Teacher assistant salary
BLS occupation: Teaching Assistants, Except Postsecondary · also called paraprofessional · Education and libraries · data for May 2025
Median salary $36,780 a year, US
Median hourly pay Paid yearly
Middle half earn $31,060–$45,360 25th to 75th percentile
Teacher assistants employed 1,420,350 −0.3% projected by 2035
How much does a teacher assistant make?
- The median teacher assistant salary in the US is $36,780 a year: half of the 1,420,350 teacher assistants BLS counts earn more and half earn less. The average (mean) is $38,290.
- The middle half earn between $31,060 and $45,360. The lowest-paid 10% earn less than $27,150 and the top 10% more than $50,040.
- That is 28% less than the median for all US workers ($50,980).
- Washington pays teacher assistants the most (median $49,120), followed by the District of Columbia ($46,920) and Maine ($46,750). Alabama pays the least ($24,070).
- After adjusting for prices, the pay goes furthest in Maine, where the median is worth $48,171 in typical US prices, then Washington and Vermont. Washington's higher pay is offset by its prices (107.0 vs a US average of 100).
- In 1 of the 381 metro areas with data, the median teacher assistant salary is enough to rent a typical home without spending more than 30% of income on rent.
- BLS projects the number of teacher assistants to shrink 0.3% from 2025 to 2035 (all jobs: 3.5%), with about 176,200 openings a year. The typical entry education is some college but no degree.
official From BLS's survey of employers: what teacher assistants are actually paid, not job ads or self-reports. Adjusted figures are derived. How we calculate.
How does your pay compare?
Teacher assistant salary range
Half of teacher assistants earn between $31,060 and $45,360 a year
Yearly pay at each point of the range, US, May 2025. For comparison, the median for all US jobs is $50,980.
Lowest 10% earn under Yearly pay: $27,150
Lowest 25% earn under Yearly pay: $31,060
Median Yearly pay: $36,780
Top 25% earn over Yearly pay: $45,360
Top 10% earn over Yearly pay: $50,040
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025.
Show the numbers
| Yearly pay | |
|---|---|
| Lowest 10% earn under | $27,150 |
| Lowest 25% earn under | $31,060 |
| Median | $36,780 |
| Top 25% earn over | $45,360 |
| Top 10% earn over | $50,040 |
Teacher assistant salary by state
Washington pays teacher assistants the most; Alabama the least
Median yearly pay by state compared with the US median ($36,780), May 2025. Blue = higher pay.
- 20%+ below US
- 10–20% below
- 3–10% below
- Within 3%
- 3–10% above
- 10–20% above
- 20%+ above US
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025.
Show the numbers
| State | Median pay |
|---|---|
| Washington | $49,120 median |
| District of Columbia | $46,920 median |
| Maine | $46,750 median |
| California | $46,490 median |
| Vermont | $43,800 median |
| Minnesota | $40,100 median |
| Oregon | $39,850 median |
| Massachusetts | $39,380 median |
| Virginia | $38,520 median |
| New Hampshire | $38,440 median |
| New York | $38,240 median |
| North Dakota | $38,240 median |
| Connecticut | $38,110 median |
| Delaware | $37,830 median |
| Wisconsin | $37,800 median |
| New Jersey | $37,290 median |
| Rhode Island | $37,220 median |
| Alaska | $37,190 median |
| Maryland | $37,060 median |
| Utah | $37,050 median |
| Illinois | $36,990 median |
| Hawaii | $36,810 median |
| Missouri | $36,300 median |
| Wyoming | $36,100 median |
| Ohio | $35,920 median |
| Arizona | $35,900 median |
| New Mexico | $35,900 median |
| Colorado | $35,760 median |
| Idaho | $35,560 median |
| Nebraska | $35,160 median |
| Michigan | $35,110 median |
| Montana | $34,750 median |
| Pennsylvania | $34,740 median |
| Florida | $34,430 median |
| Indiana | $33,300 median |
| Nevada | $31,900 median |
| Iowa | $30,510 median |
| Kentucky | $30,160 median |
| Texas | $29,850 median |
| West Virginia | $29,800 median |
| North Carolina | $29,790 median |
| Kansas | $29,490 median |
| Tennessee | $29,210 median |
| Arkansas | $28,790 median |
| Georgia | $28,770 median |
| South Dakota | $28,220 median |
| Oklahoma | $27,920 median |
| South Carolina | $27,860 median |
| Louisiana | $27,400 median |
| Mississippi | $25,840 median |
| Alabama | $24,070 median |
Where teacher assistant pay goes furthest
A salary buys more where prices are low. We divide each state's median by its price level from the Bureau of Economic Analysis, so every figure is in typical US prices. derived
Teacher assistants' pay goes furthest in Maine once prices are counted
Median pay ÷ the state's price level (BEA, 2024; US = 100), shown in typical US prices. Top 10 states.
US median
Source: BLS OEWS May 2025; BEA Regional Price Parities 2024. Our calculation.
