Career comparison
Preschool Teacher vs. Teacher Assistant
Side-by-side pay, training, growth and day-to-day duties to help you choose between two related careers.
Preschool teachers earn more at the median ($38,140 vs. $36,780), while teacher assistants usually get to work faster (Weeks to 2 years depending on the district of training). Preschool teachers teach young children through play, routines and early learning. Teacher assistants support teachers and help students learn in classrooms.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
| Preschool Teacher | Teacher Assistant | |
|---|---|---|
| Median pay | $38,140 ($18.34/hr) | $36,780 |
| Pay range (10th–90th) | $28,990 – $61,390 | $27,150 – $50,040 |
| Job growth, 2025–35 | +4.5% (about as fast as average) | -0.3% (little or no change) |
| Openings per year | 66,700 | 176,200 |
| Typical entry education | Associate's degree | Some college, no degree |
| Training time | 6 months (CDA) to 2 years (associate) | Weeks to 2 years depending on the district |
| Key credential | Child Development Associate (CDA) | ParaPro Assessment |
| Work setting | Preschool teachers work in classrooms and playgrounds that are busy, noisy and active. | Teacher assistants work in schools, in classrooms, special education rooms, cafeterias and playgrounds.. |
What each job does
Preschool Teacher
- Plan play-based lessons and activities
- Teach early literacy, math and social skills
- Supervise children and keep them safe
- Manage daily routines and transitions
- Observe and assess child development
Teacher Assistant
- 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
How they’re similar
Both careers involve helping others, working with people, indoor work, and teamwork. Both are part of the education & childcare field, so many skills transfer between them.
Which should you choose?
Choose preschool teacher if…
- I love working with young children
- I’m patient and calm
- I enjoy creative activities
Choose teacher assistant if…
- I want to help students learn
- I’m patient
- I like teamwork
Still torn? Take the Preschool Teacher fit quiz and the Teacher Assistant fit quiz, or the full Career Match Quiz.
Quick comparisons
Which pays more, preschool teacher or teacher assistant?
Preschool Teachers earn more at the median: $38,140 versus $36,780 for teacher assistants, based on BLS May 2025 data.
Which takes less time to train for?
Teacher Assistants typically train faster (Weeks to 2 years depending on the district) than preschool teachers (6 months (CDA) to 2 years (associate)).
Which career has better job growth?
BLS projects preschool teachers to grow +4.5% from 2025–35, compared with -0.3% for teacher assistants.