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Substitute paraprofessionals play a vital role in supporting teachers and enhancing student learning. In the United States, the average salary for this position is approximately $28,914 annually, which translates to around $14 per hour. Salaries may vary based on several factors, including location, years of experience, and the specific educational setting.
Substitute paraprofessionals can earn more in states with high demand for educational support roles. For instance, states like California and New York often report higher average salaries due to increased living costs and demand for qualified staff. Moreover, experience plays a significant role; those with more years in the field tend to command higher wages.
As a substitute paraprofessional, individuals can explore opportunities that lead to full-time positions or specialized roles in education. Engaging in professional development and gaining certifications can further enhance career prospects and salary potential.
To learn more about the salary landscape, job openings, and career advancement, visit Zippia and discover how to start your journey in education today.
Let Zippia find your next substitute paraprofessional job
Let Zippia find your next substitute paraprofessional job
The average substitute paraprofessional salary in Washington, Hawaii, and California are the highest in the U.S. The lowest average substitute paraprofessional salary states are North Carolina, Tennessee, and Alabama.
| Rank | State | Avg. salary | Hourly rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Nevada | $28,126 | $13.52 |
| 2 | New Mexico | $28,651 | $13.77 |
| 3 | Idaho | $28,665 | $13.78 |
| 4 | Indiana | $30,210 | $14.52 |
| 5 | Washington | $32,454 | $15.60 |
| 6 | Alaska | $29,050 | $13.97 |
| 7 | Vermont | $28,003 | $13.46 |
| 8 | New York | $30,286 | $14.56 |
| 9 | New Jersey | $29,103 | $13.99 |
| 10 | Arizona | $27,308 | $13.13 |
| 11 | Oregon | $29,948 | $14.40 |
| 12 | Nebraska | $27,464 | $13.20 |
| 13 | Ohio | $29,135 | $14.01 |
| 14 | Minnesota | $27,215 | $13.08 |
| 15 | North Dakota | $27,964 | $13.44 |
| 16 | Illinois | $27,101 | $13.03 |
| 17 | Massachusetts | $29,749 | $14.30 |
| 18 | California | $30,446 | $14.64 |
| 19 | Connecticut | $27,420 | $13.18 |
| 20 | Rhode Island | $27,163 | $13.06 |
| 21 | Texas | $27,498 | $13.22 |
| 22 | Montana | $26,333 | $12.66 |
| 23 | Pennsylvania | $26,089 | $12.54 |
| 24 | Kansas | $25,286 | $12.16 |
| 25 | Wisconsin | $27,005 | $12.98 |
| 26 | Hawaii | $30,490 | $14.66 |
| 27 | Maine | $25,673 | $12.34 |
| 28 | New Hampshire | $25,231 | $12.13 |
| 29 | Wyoming | $24,448 | $11.75 |
| 30 | Michigan | $24,854 | $11.95 |
| 31 | District of Columbia | $28,679 | $13.79 |
| 32 | Colorado | $25,330 | $12.18 |
| 33 | Maryland | $26,461 | $12.72 |
| 34 | Utah | $26,300 | $12.64 |
| 35 | South Dakota | $25,015 | $12.03 |
| 36 | Missouri | $25,348 | $12.19 |
| 37 | Delaware | $24,029 | $11.55 |
| 38 | Arkansas | $24,268 | $11.67 |
| 39 | Mississippi | $24,403 | $11.73 |
| 40 | Iowa | $24,210 | $11.64 |
| 41 | Oklahoma | $23,628 | $11.36 |
| 42 | North Carolina | $23,267 | $11.19 |
| 43 | West Virginia | $23,398 | $11.25 |
| 44 | South Carolina | $22,454 | $10.80 |
| 45 | Georgia | $23,636 | $11.36 |
| 46 | Louisiana | $22,553 | $10.84 |
| 47 | Kentucky | $23,527 | $11.31 |
| 48 | Tennessee | $22,685 | $10.91 |
| 49 | Virginia | $23,483 | $11.29 |
| 50 | Florida | $21,514 | $10.34 |
| 51 | Alabama | $22,585 | $10.86 |
The highest-paying cities for substitute paraprofessionals are Pacifica, CA, Brentwood, NY, and Anderson, IN.