Show the numbers
| Worth, in US prices | |
|---|---|
| Maine | $48,171 |
| Washington | $45,901 |
| Vermont | $44,713 |
| North Dakota | $42,986 |
| District of Columbia | $42,693 |
| California | $41,989 |
| Minnesota | $40,661 |
| Wisconsin | $40,172 |
| Missouri | $39,970 |
| Nebraska | $39,022 |
Teacher assistant pay in every state
| State | Median a year | Lowest 10% | Top 10% | Employed | After cost of living |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Washington | $49,120 | $37,870 | $62,810 | 43,420 | $45,901 |
| District of Columbia | $46,920 | $38,370 | $58,100 | 3,950 | $42,693 |
| Maine | $46,750 | $36,210 | $56,920 | 8,700 | $48,171 |
| California | $46,490 | $37,240 | $59,520 | 177,140 | $41,989 |
| Vermont | $43,800 | $29,140 | $51,580 | 4,960 | $44,713 |
| Minnesota | $40,100 | $31,420 | $50,410 | 38,540 | $40,661 |
| Oregon | $39,850 | $30,300 | $50,860 | 23,030 | $38,554 |
| Massachusetts | $39,380 | $31,200 | $59,970 | 39,210 | $37,236 |
| Virginia | $38,520 | $28,220 | $57,030 | 31,370 | $38,099 |
| New Hampshire | $38,440 | $28,920 | $48,780 | 7,880 | $36,903 |
| New York | $38,240 | $32,240 | $54,990 | 137,820 | $35,433 |
| North Dakota | $38,240 | $29,130 | $46,260 | 5,600 | $42,986 |
| Connecticut | $38,110 | $34,010 | $49,690 | 19,740 | $36,782 |
| Delaware | $37,830 | $31,200 | $47,300 | 5,040 | $37,903 |
| Wisconsin | $37,800 | $29,060 | $46,270 | 26,520 | $40,172 |
| New Jersey | $37,290 | $32,220 | $49,580 | 55,580 | $34,272 |
| Rhode Island | $37,220 | $31,200 | $47,720 | 5,200 | $36,390 |
| Alaska | $37,190 | $27,440 | $57,210 | 3,810 | $36,333 |
| Maryland | $37,060 | $31,200 | $59,680 | 23,340 | $35,309 |
| Utah | $37,050 | $27,730 | $47,400 | 18,170 | $37,476 |
| Illinois | $36,990 | $31,200 | $48,100 | 64,210 | $37,006 |
| Hawaii | $36,810 | $30,130 | $46,990 | 5,470 | $33,479 |
| Missouri | $36,300 | $28,600 | $47,310 | 20,930 | $39,970 |
| Wyoming | $36,100 | $27,840 | $44,040 | 3,680 | $38,947 |
| Ohio | $35,920 | $26,810 | $46,890 | 47,300 | $38,718 |
| Arizona | $35,900 | $30,960 | $42,590 | 25,280 | $35,659 |
| New Mexico | $35,900 | $27,050 | $46,390 | 8,970 | $38,932 |
| Colorado | $35,760 | $30,800 | $48,470 | 21,910 | $34,701 |
| Idaho | $35,560 | $23,980 | $48,800 | 8,710 | $37,238 |
| Nebraska | $35,160 | $28,080 | $45,110 | 11,190 | $39,022 |
| Michigan | $35,110 | $27,550 | $45,370 | 39,030 | $36,490 |
| Montana | $34,750 | $23,950 | $45,430 | 3,930 | $36,716 |
| Pennsylvania | $34,740 | $23,380 | $45,980 | 48,310 | $35,604 |
| Florida | $34,430 | $28,490 | $40,150 | 54,530 | $33,293 |
| Indiana | $33,300 | $23,970 | $44,610 | 28,450 | $35,680 |
| Nevada | $31,900 | $27,880 | $41,640 | 7,100 | $31,907 |
| Iowa | $30,510 | $22,400 | $37,520 | 24,520 | $34,764 |
| Kentucky | $30,160 | $23,980 | $46,370 | 16,330 | $33,452 |
| Texas | $29,850 | $22,480 | $42,520 | 108,960 | $30,755 |
| West Virginia | $29,800 | $27,400 | $36,750 | 5,110 | $33,297 |
| North Carolina | $29,790 | $25,110 | $38,050 | 32,150 | $31,582 |
| Kansas | $29,490 | $21,800 | $38,190 | 20,000 | $32,742 |
| Tennessee | $29,210 | $22,010 | $40,310 | 23,280 | $31,795 |
| Arkansas | $28,790 | $23,670 | $38,360 | 11,270 | $33,116 |
| Georgia | $28,770 | $21,190 | $39,120 | 33,410 | $29,878 |
| South Dakota | $28,220 | $24,800 | $35,410 | 4,650 | $31,856 |
| Oklahoma | $27,920 | $17,940 | $37,370 | 13,860 | $31,784 |
| South Carolina | $27,860 | $21,910 | $44,290 | 14,410 | $29,718 |
| Louisiana | $27,400 | $20,680 | $38,620 | 14,530 | $31,063 |
| Mississippi | $25,840 | $18,830 | $32,300 | 9,750 | $29,717 |
| Alabama | $24,070 | $21,440 | $30,590 | 10,140 | $27,099 |
After cost of living = median ÷ (BEA price level ÷ 100).
Teacher assistant salary by city
Metro areas where BLS publishes teacher assistant pay: 385 of 387. Rent share = typical rent (September 2026, Zillow) × 12 ÷ the median salary; under 30% is affordable by the usual rule.
