6], though it is much higher in states like Washington and California[10]. Total jobs are expected to stay about flat, but about 176,200 openings a year should keep hiring steady[3][4]. It may suit someone who wants to work with students, values a school-year schedule[29], or wants a step toward becoming a teacher[24].

Frequently asked questions

How much does a teacher assistant make an hour?
BLS does not publish an hourly wage for teacher assistants, only annual pay, because many work fewer than a full year of hours but are paid yearly[8]. The median annual wage was $36,780 in May 2025[2].
What degree do you need to be a teacher assistant?
A degree is not always required. BLS lists some college, no degree, as the typical entry level[1]. Public schools want at least two years of college or an associate's degree[15]. In Title 1 schools, passing a state or local assessment is another option[15].
How long does it take to become a teacher assistant?
Usually about two years of college coursework[14]. No related work experience or on-the-job training is typically required[1].
What is the highest paying state for teacher assistants?
Washington, with a median of $49,120 a year in May 2025[10]. The District of Columbia ($46,920) and Maine ($46,750) came next[10].
Are teacher assistants in demand?
Total jobs are projected to dip 0.3% from 2025 to 2035[3], but about 176,200 openings are expected each year as workers retire or change careers[4].

Facts and sources

  1. BLS Employment Projections, typical path into Teaching Assistants, Except Postsecondary: education needed for entry: Some college, no degree; work experience in a related occupation: None; typical on-the-job training: None. BLS Employment Projections
  2. BLS OEWS, May 2025: the median wage for Teaching Assistants, Except Postsecondary in the US was $36,780 per year. Half of workers earned more and half earned less. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  3. BLS Employment Projections: employment of Teaching Assistants, Except Postsecondary is projected to decline 0.3% from 2025 to 2035, from about 1,463,000 to 1,458,000 jobs (a change of -4,900). These counts include self-employed workers. BLS Employment Projections
  4. BLS Employment Projections: about 176,200 openings for Teaching Assistants, Except Postsecondary are projected each year, on average, from 2025 to 2035. Openings include jobs that open when workers retire or move to other occupations, not only new jobs. BLS Employment Projections
  5. BLS OEWS, May 2025, annual wage percentiles for Teaching Assistants, Except Postsecondary: 10th percentile $27,150, 25th percentile $31,060, 75th percentile $45,360, 90th percentile $50,040. The 10th percentile means 10% of workers earned less. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  6. BLS OEWS, May 2025: the median annual wage for all occupations in the US was $50,980. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  7. BLS OEWS, May 2025: the mean (average) wage for Teaching Assistants, Except Postsecondary was $38,290 per year. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  8. BLS publishes only annual wages for Teaching Assistants, Except Postsecondary, not hourly wages, because many work fewer than 2,080 hours a year but are paid yearly. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  9. BLS OEWS, May 2025: about 1,420,350 people were employed as Teaching Assistants, Except Postsecondary in the US (wage and salary jobs, not counting self-employed workers). BLS OEWS, May 2025
  10. Median annual wage for Teaching Assistants, Except Postsecondary in every state with published data, May 2025 (table on this page). BLS OEWS, May 2025
  11. BLS OEWS, May 2025, states with the most Teaching Assistants, Except Postsecondary jobs: California 177,140; New York 137,820; Texas 108,960; Illinois 64,210; New Jersey 55,580. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  12. BLS OEWS, May 2025, metro areas with the highest median annual wage for Teaching Assistants, Except Postsecondary (areas with at least 100 jobs): Mount Vernon-Anacortes, WA $57,950; Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA $53,950; Bellingham, WA $51,670; Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA $51,350; Bremerton-Silverdale-Port Orchard, WA $50,530; San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA $49,360; San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA $49,010; Portland-South Portland, ME $48,770. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  13. BLS OEWS, May 2025, metro areas with the most Teaching Assistants, Except Postsecondary jobs: New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ 126,920 (median $38,890); Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA 53,010 (median $46,240); Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN 46,770 (median $37,840); Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD 26,990 (median $36,080); Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH 26,350 (median $40,930); Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX 25,270 (median $31,480). BLS OEWS, May 2025
  14. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  15. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Education. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  16. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Education. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  17. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Education. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  18. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  19. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Education. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  20. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Important Qualities. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  21. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Important Qualities. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  22. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Important Qualities. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  23. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Important Qualities. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  24. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Advancement. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  25. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, largest employers of teacher assistants in 2025: Elementary and secondary schools; local 72%. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  26. BLS Employment Projections: 0.1% of Teaching Assistants, Except Postsecondary were self-employed in 2025. BLS Employment Projections
  27. Occupational Outlook Handbook, Work Environment. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  28. Occupational Outlook Handbook, Work Environment: Injuries and Illnesses. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  29. Occupational Outlook Handbook, Work Environment: Work Schedules. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  30. BLS Employment Projections: employment in all occupations is projected to grow 3.5% from 2025 to 2035. BLS Employment Projections
  31. BLS Employment Projections, 2025-35 annual average for Teaching Assistants, Except Postsecondary: 5.5% of workers leave the labor force each year and 6.6% move to a different occupation. BLS Employment Projections

Wages are BLS OEWS estimates for May 2025 and cover wage and salary workers. They do not include self-employed workers, tips are included only where employers report them, and benefits are not included. BLS does not publish a 'starting salary'. The 10th and 25th percentile wages show what lower-paid workers earn, which often includes people new to the job. OEWS employment (jobs in May 2025) and Employment Projections employment (2025, includes self-employed) are different measures and can differ. O*NET education shares come from a small survey of workers in the occupation, not from all workers.