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The differences between preschool teacher's assistants and pre-k teachers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a pre-k teacher has an average salary of $40,301, which is higher than the $30,249 average annual salary of a preschool teacher's assistant.
The top three skills for a preschool teacher's assistant include open communication, child development and child care. The most important skills for a pre-k teacher are kids, math, and language arts.
| Preschool Teacher's Assistant | Pre-K Teacher | |
| Yearly salary | $30,249 | $40,301 |
| Hourly rate | $14.54 | $19.38 |
| Growth rate | 15% | 4% |
| Number of jobs | 48,217 | 60,464 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 43% | Bachelor's Degree, 57% |
| Average age | 40 | 42 |
| Years of experience | 2 | - |
Preschool teacher assistants, paid an average of $25K per year, must have skills in childcare and communication. This career requires a minimum of a high school diploma, though in some situations, a bachelor's degree may be needed. Those who choose this career path interact with children, prepare snacks, teach things like color and shapes, help children to get dressed and/or change diapers, and evaluate children's development and physical wellness.
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.
Preschool teacher's assistants and pre-k teachers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Preschool Teacher's Assistant | Pre-K Teacher | |
| Average salary | $30,249 | $40,301 |
| Salary range | Between $23,000 And $39,000 | Between $28,000 And $57,000 |
| Highest paying City | New York, NY | New York, NY |
| Highest paying state | Vermont | New York |
| Best paying company | Archdiocese of Philadelphia | Faulkner University |
| Best paying industry | Education | - |
There are a few differences between a preschool teacher's assistant and a pre-k teacher in terms of educational background:
| Preschool Teacher's Assistant | Pre-K Teacher | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 43% | Bachelor's Degree, 57% |
| Most common major | Early Childhood Education | Early Childhood Education |
| Most common college | Fairfield University | University of Pennsylvania |
Here are the differences between preschool teacher's assistants' and pre-k teachers' demographics:
| Preschool Teacher's Assistant | Pre-K Teacher | |
| Average age | 40 | 42 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 7.1% Female, 92.9% | Male, 8.5% Female, 91.5% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 8.4% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 19.5% Asian, 5.3% White, 61.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9% | Black or African American, 9.7% Unknown, 3.9% Hispanic or Latino, 12.6% Asian, 3.7% White, 69.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5% |
| LGBT Percentage | 5% | 9% |