Highest-paying metro areas
- Mount Vernon, WA $57,950
- Seattle, WA $53,950
- Bellingham, WA $51,670
- Olympia, WA $51,350
- Bremerton, WA $50,530
- San Francisco, CA $49,360
- San Jose, CA $49,010
- Portland, ME $48,770
- Decatur, IL $48,480
- Napa, CA $48,450
Where the pay goes furthest
- Mount Vernon, WA $56,568
- Decatur, IL $54,828
- Pueblo, CO $50,435
- Bellingham, WA $50,003
- Lewiston, ME $49,738
- Yakima, WA $49,589
- Olympia, WA $49,532
- Seattle, WA $48,545
- Bismarck, ND $48,460
- Portland, ME $47,880
All 385 metro areas
| Metro area | Median a year | Employed | After cost of living | Rent share |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mount Vernon, WA | $57,950 | 870 | $56,568 | 45% |
| Seattle, WA | $53,950 | 21,040 | $48,545 | 50% |
| Bellingham, WA | $51,670 | 1,200 | $50,003 | 45% |
| Olympia, WA | $51,350 | 1,700 | $49,532 | 48% |
| Bremerton, WA | $50,530 | 1,370 | $47,847 | 49% |
| San Francisco, CA | $49,360 | 18,710 | $42,694 | 84% |
| San Jose, CA | $49,010 | 7,240 | $44,384 | 93% |
| Portland, ME | $48,770 | 3,170 | $47,880 | 56% |
| Decatur, IL | $48,480 | 550 | $54,828 | 26% |
| Napa, CA | $48,450 | 530 | $43,046 | 72% |
| Santa Rosa, CA | $48,270 | 1,930 | $44,784 | 66% |
| Vallejo, CA | $48,200 | 1,630 | $44,433 | 61% |
| Salinas, CA | $48,030 | 2,290 | $44,047 | 69% |
| Modesto, CA | $47,990 | 3,470 | $46,096 | 52% |
| Oxnard, CA | $47,860 | 3,870 | $43,299 | 74% |
| Santa Cruz, CA | $47,430 | 1,060 | $43,159 | 88% |
| Yakima, WA | $47,380 | 2,150 | $49,589 | 34% |
| Lewiston, ME | $47,120 | 820 | $49,738 | 40% |
| Santa Maria, CA | $46,540 | 2,360 | $42,777 | 85% |
| San Diego, CA | $46,440 | 13,260 | $41,506 | 77% |
| San Luis Obispo, CA | $46,410 | 1,270 | $42,736 | 72% |
| Riverside, CA | $46,330 | 22,500 | $43,526 | 66% |
| Pueblo, CO | $46,280 | 530 | $50,435 | 34% |
| Los Angeles, CA | $46,240 | 53,010 | $40,716 | 76% |
| Washington, DC | $46,200 | 25,050 | $42,430 | 63% |
| Sacramento, CA | $45,990 | 11,110 | $43,114 | 59% |
| Yuba City, CA | $45,880 | 1,220 | $44,017 | 53% |
| Hanford, CA | $45,780 | 1,080 | $45,054 | 51% |
| Chico, CA | $45,660 | 1,220 | $45,120 | 41% |
| Stockton, CA | $45,550 | 3,500 | $43,344 | 64% |
| Kennewick, WA | $45,510 | 2,450 | $45,474 | 45% |
| Longview, WA | $45,400 | 710 | $46,543 | 37% |
| Wenatchee, WA | $45,370 | 830 | $43,686 | 46% |
| Fresno, CA | $45,340 | 6,530 | $44,382 | 54% |
| Minneapolis, MN | $45,310 | 23,370 | $43,226 | 46% |
| Portland, OR | $45,280 | 12,500 | $42,952 | 48% |
| Visalia, CA | $45,230 | 2,760 | $45,309 | 46% |
| Walla Walla, WA | $45,140 | 330 | $45,819 | 39% |
| Bangor, ME | $45,120 | 1,030 | $46,753 | 40% |
| Burlington, VT | $44,730 | 1,520 | $44,310 | 70% |
| Merced, CA | $44,680 | 1,950 | $45,464 | 55% |
| Redding, CA | $44,430 | 1,030 | $44,128 | 45% |
| Bismarck, ND | $44,110 | 850 | $48,460 | 35% |
| El Centro, CA | $43,970 | 1,110 | $46,200 | 49% |
| Bend, OR | $43,550 | 1,170 | $42,034 | 61% |
| Greeley, CO | $42,460 | 1,040 | $42,385 | 48% |
| Rochester, MN | $41,250 | 1,460 | $45,419 | 46% |
| Boston, MA | $40,930 | 26,350 | $37,805 | 88% |
| Las Cruces, NM | $40,930 | 1,020 | $45,371 | 43% |
| Kahului, HI | $40,280 | 640 | $36,821 | 96% |
| Eugene, OR | $40,180 | 2,270 | $39,560 | 53% |
| Spokane, WA | $40,160 | 3,090 | $40,022 | 45% |
| Pittsfield, MA | $40,110 | 830 | $42,174 | 53% |
| Farmington, NM | $39,960 | 560 | $45,561 | 42% |
| Lexington, KY | $39,960 | 2,080 | $43,019 | 48% |
| Flagstaff, AZ | $39,870 | 530 | $39,741 | 64% |
| Madison, WI | $39,640 | 3,280 | $40,745 | 54% |
| Amherst-Northampton, MA | $39,630 | 930 | $39,534 | – |
| Duluth, MN | $39,510 | 1,590 | $44,509 | 40% |
| Naples, FL | $39,430 | 910 | $38,207 | 79% |
| Fargo, ND | $39,270 | 1,650 | $43,215 | 34% |
| Worcester, MA | $39,240 | 5,050 | $38,274 | 64% |
| Bridgeport, CT | $39,210 | 4,570 | $36,691 | 88% |
| Grand Junction, CO | $39,070 | 700 | $40,921 | 53% |
