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Learning assistant vs student assistant

The differences between learning assistants and student 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 $25,439 average annual salary of a student assistant.

The top three skills for a learning assistant include mathematics, math and student learning. The most important skills for a student assistant are customer service, front desk, and administrative assistance.

Learning assistant vs student assistant overview

Learning AssistantStudent Assistant
Yearly salary$28,576$25,439
Hourly rate$13.74$12.23
Growth rate4%4%
Number of jobs14,67429,093
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 74%Bachelor's Degree, 70%
Average age4444
Years of experience--

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.

What does a student assistant do?

Student assistants are university students who are working part-time for a staff member or department. They are usually assigned to do administrative or clerical activities to help ease the load of their supervisor. They may manage files and information dissemination channels of the department. They may extend assistance during the registration period by helping other students fill out forms, managing the department's enrollment procedure, or doing any other activity required by their supervisor. They may also be asked to mentor younger students. Student assistants should be organized and trustworthy.

Learning assistant vs student assistant salary

Learning assistants and student assistants have different pay scales, as shown below.

Learning AssistantStudent Assistant
Average salary$28,576$25,439
Salary rangeBetween $21,000 And $38,000Between $17,000 And $37,000
Highest paying CityCambridge, MAAlbany, NY
Highest paying stateMassachusettsRhode Island
Best paying companyGoogleNcar - The National Center For Atmospheric Research
Best paying industryEducationGovernment

Differences between learning assistant and student assistant education

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

Learning AssistantStudent Assistant
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 74%Bachelor's Degree, 70%
Most common majorPsychologyBusiness
Most common collegeUniversity of Michigan - Ann ArborNorthwestern University

Learning assistant vs student assistant demographics

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

Learning AssistantStudent Assistant
Average age4444
Gender ratioMale, 41.9% Female, 58.1%Male, 36.8% Female, 63.2%
Race ratioBlack 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%Black or African American, 9.8% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 20.1% Asian, 8.1% White, 56.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.3%
LGBT Percentage6%6%

Differences between learning assistant and student assistant duties and responsibilities

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

Student assistant example responsibilities.

  • Help troubleshoot public computers according to directions and also manage database of library.
  • Adhere to all aspects of FERPA and student confidentiality guidelines.
  • Answer phone, run errands, take messages, help office manager
  • Order, open and distribute office supplies weekly, and run errands.
  • Clean and stock supplies in restrooms, wash windows, walls and fix light fixtures.
  • Perform CPR during emergency rotation.
  • Show more

Learning assistant vs student assistant skills

Common learning assistant skills
  • Mathematics, 13%
  • Math, 9%
  • Student Learning, 9%
  • Professional Development, 6%
  • Academic Support, 6%
  • Computer Lab, 6%
Common student assistant skills
  • Customer Service, 13%
  • Front Desk, 8%
  • Administrative Assistance, 7%
  • Financial Aid, 7%
  • PowerPoint, 6%
  • Office Equipment, 5%

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