How much do teaching assistants earn per hour in the US: What is the average salary?

Teacher assistants can be found across the spectrum of the education system, from childcare to postsecondary institutions. They provide valuable support not just in the classroom to students and teachers but also outside the classroom with administrative tasks and lesson planning.

There are over 1.2 million teacher assistants in the United States and over the next decade that number will increase by five percent, about as fast as all other occupations. However, it is forecast that there will be almost 154,000 openings per year in the profession to fill positions vacated by retiring workers or those that transfer into another field. Here’s a look at what is required to become a teacher assistant, what the job demands and how much they get paid.

What are the requirements to become a teacher assistant?

Typically in order to become an assistant teacher or teacher aide you need to complete two years of college coursework. However, the level of studies required varies depending on the institution, level or type of classes being imparted and the needs of the students. Besides academic requirements, the job also necessitates soft skills such as being a good communicator, patience and ability to relate to the students, not to mention a passion for educating others.

What do teacher assistants do?

There are two main areas of responsibility for teacher aides, course materials and student interaction. Teacher assistants provide support to the teacher in preparing and teaching materials. Usually reinforcing the lessons on a one-to-one basis or in small groups and giving feedback on assignments or in-class activities. Additionally, they help teachers with administrative duties such as grading coursework and tests and taking attendance.

How much do teacher assistants earn?

As with any occupation, the amount that a teacher aide can earn depends on level of experience, location and the type of institution where they work. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) as of May 2021, the most recent data available, the median salary for a non-postsecondary teacher assistant is $29,360 per year. The annual median wage for a postsecondary TAs is $38,040. That works out to around $14.12 and $18.29 per hour respectively.

According to the online jobs site Indeed, of salaries reported as of February 2023, a teacher assistant with between one and two years experience earned $14.42 per hour, and those with six to nine years under their belt made $16.25 an hour. That works out to $29,993 and $33,800, respectively.