| Salisbury, MD | $38,980 | 560 | $40,767 | 60% |
| Salem, OR | $38,950 | 3,050 | $37,579 | 51% |
| Bakersfield, CA | $38,930 | 6,040 | $38,588 | 56% |
| New York, NY | $38,890 | 126,920 | $34,550 | 109% |
| Medford, OR | $38,750 | 1,190 | $38,203 | 57% |
| St. Cloud, MN | $38,730 | 1,350 | $44,196 | 38% |
| Hartford, CT | $38,720 | 6,900 | $37,685 | 62% |
| La Crosse, WI | $38,710 | 850 | $42,182 | 42% |
| Corvallis, OR | $38,470 | 450 | $36,984 | 56% |
| Eau Claire, WI | $38,370 | 820 | $41,349 | 36% |
| Sebastian, FL | $38,240 | 280 | $38,898 | 67% |
| Lewiston, ID | $38,230 | 370 | $41,937 | 46% |
| Ogden, UT | $38,170 | 3,680 | $38,037 | 51% |
| Grants Pass, OR | $38,140 | 560 | $39,014 | 50% |
| Albany, NY | $38,110 | 7,170 | $38,276 | 53% |
| Milwaukee, WI | $38,060 | 6,530 | $39,263 | 49% |
| Providence, RI | $38,060 | 8,400 | $37,397 | 68% |
| Virginia Beach, VA | $38,050 | 6,030 | $38,850 | 59% |
| Minot, ND | $38,040 | 740 | $43,710 | 39% |
| New Haven, CT | $38,020 | 3,160 | $36,362 | 64% |
| Green Bay, WI | $37,980 | 1,270 | $40,801 | 35% |
| Albany, OR | $37,930 | 800 | $37,150 | 52% |
| Mankato, MN | $37,850 | 570 | $41,614 | 39% |
| Sheboygan, WI | $37,850 | 550 | $40,260 | 43% |
| Chicago, IL | $37,840 | 46,770 | $36,527 | 69% |
| Appleton, WI | $37,800 | 1,020 | $40,901 | 38% |
| Poughkeepsie-Newburgh, NY | $37,760 | 5,120 | $34,509 | 72% |
| Lincoln, NE | $37,690 | 1,010 | $41,155 | 41% |
| Bozeman, MT | $37,670 | 390 | $36,748 | 70% |
| Janesville, WI | $37,670 | 980 | $40,201 | 41% |
| Racine, WI | $37,640 | 700 | $39,224 | 47% |
| Harrisonburg, VA | $37,600 | 470 | $39,624 | 54% |
| Winchester, VA | $37,590 | 500 | $38,974 | 58% |
| Ithaca, NY | $37,420 | 690 | $36,219 | 64% |
| Cleveland, OH | $37,380 | 7,940 | $39,799 | 46% |
| Roanoke, VA | $37,360 | 1,290 | $39,907 | 45% |
| Syracuse, NY | $37,330 | 4,670 | $38,990 | 52% |
| Atlantic City, NJ | $37,280 | 1,890 | $37,711 | 66% |
| Coeur d'Alene, ID | $37,220 | 600 | $37,866 | 59% |
| Manchester, NH | $37,220 | 2,330 | $35,227 | 70% |
| Kingston, NY | $37,180 | 1,130 | $36,918 | 65% |
| Dover, DE | $37,170 | 920 | $38,120 | 57% |
| Lexington Park, MD | $37,060 | 720 | $36,780 | 66% |
| Richmond, VA | $37,050 | 3,770 | $37,861 | 55% |
| Dayton, OH | $36,980 | 3,320 | $39,895 | 43% |
| Wausau, WI | $36,970 | 560 | $39,902 | 31% |
| Kenosha, WI | $36,940 | 590 | $36,532 | – |
| Cape Coral, FL | $36,910 | 1,680 | $36,063 | 59% |
| Denver, CO | $36,910 | 10,870 | $34,893 | 62% |
| Oshkosh, WI | $36,860 | 760 | $39,665 | 42% |
| Traverse City, MI | $36,860 | 640 | $39,477 | 60% |
| Fond du Lac, WI | $36,830 | 370 | $40,189 | 37% |
| Provo, UT | $36,770 | 3,730 | $37,432 | 58% |
| Austin, TX | $36,740 | 8,160 | $37,465 | 52% |
| Barnstable, MA | $36,710 | 1,130 | $37,325 | 84% |
| Brownsville, TX | $36,710 | 2,160 | $42,698 | 49% |
| Staunton, VA | $36,710 | 480 | $40,284 | 47% |
| Trenton, NJ | $36,700 | 2,570 | $35,569 | 82% |
| Jackson, MI | $36,620 | 700 | $39,900 | 39% |
| Grand Forks, ND | $36,580 | 1,030 | $42,209 | 37% |
| Kansas City, MO | $36,520 | 8,690 | $39,463 | 50% |
| Springfield, OH | $36,480 | 530 | $40,317 | 39% |
| Phoenix, AZ | $36,450 | 17,320 | $35,280 | 57% |
| Sandusky, OH | $36,450 | 530 | $40,826 | 60% |
| St. Louis, MO | $36,410 | 10,010 | $38,291 | 47% |
| Cincinnati, OH | $36,360 | 9,540 | $38,125 | 50% |
| Salt Lake City, UT | $36,340 | 5,660 | $36,027 | 54% |
| Grand Rapids, MI | $36,310 | 5,490 | $38,003 | 53% |
| Norwich, CT | $36,290 | 1,630 | $36,129 | 69% |
| Elmira, NY | $36,250 | 630 | $38,401 | 38% |
| Glens Falls, NY | $36,250 | 960 | $38,212 | 48% |
| Louisville, KY | $36,250 | 3,760 | $38,948 | 44% |
| Rochester, NY | $36,240 | 8,090 | $37,347 | 51% |
| Baltimore, MD | $36,200 | 11,310 | $34,645 | 64% |
| Toledo, OH | $36,120 | 2,800 | $39,495 | 42% |
| Honolulu, HI | $36,100 | 3,750 | $32,534 | 100% |
