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Paraprofessional education assistant vs instructional assistant

The differences between paraprofessional education assistants and instructional assistants can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, an instructional assistant has an average salary of $32,170, which is higher than the $29,268 average annual salary of a paraprofessional education assistant.

The top three skills for a paraprofessional education assistant include public schools, direct supervision and one assistance. The most important skills for an instructional assistant are CPR, math, and instructional materials.

Paraprofessional education assistant vs instructional assistant overview

Paraprofessional Education AssistantInstructional Assistant
Yearly salary$29,268$32,170
Hourly rate$14.07$15.47
Growth rate4%4%
Number of jobs17,74350,185
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 53%Bachelor's Degree, 58%
Average age4444
Years of experience--

Paraprofessional education assistant vs instructional assistant salary

Paraprofessional education assistants and instructional assistants have different pay scales, as shown below.

Paraprofessional Education AssistantInstructional Assistant
Average salary$29,268$32,170
Salary rangeBetween $22,000 And $38,000Between $23,000 And $44,000
Highest paying CityKahului, HISalem, OR
Highest paying stateHawaiiAlaska
Best paying companyBoston Public SchoolsKern Community College District
Best paying industryProfessionalEducation

Differences between paraprofessional education assistant and instructional assistant education

There are a few differences between a paraprofessional education assistant and an instructional assistant in terms of educational background:

Paraprofessional Education AssistantInstructional Assistant
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 53%Bachelor's Degree, 58%
Most common majorBusinessPsychology
Most common collegeStanford UniversityNorthwestern University

Paraprofessional education assistant vs instructional assistant demographics

Here are the differences between paraprofessional education assistants' and instructional assistants' demographics:

Paraprofessional Education AssistantInstructional Assistant
Average age4444
Gender ratioMale, 16.5% Female, 83.5%Male, 27.3% Female, 72.7%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 9.2% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 20.1% Asian, 8.0% White, 56.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.3%Black or African American, 8.9% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 21.0% Asian, 8.2% White, 55.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.4%
LGBT Percentage6%6%

Differences between paraprofessional education assistant and instructional assistant duties and responsibilities

Paraprofessional education assistant example responsibilities.

  • Perform responsible human support and paraprofessional work assisting classroom teacher or other professionals, achieve institution objectives.
  • Work with students who have autism.
  • Teach mathematics to students seeking their GED.
  • Assist students with daily living and provide support in meeting student IEP goals.
  • Train in ABA therapy, and necessary paperwork that goes along with it.
  • Assist in instruction of students one-on-one and /or in group settings according to individual needs and IEP assessments.
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Instructional assistant example responsibilities.

  • Assist teachers in the classroom environment for Pre-K-6 students with class materials, photocopying, correcting papers, clerical duties etc.
  • Substitute for Pre-K through 5th grade.
  • Assist lead teacher in a certify Montessori program.
  • Assist students in grades from kindergarten to high school.
  • Administer tests to determine if student continues in ESOL program.
  • Provide training skills to students to administer CPR safely and accurately.
  • Show more

Paraprofessional education assistant vs instructional assistant skills

Common paraprofessional education assistant skills
  • Public Schools, 26%
  • Direct Supervision, 16%
  • One Assistance, 10%
  • Autism, 7%
  • Classroom Management, 7%
  • Pre-Kindergarten, 5%
Common instructional assistant skills
  • CPR, 17%
  • Math, 8%
  • Instructional Materials, 7%
  • Mathematics, 7%
  • Behavioral Issues, 7%
  • Instructional Support, 5%

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