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Teaching Assistants, Preschool, Elementary, Middle, and Secondary School, Except Special Education

Teaching assistants support teachers in preschool through secondary classrooms by helping with instruction, classroom management, and student supervision. They work under a teacher's direction and do not have primary responsibility for lesson design. Teaching assistants are employed in public and private schools, charter schools, and educational programs.

$37,010median pay, U.S., per year
$31,200–$46,000middle half earn
1.6Memployed in the U.S.
Certificate or training programtypical education · 31% hold a bachelor’s or higher
ModerateAI exposure · AI tools can speed up some tasks; the core of the job stays human.
Are you suited for this?
Four short assessments and your background, scored against teaching assistants, preschool, elementary, middle, and secondary school, except special education and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
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A day in the work

A typical week involves monitoring students during lessons and independent work, helping individuals or small groups with assignments, preparing classroom materials, and assisting with attendance and grading tasks. Teaching assistants may supervise lunch or recess, support students with behavioral challenges, and communicate with parents about student progress. Duties vary by grade level and school setting but center on freeing teachers to focus on instruction.

Who this work suits

Social
92Conventional
54Enterprising
33Artistic
30Realistic
26Investigative
22

Holland code SCE. 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're organized, follow established procedures, and work comfortably within a structured school environment. You likely enjoy helping others learn and prefer working as part of a team toward clear, shared goals rather than leading independently.

What it takes

Preparation: Medium preparation (vocational training, an associate degree, or related experience). Most people in this occupation hold a certificate or training program.

Skills that matter most

Active ListeningSocial PerceptivenessReading ComprehensionSpeakingCoordinationService OrientationWritingCritical Thinking

Knowledge areas

Customer and Personal ServiceEnglish LanguagePsychologyMathematics (knowledge)Education and TrainingPublic Safety and Security

Who is hiring

2open roles like this on employer career sites
1employer hiring
2posted in the last 7 days
NYwhere most openings are

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

Are you suited for this?
Four short assessments and your background, scored against teaching assistants, preschool, elementary, middle, and secondary school, except special education and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
Find out in 15 minutes See openings

O*NET-SOC 25-9042.00 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.