| Philadelphia, PA | $36,080 | 26,990 | $35,181 | 63% |
| South Bend, IN | $36,060 | 1,320 | $38,833 | 42% |
| Ann Arbor, MI | $36,030 | 1,760 | $35,716 | 64% |
| St. George, UT | $36,020 | 880 | $37,012 | 62% |
| Utica, NY | $36,020 | 2,020 | $38,866 | 47% |
| Boise, ID | $35,990 | 2,870 | $36,579 | 64% |
| Logan, UT | $35,980 | 800 | $37,508 | 48% |
| Peoria, IL | $35,970 | 1,980 | $39,427 | 39% |
| Akron, OH | $35,960 | 2,500 | $38,513 | 44% |
| Springfield, MO | $35,950 | 1,430 | $40,582 | 42% |
| Elkhart, IN | $35,930 | 800 | $39,779 | 39% |
| Waterbury, CT | $35,920 | 2,120 | $36,000 | – |
| Gainesville, FL | $35,910 | 1,120 | $37,123 | 55% |
| Omaha, NE | $35,910 | 5,210 | $39,070 | 47% |
| Columbus, OH | $35,900 | 8,270 | $37,604 | 51% |
| Vineland, NJ | $35,900 | 990 | $37,408 | 55% |
| Charlottesville, VA | $35,890 | 790 | $36,199 | 68% |
| Owensboro, KY | $35,890 | 520 | $40,503 | 41% |
| Palm Bay, FL | $35,890 | 1,330 | $35,888 | 63% |
| Crestview, FL | $35,810 | 720 | $36,906 | 66% |
| Hagerstown, MD | $35,810 | 940 | $38,027 | 54% |
| Canton, OH | $35,790 | 1,560 | $40,031 | 38% |
| Missoula, MT | $35,710 | 430 | $37,026 | 55% |
| Buffalo, NY | $35,670 | 7,560 | $37,217 | 49% |
| Idaho Falls, ID | $35,670 | 1,170 | $37,781 | 48% |
| York, PA | $35,540 | 1,940 | $37,021 | 47% |
| Battle Creek, MI | $35,500 | 490 | $39,209 | 39% |
| Jefferson City, MO | $35,500 | 440 | $40,352 | 34% |
| Niles, MI | $35,490 | 690 | $38,422 | 47% |
| Jacksonville, FL | $35,470 | 4,480 | $35,654 | 57% |
| Mansfield, OH | $35,470 | 370 | $39,911 | 30% |
| Deltona, FL | $35,450 | 1,490 | $35,676 | 60% |
| Detroit, MI | $35,450 | 14,660 | $35,345 | 51% |
| Kankakee, IL | $35,430 | 590 | $36,755 | 45% |
| Miami, FL | $35,410 | 14,380 | $31,019 | 90% |
| Raleigh, NC | $35,300 | 4,960 | $35,963 | 57% |
| Santa Fe, NM | $35,290 | 410 | $35,731 | 66% |
| Columbia, MO | $35,270 | 570 | $39,435 | 50% |
| Helena, MT | $35,210 | 250 | $36,802 | 56% |
| Binghamton, NY | $35,190 | 2,000 | $37,895 | 55% |
| Allentown, PA | $35,120 | 3,860 | $35,131 | 63% |
| Joplin, MO | $35,050 | 800 | $40,890 | 43% |
| Chambersburg, PA | $35,040 | 430 | $37,024 | 46% |
| Lebanon, PA | $35,020 | 410 | $37,569 | 50% |
| Muskegon, MI | $34,990 | 530 | $37,819 | 44% |
| Tucson, AZ | $34,980 | 3,390 | $36,101 | 51% |
| Lansing, MI | $34,960 | 1,950 | $36,803 | 45% |
| Lancaster, PA | $34,900 | 1,880 | $35,519 | 54% |
| Colorado Springs, CO | $34,840 | 3,110 | $34,595 | 61% |
| Great Falls, MT | $34,830 | 300 | $35,965 | 49% |
| Odessa, TX | $34,800 | 730 | $37,062 | 54% |
| Gettysburg, PA | $34,720 | 320 | $36,402 | 47% |
| Twin Falls, ID | $34,650 | 570 | $37,619 | 54% |
| Monroe, MI | $34,630 | 640 | $37,041 | 44% |
| Des Moines, IA | $34,620 | 5,140 | $37,753 | 44% |
| Indianapolis, IN | $34,550 | 8,630 | $36,104 | 53% |
| Ocala, FL | $34,550 | 810 | $36,279 | 55% |
| Punta Gorda, FL | $34,540 | 370 | $34,360 | 64% |
| Davenport, IA | $34,530 | 2,100 | $38,763 | 35% |
| Fort Wayne, IN | $34,530 | 1,650 | $37,301 | 44% |
| Reading, PA | $34,450 | 1,880 | $35,494 | 54% |
| Harrisburg, PA | $34,320 | 2,100 | $34,790 | 52% |
| Topeka, KS | $34,280 | 1,620 | $38,595 | 44% |
| Reno, NV | $34,210 | 1,380 | $33,867 | 73% |
| Watertown, NY | $34,190 | 990 | $38,990 | 53% |
| Lima, OH | $34,130 | 440 | $38,062 | 42% |
| Greenville, SC | $34,070 | 2,030 | $36,532 | 55% |
| Orlando, FL | $34,040 | 7,540 | $33,564 | 68% |
| Saginaw, MI | $34,020 | 810 | $37,429 | 37% |
| Port St. Lucie, FL | $33,850 | 950 | $33,773 | 82% |
| Erie, PA | $33,770 | 1,090 | $37,130 | 40% |
| The Villages, FL | $33,770 | 250 | $39,532 | 61% |
| Springfield, IL | $33,740 | 1,020 | $36,379 | 43% |
| North Port, FL | $33,700 | 1,650 | $32,905 | 75% |
| Pittsburgh, PA | $33,700 | 7,230 | $35,597 | 52% |
| Pensacola, FL | $33,610 | 1,370 | $34,395 | 62% |
| Yuma, AZ | $33,590 | 810 | $36,233 | 51% |
| Flint, MI | $33,570 | 1,860 | $36,084 | 37% |
