Teaching Assistants, Postsecondary
Teaching assistants in postsecondary institutions support faculty by handling instructional tasks like creating course materials, leading discussion sections, administering exams, and grading student work. They work in colleges, universities, and other higher education settings, often while pursuing their own graduate degrees or working full-time in academic departments.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against teaching assistants, postsecondary and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
A day in the work
A teaching assistant's week typically includes preparing lesson materials, leading recitation or discussion sessions with students, proctoring or grading exams and papers, and holding office hours to answer questions. Tasks vary by subject and institution but may involve reviewing problem sets, writing feedback on assignments, updating course websites, or assisting with lab or studio components of classes.
Who this work suits
Holland code SCI. Social work is helping, teaching and working closely with people. Aptly’s interest assessment scores you on the same six scales.
You tend to do well in this role if you value helping others learn and organize information clearly—traits common among people with strong social interests. You likely also prefer structured, rule-based environments and appreciate the detail work of grading and record-keeping that appeals to conventional-minded individuals.
What it takes
Preparation: Extensive preparation (graduate degree and/or many years of experience). Most people in this occupation hold a bachelor’s degree.
Skills that matter most
Knowledge areas
Who is hiring
Pay by state
| State | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maryland | $52,930 | $58,330 | $64,720 | 5,030 |
| Massachusetts | $39,260 | $56,370 | $62,690 | 3,040 |
| Texas | $36,270 | $55,670 | $62,390 | 13,540 |
| New Jersey | $37,600 | $54,260 | $66,830 | 3,390 |
| Minnesota | $42,970 | $53,380 | $59,670 | 600 |
| Utah | $28,810 | $52,300 | $57,930 | 2,020 |
| Washington | $40,570 | $50,460 | $61,010 | 1,480 |
| North Carolina | $39,510 | $50,050 | $59,650 | 2,900 |
| North Dakota | $47,820 | $49,960 | $59,080 | 90 |
| Oklahoma | $32,550 | $49,920 | $49,920 | 1,680 |
| Virginia | $36,140 | $49,890 | $64,760 | 1,660 |
| Arizona | $35,330 | $49,810 | $61,730 | 7,200 |
All 50 states, D.C. and Puerto Rico
Training
Aptly members see WIOA-approved programs, colleges and certificates near them, with completion and earnings data, on every Path plan.
Job titles in this occupation
Related occupations
Four short assessments and your background, scored against teaching assistants, postsecondary and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 25-9044.00 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.