How To Become A Learning Assistant: What It Is and Career Path

What is a learning assistant and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

3 min read

A learning assistant is a student that helps their peers understand course material and assists their professors with managing their courses. Learning assistants use various techniques to help struggling students understand course material, from hosting group discussion sections to providing one-on-one help with specific assignments. They work with professors to prepare course material, write lesson plans, and keep track of student grades. Learning assistants can work directly with a specific professor or for an on-campus learning center. Some learning assistants specialize in helping vulnerable students such as students with disabilities or first-generation students. Since learning assistants are students themselves, they usually work only part-time.

By definition, learning assistants are students themselves. They usually are working towards a bachelor's or a graduate degree in any subject. Although learning assistants don't need much work experience, it helps if they have some experience tutoring or in education.

Learning assistants earn an average salary of $12.46 an hour, or $25,916 a year. Their salary differs depending on the minimum wage in their area or university policies.

ScoreLearning AssistantUS Average

Salary

2.2

Avg. Salary $28,576

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level

4.5

Growth rate 4%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity

9.4

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 1.41%

Asian 8.51%

Black or African American 9.20%

Hispanic or Latino 17.88%

Unknown 4.69%

White 58.31%

Gender

female 58.06%

male 41.94%

Age - 45

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 45

Stress level

4.5

Stress level is manageable

7.1 - high

Complexity level

3.7

Complexity level is basic

7 - challenging

Work life balance

10.0

Work life balance is excellent

6.4 - fair

Key steps to become a learning assistant

Explore learning assistant education requirements

Most common learning assistant degrees

Bachelor's

74.4 %

Associate

11.6 %

Master's

8.1 %

Start to develop specific learning assistant skills

Skills	Percentages
Mathematics	13.38%
Math	9.20%
Student Learning	8.55%
Professional Development	6.18%
Academic Support	5.75%

Research learning assistant duties and 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

Prepare your learning assistant resume

When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your learning assistant resume.

You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a learning assistant resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

Choose from 10+ customizable learning assistant resume templates

Build a professional learning assistant resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your learning assistant resume.