| Lake Havasu City, AZ | $33,500 | 610 | $35,601 | 55% |
| Prescott Valley, AZ | $33,190 | 650 | $33,779 | 68% |
| Wilmington, NC | $33,030 | 1,240 | $34,256 | 63% |
| Cedar Rapids, IA | $32,890 | 1,870 | $36,970 | 45% |
| Williamsport, PA | $32,780 | 380 | $35,495 | 40% |
| Panama City, FL | $32,680 | 860 | $33,588 | 64% |
| Nashville, TN | $32,620 | 6,060 | $33,860 | 66% |
| Lakeland, FL | $32,610 | 2,050 | $33,570 | 67% |
| Lafayette, IN | $32,520 | 1,010 | $34,807 | 54% |
| State College, PA | $32,470 | 520 | $33,557 | 72% |
| Sierra Vista, AZ | $32,400 | 520 | $36,305 | 47% |
| Albuquerque, NM | $32,380 | 3,490 | $33,889 | 55% |
| Champaign, IL | $32,220 | 1,080 | $34,756 | 52% |
| Muncie, IN | $32,200 | 380 | $36,529 | 39% |
| Billings, MT | $32,140 | 630 | $34,365 | 52% |
| Rockford, IL | $32,020 | 1,470 | $34,746 | 49% |
| Bloomington, IL | $31,710 | 800 | $33,901 | 49% |
| Lake Charles, LA | $31,610 | 600 | $36,819 | 52% |
| Bloomington, IN | $31,600 | 520 | $33,234 | 66% |
| Lynchburg, VA | $31,570 | 930 | $35,328 | 49% |
| Midland, MI | $31,540 | 490 | $34,312 | 53% |
| Bowling Green, KY | $31,530 | 680 | $34,964 | 46% |
| Bay City, MI | $31,510 | 300 | $34,279 | 39% |
| Dallas, TX | $31,480 | 25,270 | $30,536 | 63% |
| Tampa, FL | $31,470 | 8,540 | $31,192 | 76% |
| Springfield, MA | $31,200 | 3,150 | $32,479 | 76% |
| Tallahassee, FL | $31,200 | 1,030 | $33,220 | 57% |
| Kalamazoo, MI | $31,170 | 730 | $32,866 | 50% |
| Pocatello, ID | $31,130 | 360 | $35,015 | 42% |
| Columbus, IN | $31,110 | 390 | $33,451 | 53% |
| Fairbanks, AK | $31,090 | 260 | $30,124 | 71% |
| Cheyenne, WY | $31,070 | 490 | $32,200 | 59% |
| Brunswick, GA | $31,020 | 420 | $35,367 | 65% |
| Manhattan, KS | $31,020 | 1,100 | $34,405 | 49% |
| Casper, WY | $31,000 | 440 | $33,039 | 55% |
| Pinehurst, NC | $30,970 | 350 | $35,059 | 72% |
| Sioux City, IA | $30,880 | 990 | $35,718 | 50% |
| Wichita, KS | $30,870 | 4,740 | $34,706 | 47% |
| St. Joseph, MO | $30,840 | 400 | $35,702 | 39% |
| Las Vegas, NV | $30,810 | 4,650 | $30,744 | 67% |
| Boulder, CO | $30,800 | 1,340 | $29,277 | 86% |
| Fort Collins, CO | $30,800 | 1,170 | $30,456 | 77% |
| Anchorage, AK | $30,690 | 1,490 | $29,112 | 74% |
| Wheeling, WV | $30,630 | 440 | $34,680 | 34% |
| Shreveport, LA | $30,500 | 1,460 | $35,981 | 50% |
| Johnstown, PA | $30,480 | 440 | $35,471 | 35% |
| Michigan City, IN | $30,480 | 350 | $33,245 | 47% |
| Oklahoma City, OK | $30,460 | 4,200 | $33,692 | 55% |
| Blacksburg, VA | $30,440 | 590 | $32,834 | 65% |
| Kokomo, IN | $30,440 | 300 | $33,955 | 43% |
| Ames, IA | $30,420 | 780 | $34,245 | 46% |
| Dubuque, IA | $30,410 | 710 | $34,823 | 42% |
| Waco, TX | $30,400 | 1,320 | $32,847 | 56% |
| Iowa City, IA | $30,340 | 1,290 | $33,155 | 69% |
| Tulsa, OK | $30,320 | 3,480 | $33,986 | 54% |
| Terre Haute, IN | $30,150 | 700 | $34,341 | 39% |
| Winston-Salem, NC | $30,100 | 1,780 | $32,702 | 61% |
| Midland, TX | $30,000 | 600 | $31,321 | 63% |
| Goldsboro, NC | $29,980 | 410 | $33,890 | 61% |
| Paducah, KY | $29,970 | 350 | $34,815 | 46% |
| Youngstown, OH | $29,940 | 1,780 | $34,259 | 42% |
| Scranton, PA | $29,930 | 1,960 | $31,992 | 55% |
| Waterloo, IA | $29,900 | 1,350 | $34,345 | 41% |
| Chattanooga, TN | $29,840 | 1,210 | $32,625 | 61% |
| Burlington, NC | $29,780 | 520 | $31,954 | 54% |
| Charleston, WV | $29,760 | 770 | $33,545 | 49% |
| El Paso, TX | $29,740 | 2,570 | $33,077 | 61% |
| Charlotte, NC | $29,730 | 7,850 | $30,540 | 70% |
| Greenville, NC | $29,700 | 470 | $33,597 | 59% |
| Asheville, NC | $29,600 | 1,270 | $30,672 | 69% |
| Altoona, PA | $29,550 | 450 | $33,014 | 41% |
| McAllen, TX | $29,520 | 4,030 | $34,368 | 45% |
| Atlanta, GA | $29,500 | 17,230 | $29,483 | 75% |
| Parkersburg, WV | $29,500 | 210 | $33,882 | 43% |
| Savannah, GA | $29,490 | 1,310 | $30,975 | 72% |
| Morgantown, WV | $29,430 | 320 | $31,536 | 55% |
| Weirton, WV | $29,430 | 300 | $33,059 | 33% |
