Research Summary. Using a combination of public government and company data as well as data gathered from thousands of job postings, the Zippia data team has created average salary estimates for jobs across the US. Using that data set, the team has identified the types of teacher assistants that are the highest paid based on their average annual salaries.
Here is a summary of our findings for the highest-paying types of teacher assistants:
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ESL Teacher is the highest-paid type of teacher assistant with an average salary of $52,701 and an average hourly rate of $25.34.
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The second highest-paying type of teacher assistant is teacher, with an average salary of $47,989.
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The average teacher assistant salary is $27,103 per year, and the average hourly pay is $13.03.
Table Of Contents: Background | Table | Methodology | FAQs
Background
Choosing a career path can be difficult, and while pay shouldn’t be the only thing you consider in your decision, it is a significant factor. So if you’d like to work as a teacher assistant, it helps to have an idea of what the highest-paid types of teacher assistants are so that you can plan your career progression.
Here are the top salaries for different types of teacher assistants:
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ESL Teacher
Average Salary: $52,701
An ESL teacher specializes in teaching the English language to non-native speakers of all ages, usually in a virtual setting. Their responsibilities revolve around devising lesson plans, organizing learning materials, evaluating progress, and coming up with strategies to make learners feel comfortable. Furthermore, they must maintain a healthy and safe learning environment, whether the lessons are in a one-on-one or group setting. When it comes to virtual learning, an ESL teacher must have the necessary equipment, a stable internet connection, and an obstruction-free teaching location.
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Teacher
Average Salary: $47,989
Being a teacher is one of the most passionate professions, among others. Teachers educate, motivate, and guide every generation of learners to prepare them for the real world. Every teacher is unique and has their own teaching styles and methods depending on the subject they teach and the age of their students. Oftentimes they also function as a parent, counselor, coach, friend, and even a lawmaker. There is essentially no limit to the roles a teacher portrays.
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Teacher/Tutor
Average Salary: $42,955
A teacher/tutor is primarily in charge of facilitating discussions and other learning activities for students. Their duties typically revolve around developing lesson plans and teaching materials, assessing the progress of students through quizzes and examinations, assisting students in areas they find difficult, and helping them develop their interpersonal and intrapersonal skills. Furthermore, as a teacher/tutor, it is essential to monitor the progress and behavior of students, all while maintaining a healthy and safe learning environment for them.
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Pre-K Teacher
Average Salary: $40,301
Pre-K teachers play an essential role in the lives of young children ages three to five years old by developing and nurturing their interest in subjects appropriate for their age. They promote a creative learning environment and encourage social interactions among students while providing the fundamental educational foundation that will prepare them for a successful start to kindergarten. They are responsible for overseeing children during their mealtimes, reinforcing personal hygiene, and developing children’s social skills. Pre-K teachers also plan curriculum and work with other school staff members.
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Teacher Associate
Average Salary: $34,007
A teacher associate is responsible for assisting the teacher in classroom operations and providing teaching support for the students. Teacher associates develop learning materials according to the instructions of the headteachers, helping them to track students’ progress and observing class behaviors. They also take class responsibility if the teacher is away, ensuring to keep activity records and attendance for reference. A teacher associate must have excellent communication and organizational skills, especially in handling students’ difficulties and working with the teacher to develop techniques to address those challenges.
Below is a full table of the average pay for various teacher assistant that pay the most followed by a more detailed explanation of our methodology.
Highest-Paying Types Of Teacher Assistants
Methodology
Zippia uses publicly published information from government sources such as the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Foreign Labor Certification Data Center (FLC), and the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to create its salary estimates.
Our data science team also checks job postings and company-published resources for additional up-to-date salary information for teacher assistants.
Once they’ve gathered the data, the team calculates a weighted average for each job title they’re estimating a salary for. For more details on our salary estimates, you can read the detailed methodology.
Highest-Paying Types Of Teacher Assistant Jobs FAQs
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What is the highest-paid teacher assistant job?
The highest-paid teacher assistant job is an esl teacher. ESL Teachers earn an average salary of $52,701, which is $ 25.34 hourly.
An ESL teacher specializes in teaching the English language to non-native speakers of all ages, usually in a virtual setting. Their responsibilities revolve around devising lesson plans, organizing learning materials, evaluating progress, and coming up with strategies to make learners feel comfortable. Furthermore, they must maintain a healthy and safe learning environment, whether the lessons are in a one-on-one or group setting. When it comes to virtual learning, an ESL teacher must have the necessary equipment, a stable internet connection, and an obstruction-free teaching location.
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What is a good salary for a teacher assistant?
A good salary for a teacher assistant is $27,103 or more. The average teacher assistant salary is $27,103, so those making at least $27,103 are earning above-average paychecks.
Keep in mind, however, that the average teacher assistant salary does fluctuate based on location, as companies will adjust their pay scales based on the cost of living in that area. Research what the average salary is in your area for someone of your expertise and experience level to get a more accurate view on how well you’re being paid.
In addition, if you’re just starting your career as a teacher assistant, the average entry level salary is $0, so don’t base your opinion of your salary on the $27,103 average, as this includes all teacher assistants of all skill and experience levels.
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Do Teacher Assistant jobs pay well?
No, teacher assistant jobs don’t pay well. As in any industry, some teacher assistant jobs pay better than others, but the average teacher assistant salary of $27,103 is times the average national salary of about $44,225 per year.
In addition to this, many teacher assistant jobs have high earning potential, with the top 10% of teacher assistants earning $0 a year on average.
Teacher Assistants’ salaries will fluctuate based on their experience level, industry, and location, so pay attention to these factors when you’re looking for a job as a teacher assistant. Do your research on the going rate for a teacher assistant in your area with your expertise, and don’t be afraid to negotiate your salary based on that information.
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Where do teacher assistants get paid the most?
Teacher Assistants get paid the most in New Hampshire. In New Hampshire, teacher assistants earn an average annual salary of $28,347 and an average hourly wage of $13.63.
Following NH, the states with the highest-paid teacher assistants are Montana, Wyoming, and Vermont, with average annual salaries of $28,390, $27,801, and $29,733 respectively.
The cities with the highest-paid teacher assistant salaries are:
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Coventry, RI – $31,927
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Chelmsford, MA – $31,030
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Los Angeles, CA – $29,818
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Author
Chris Kolmar is a co-founder of Zippia and the editor-in-chief of the Zippia career advice blog. He has hired over 50 people in his career, been hired five times, and wants to help you land your next job. His research has been featured on the New York Times, Thrillist, VOX, The Atlantic, and a host of local news. More recently, he's been quoted on USA Today, BusinessInsider, and CNBC.
