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Classroom assistant vs learning assistant

The differences between classroom assistants and learning assistants can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a learning assistant has an average salary of $28,576, which is higher than the $27,801 average annual salary of a classroom assistant.

The top three skills for a classroom assistant include CPR, mathematics and photocopying. The most important skills for a learning assistant are mathematics, math, and student learning.

Classroom assistant vs learning assistant overview

Classroom AssistantLearning Assistant
Yearly salary$27,801$28,576
Hourly rate$13.37$13.74
Growth rate4%4%
Number of jobs49,27314,674
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 59%Bachelor's Degree, 74%
Average age4444
Years of experience--

What does a classroom assistant do?

A classroom assistant is responsible for monitoring the class activities and the students' learning progress under the command of a head instructor. Classroom assistants help the teachers in conducting engaging learning activities, creating comprehensive lesson plans, and gathering educational materials to support the students' needs. They take the initiative on observing the class when the teacher is away, leaving them activities to work on as the teacher instructed. A classroom assistant must have excellent communication and organization skills, as they also serve as a liaison between the students and the teacher for inquiries and concerns.

What does a learning assistant do?

A learning assistant is often also known as a student assistant who is tasked with different school divisions. They are responsible for preparing and writing weekly accomplishment reports, taking down notes in a training program or meeting, as well as managing discussions and interacting with students and school officials if there are other activities to be done. Meaning, this career is for someone who has a sufficient communication skill, research-oriented and actively participates in a lot of discussions.

Classroom assistant vs learning assistant salary

Classroom assistants and learning assistants have different pay scales, as shown below.

Classroom AssistantLearning Assistant
Average salary$27,801$28,576
Salary rangeBetween $22,000 And $34,000Between $21,000 And $38,000
Highest paying CityBelmont, MACambridge, MA
Highest paying stateMassachusettsMassachusetts
Best paying companyUniversity of California, BerkeleyGoogle
Best paying industryTechnologyEducation

Differences between classroom assistant and learning assistant education

There are a few differences between a classroom assistant and a learning assistant in terms of educational background:

Classroom AssistantLearning Assistant
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 59%Bachelor's Degree, 74%
Most common majorPsychologyPsychology
Most common collegeDuke UniversityUniversity of Michigan - Ann Arbor

Classroom assistant vs learning assistant demographics

Here are the differences between classroom assistants' and learning assistants' demographics:

Classroom AssistantLearning Assistant
Average age4444
Gender ratioMale, 19.3% Female, 80.7%Male, 41.9% Female, 58.1%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 9.4% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 16.5% Asian, 8.7% White, 59.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.3%Black or African American, 9.2% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 17.9% Asian, 8.5% White, 58.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.4%
LGBT Percentage6%6%

Differences between classroom assistant and learning assistant duties and responsibilities

Classroom assistant example responsibilities.

  • Lead chemistry recitations, prepare lessons, and coordinate student problem solving sessions.
  • Work at PTA and PTO events in various capacities.
  • Support the educational growth of elementary school students by working with small groups in math, language arts, and science.
  • Provide support to kindergarten classroom teacher through individual reading intervention and math assistance
  • Direct group activities within learning centers emphasizing spatial recognition, understanding patterns of colors and numbers for kindergarten class.
  • Work with ESE, VPK, and Pre-K, students.
  • Show more

Learning assistant example responsibilities.

  • Lead discussion sections for students to understand concepts including introductory quantum theory and statistical thermodynamics as well as their applications.
  • Tutor students in calculus, general chemistry and biochemistry
  • Tutor students in algebra, trigonometry, life-science base calculus, chemistry and basic genetics
  • Educate undergraduate students on math and computer technology especially on using the computer software to do their math assignments
  • Used blackboard to input student grades.
  • Grade students' homework and answer questions of algorithms
  • Show more

Classroom assistant vs learning assistant skills

Common classroom assistant skills
  • CPR, 25%
  • Mathematics, 20%
  • Photocopying, 17%
  • IEP, 12%
  • Homework Assignments, 8%
  • Child Care, 3%
Common learning assistant skills
  • Mathematics, 13%
  • Math, 9%
  • Student Learning, 9%
  • Professional Development, 6%
  • Academic Support, 6%
  • Computer Lab, 6%

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