| Evansville, IN | $29,400 | 1,010 | $32,121 | 45% |
| Fort Smith, AR | $29,370 | 870 | $34,196 | 44% |
| Memphis, TN | $29,330 | 4,280 | $31,819 | 57% |
| Houston, TX | $29,300 | 23,930 | $29,707 | 67% |
| Kingsport, TN | $29,260 | 1,410 | $33,847 | 55% |
| Sherman, TX | $29,260 | 610 | $31,204 | 56% |
| Killeen, TX | $29,250 | 2,110 | $32,096 | 54% |
| Hinesville, GA | $29,230 | 300 | $31,118 | 72% |
| Jackson, TN | $29,190 | 850 | $34,132 | 57% |
| Eagle Pass, TX | $29,170 | 290 | $34,807 | 48% |
| Rome, GA | $29,120 | 300 | $32,298 | 52% |
| Jacksonville, NC | $29,110 | 680 | $31,612 | 65% |
| Sebring, FL | $29,110 | 270 | $31,480 | 63% |
| Elizabethtown, KY | $29,100 | 740 | $32,129 | 53% |
| San Antonio, TX | $29,100 | 8,600 | $30,723 | 58% |
| Durham, NC | $29,090 | 1,910 | $29,814 | 68% |
| Cape Girardeau, MO | $29,070 | 600 | $33,772 | 42% |
| Greensboro, NC | $29,050 | 1,970 | $31,282 | 58% |
| Hot Springs, AR | $29,010 | 270 | $33,839 | 51% |
| Wichita Falls, TX | $29,000 | 650 | $32,398 | 54% |
| Beckley, WV | $28,980 | 300 | $32,794 | 43% |
| Fayetteville, AR | $28,980 | 1,990 | $31,723 | 65% |
| Laredo, TX | $28,920 | 1,320 | $33,258 | 47% |
| Little Rock, AR | $28,850 | 2,570 | $32,284 | 51% |
| Longview, TX | $28,740 | 1,340 | $32,117 | 48% |
| Abilene, TX | $28,700 | 750 | $31,760 | 83% |
| Lawton, OK | $28,700 | 460 | $33,395 | 47% |
| Fayetteville, NC | $28,690 | 1,100 | $31,192 | 61% |
| New Orleans, LA | $28,560 | 2,710 | $30,843 | 66% |
| College Station, TX | $28,510 | 1,460 | $31,347 | 63% |
| Huntington, WV | $28,500 | 1,230 | $32,232 | 46% |
| Johnson City, TN | $28,370 | 750 | $32,265 | 63% |
| Gainesville, GA | $28,360 | 640 | $29,308 | 72% |
| Slidell, LA | $28,330 | 850 | $30,552 | – |
| Jonesboro, AR | $28,300 | 550 | $32,954 | 52% |
| Sioux Falls, SD | $28,230 | 1,200 | $31,148 | 54% |
| Monroe, LA | $28,210 | 730 | $33,745 | 50% |
| Victoria, TX | $28,100 | 470 | $31,278 | 50% |
| Grand Island, NE | $28,080 | 440 | $32,404 | 57% |
| Charleston, SC | $28,040 | 2,370 | $27,773 | 87% |
| Texarkana, TX | $28,040 | 660 | $33,376 | 54% |
| Dalton, GA | $27,970 | 470 | $31,132 | 60% |
| Tyler, TX | $27,930 | 900 | $30,307 | 56% |
| Columbia, SC | $27,860 | 2,680 | $29,745 | 67% |
| Rapid City, SD | $27,740 | 540 | $31,113 | 63% |
| Warner Robins, GA | $27,640 | 640 | $29,470 | 65% |
| Hickory, NC | $27,630 | 890 | $31,225 | 69% |
| Rocky Mount, NC | $27,590 | 410 | $31,348 | 55% |
| Spartanburg, SC | $27,500 | 1,020 | $30,203 | 64% |
| Birmingham, AL | $27,480 | 2,450 | $29,986 | 61% |
| Valdosta, GA | $27,440 | 510 | $31,086 | 58% |
| Athens, GA | $27,310 | 940 | $29,258 | 78% |
| Lubbock, TX | $27,290 | 1,580 | $29,885 | 58% |
| Knoxville, TN | $26,960 | 3,070 | $29,124 | 77% |
| Baton Rouge, LA | $26,880 | 2,840 | $29,610 | 61% |
| Albany, GA | $26,820 | 470 | $30,592 | 48% |
| Gulfport, MS | $26,760 | 1,400 | $29,731 | 64% |
| Amarillo, TX | $26,670 | 1,020 | $29,046 | 59% |
| Daphne, AL | $26,620 | 500 | $28,113 | 77% |
| Clarksville, TN | $26,520 | 1,070 | $29,160 | 61% |
| Enid, OK | $26,410 | 230 | $31,340 | 51% |
| Columbus, GA | $26,340 | 870 | $29,497 | 62% |
| Macon, GA | $26,310 | 830 | $29,719 | 55% |
| Morristown, TN | $26,200 | 450 | $30,337 | 71% |
| Sumter, SC | $26,180 | 280 | $29,743 | 67% |
| Huntsville, AL | $26,110 | 840 | $28,054 | 64% |
| Hattiesburg, MS | $25,590 | 440 | $29,201 | 61% |
| Hilton Head Island, SC | $24,950 | 350 | $25,455 | 95% |
| Beaumont, TX | $24,470 | 1,500 | $27,175 | 64% |
| Montgomery, AL | $24,030 | 690 | $26,795 | 69% |
| Cleveland, TN | $23,940 | 390 | $27,180 | 71% |
| Houma, LA | $23,630 | 610 | $27,766 | 66% |
| Augusta, GA | $23,420 | 2,190 | $25,483 | 75% |
| Mobile, AL | $23,400 | 830 | $26,561 | 66% |
| Florence, AL | $23,330 | 240 | $27,506 | 55% |
| Auburn, AL | $23,300 | 710 | $26,497 | 82% |
| Dothan, AL | $23,300 | 240 | $27,793 | 62% |
