Education & Childcare career

Teacher Assistant

Also called: Teacher’s Aide · Paraprofessional · Paraeducator · Instructional Aide

What teacher assistants do, what they earn, how long training takes and how to get started, with official BLS pay data and practical, job-level detail.

Updated By the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team
What does a teacher assistant do?

Teaching assistants work under teachers’ supervision to help students learn, supporting small groups, students with disabilities and classroom routines. The median pay is $36,780 per year (BLS, May 2025), most people train for about Weeks to 2 years depending on the district, and employment is projected to grow -0.3% from 2025–35.

Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026

  • Median pay
    $36,780
    Annual salary · May 2025
  • Job growth
    -0.3%
    2025–35, little or no change
  • Openings per year
    176,200
    Average, 2025–35
  • Typical entry education
    Some college, no degree
    BLS classification
  • Time to train
    Weeks to 2 years depending on the district
    Typical program length
  • U.S. jobs
    1,463,000
    Employment, 2025

What teacher assistants do

Teacher assistants give students extra attention. They work with small groups and individual students, reinforce lessons, help students with disabilities, supervise lunch and recess, prepare materials and help manage classrooms. Many work in special education classrooms.

Requirements vary. Paraprofessionals in Title I schools generally need two years of college, an associate degree or a passing score on a state-approved assessment. Many assistants later become licensed teachers.

Typical duties

  • Work with small groups and individual students
  • Reinforce lessons taught by the teacher
  • Support students with disabilities
  • Supervise students at lunch, recess and transitions
  • Prepare classroom materials
  • Help with classroom management
  • Record student progress

Work environment and schedule

Teacher assistants work in schools, in classrooms, special education rooms, cafeterias and playgrounds.

Schedule: Most work school-day hours during the school year, with summers off.

A day in the life

  1. Prepare reading materials for small groups.
  2. Help students settle and take attendance.
  3. Lead a reading group for struggling readers.
  4. Support a student with an IEP during math.

See a full day in the life of a teacher assistant →

Teacher Assistant salary

Half of teacher assistants earned more than $36,780 and half earned less in May 2025. Pay ranged from about $27,150 for the lowest 10% to $50,040 for the top 10%.

Full teacher assistant pay scale and hourly rates →

How to become a teacher assistant

  1. Meet education requirements
  2. Pass background checks
  3. Get hired by a school
  4. Gain experience
  5. Advance

Requirements vary by district. Title I paraprofessionals usually need two years of college, an associate degree or a passing score on a state paraprofessional assessment.

Step-by-step guide to becoming a teacher assistant →

Skills and tools

Technical skills

  • Small-group instruction
  • Behavior support
  • Special education basics
  • Classroom management
  • Progress monitoring

People skills

  • Patience
  • Teamwork
  • Flexibility
  • Encouragement

All teacher assistant skills and tools →

Pros and cons

Pros

  • School schedule and summers off
  • Meaningful student impact
  • Path to teaching
  • Less prep than teachers

Cons

  • Modest pay
  • Challenging behaviors
  • Limited advancement without more school
  • Physically demanding at times

Certifications and licenses

  • ParaPro Assessment: A test used by many states for paraprofessionals.
  • State paraprofessional certification: Required in some states.
  • CPR and first aid: Useful for school staff.
  • Behavior support training: Such as crisis prevention training.

Career path

  1. Teacher Assistant: Support classrooms.
  2. Special Education Paraprofessional: Support students with disabilities.
  3. Teacher (with degree): Lead a classroom.
  4. Special Education Teacher: Specialize in special education.

Learn the job before day one

Our Teacher Assistant training (10 hours, $89.99) covers the role, 15+ key terms, step-by-step procedures such as lead a small reading group and support a student’s IEP accommodations, safety and how to land your first job.

View Teacher Assistant trainingIs this career right for me?

Substitute Teacher

Step in for absent teachers and keep classrooms learning.

  • $41,670
  • Days to weeks for a substitute permit

Special Education Teacher

Teach and support students with disabilities so they can learn and thrive.

  • $65,120
  • 4 years plus licensing

Preschool Teacher

Teach young children through play, routines and early learning.

  • $38,140
  • 6 months (CDA) to 2 years (associate)

Tutor

Help students master subjects and prepare for tests one-on-one.

  • $43,350
  • Weeks to months

Compare: Teacher Assistant vs. Substitute Teacher · Teacher Assistant vs. Special Ed Teacher · Teacher Assistant vs. Preschool Teacher · Teacher Assistant vs. Tutor

Teacher Assistant FAQ

Do teacher assistants need a degree?

Often some college or a test, depending on the district.

Do teacher assistants get summers off?

Usually yes.

Can teacher assistants become teachers?

Yes, with a bachelor’s degree and license.

How much does a teacher assistant make?

The median annual wage for teacher assistants was $36,780 in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $27,150 and the highest 10% earned more than $50,040.

How long does it take to become a teacher assistant?

Most people need about Weeks to 2 years depending on the district of training. Requirements vary by district. Title I paraprofessionals usually need two years of college, an associate degree or a passing score on a state paraprofessional assessment.

Do you need a degree to be a teacher assistant?

No four-year degree is typically required. BLS lists “some college, no degree” as the typical entry-level education.

More teacher assistant questions →

Sources

Reviewed by the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team. Pay figures are national estimates; local pay varies. See our editorial policy.

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