| Corpus Christi, TX | $23,270 | 1,720 | $25,110 | 73% |
| Decatur, AL | $23,210 | 310 | $26,613 | 56% |
| Myrtle Beach, SC | $22,980 | 790 | $24,540 | 90% |
| Florence, SC | $22,830 | 780 | $26,310 | 80% |
| Jackson, MS | $22,640 | 1,830 | $25,424 | 78% |
| Lawrence, KS | $22,360 | 590 | $24,778 | 84% |
| Anniston, AL | $22,230 | 260 | $25,864 | 52% |
| Lafayette, LA | $22,000 | 1,130 | $25,227 | 76% |
| Gadsden, AL | $21,940 | 190 | $25,615 | 59% |
| San Angelo, TX | $21,820 | 360 | $23,601 | 73% |
| Tuscaloosa, AL | $21,690 | 540 | $24,726 | 92% |
| Hammond, LA | $20,930 | 510 | $24,781 | 75% |
| Alexandria, LA | $20,730 | 480 | $24,193 | 60% |
What the median teacher assistant salary pays per paycheck
| Period | Before taxes |
|---|---|
| Year | $36,780 |
| Month | $3,065 |
| Every two weeks | $1,415 |
| Week | $707 |
Gross pay, 52 weeks a year. Hourly to salary calculator.
Becoming a teacher assistant: education and job outlook
| Typical entry education | Some college, no degree |
|---|---|
| Work experience needed | None |
| On-the-job training | None |
| Projected change in jobs, 2025–35 | −0.3% (all jobs: +3.5%) |
| Openings a year (average) | 176,200 |
| Self-employed | 0.1% |
official BLS Employment Projections, 2025–35. Openings include workers who retire or change jobs. What the work involves: BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Similar jobs
| Job | Median a year | Typical education |
|---|---|---|
| Elementary school teacher | $63,970 | Bachelor's degree |
| Middle school teacher | $64,370 | Bachelor's degree |
| Kindergarten teacher | $62,680 | Bachelor's degree |
| High school teacher | $72,040 | Bachelor's degree |
| Librarian | $68,270 | Master's degree |
| Preschool teacher | $38,140 | Associate's degree |
| Substitute teacher | $41,670 | Bachelor's degree |
| Special education teacher | $65,120 | Bachelor's degree |
Questions about teacher assistant pay
How much does a teacher assistant make an hour?
BLS publishes only yearly pay for teacher assistants, because they are usually paid a salary for a school or contract year rather than by the hour. The median is $36,780 a year.
How much does a teacher assistant make a month?
About $3,065 a month before taxes at the median salary of $36,780, or $1,415 every two weeks.
What state pays teacher assistants the most?
Washington, with a median of $49,120. The District of Columbia ($46,920), Maine ($46,750), California ($46,490) and Vermont ($43,800) follow.
Where do teacher assistants make the most after cost of living?
Maine: its median of $46,750 is worth $48,171 at typical US prices. Washington, Vermont and North Dakota come next.
How much do entry-level teacher assistants make?
BLS does not report pay by experience. The lowest-paid 10% of teacher assistants earn under $27,150 a year, and the lowest-paid quarter under $31,060, which is a reasonable guide to starting pay.
What education do you need to become a teacher assistant?
BLS lists the typical entry-level education as some college but no degree. Work experience in a related job: none. On-the-job training: none.
Sources and limits
- Pay and employment: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 estimates, occupation 25-9045 (Teaching Assistants, Except Postsecondary). Downloaded 2026-10-24.
- OEWS counts wage and salary workers at employers, including tips and commissions but not overtime pay, bonuses that are not tied to production, or benefits. It leaves out the self-employed. BLS does not publish figures above $239,200 a year or for states and metro areas with too few workers.
- Cost of living: BEA Regional Price Parities, 2024 (US = 100). Rents: Zillow Observed Rent Index, September 2026; Data Provided by Zillow Group.
- Outlook and education: BLS Employment Projections, 2025–35.
- Pay is not broken down by experience, employer or specialty (for example, ER or pediatric nursing); BLS does not publish those splits.