| Rank | City | Avg. salary | Hourly rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Pacifica, CA | $31,205 | $15.00 |
| 2 | Brentwood, NY | $30,443 | $14.64 |
| 3 | Anderson, IN | $30,172 | $14.51 |
| 4 | Boston, MA | $29,771 | $14.31 |
| 5 | Santa Fe, NM | $28,577 | $13.74 |
| 6 | Minot, ND | $27,924 | $13.43 |
| 7 | Duluth, MN | $27,738 | $13.34 |
| 8 | Wethersfield, CT | $27,557 | $13.25 |
| 9 | Irving, TX | $27,515 | $13.23 |
| 10 | Omaha, NE | $27,416 | $13.18 |
| 11 | Gurnee, IL | $27,260 | $13.11 |
| 12 | Reading, PA | $26,167 | $12.58 |
| 13 | Kansas City, MO | $25,438 | $12.23 |
| 14 | Denver, CO | $25,314 | $12.17 |
| 15 | Topeka, KS | $25,295 | $12.16 |
| 16 | Midland, MI | $25,145 | $12.09 |
| 17 | Dubuque, IA | $24,408 | $11.73 |
| 18 | Dover, DE | $23,901 | $11.49 |
| 19 | Coral Springs, FL | $21,358 | $10.27 |
A substitute paraprofessional's salary ranges from $23,000 a year at the 10th percentile to $35,000 at the 90th percentile.

| Percentile | Annual salary | Monthly salary | Hourly rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 90th Percentile | $35,000 | $2,917 | $17 |
| 75th Percentile | $32,000 | $2,667 | $15 |
| Average | $28,914 | $2,410 | $14 |
| 25th Percentile | $25,000 | $2,083 | $12 |
| 10th Percentile | $23,000 | $1,917 | $11 |
The highest paying types of substitute paraprofessionals are teacher internship, substitute school teacher, and substitute teacher.
| Job title | Annual salary | Monthly salary | Hourly rate | Job openings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Teacher Aide | $29,480 | $2,457 | $14.17 | 106,207 |
| Teacher Internship | $48,398 | $4,033 | $23.27 | 105,496 |
| Child Care Teacher | $26,036 | $2,170 | $12.52 | 139,010 |
| Special Education Aide | $31,638 | $2,636 | $15.21 | 95,429 |
| Para Educator | $31,394 | $2,616 | $15.09 | 56,897 |
| Student Internship | $31,256 | $2,605 | $15.03 | 55,578 |
Top companies hiring substitute paraprofessionals now:
Substitute paraprofessional salaries at Boston Public Schools and Erie 2-Chautauqua-Cattaraugus BOCES are the highest-paying according to our most recent salary estimates. In addition, the average substitute paraprofessional salary at companies like La Cañada Unified School District and Jefferson Elementary School District are highly competitive.
| Rank | Company | Average salary | Hourly rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Boston Public Schools | $39,095 | $18.80 |
| 2 | Erie 2-Chautauqua-Cattaraugus BOCES | $35,033 | $16.84 |
| 3 | La Cañada Unified School District | $33,218 | $15.97 |
| 4 | Jefferson Elementary School District | $32,214 | $15.49 |
| 5 | Hinsdale Central High School | $32,086 | $15.43 |
| 6 | Pacifica School District | $31,918 | $15.35 |
| 7 | Plumas Charter School | $31,793 | $15.29 |
| 8 | Edina Public Schools | $30,463 | $14.65 |
| 9 | UP Education Network | $29,982 | $14.41 |
| 10 | Charter Schools USA | $29,844 | $14.35 |
| 11 | Santa Barbara County Education Office | $29,818 | $14.34 |
| 12 | Pioneer Center | $29,489 | $14.18 |
| 13 | Distinctive Schools | $29,486 | $14.18 |
| 14 | Ucboe | $29,435 | $14.15 |
| 15 | Community Care of NC | $29,428 | $14.15 |
| 16 | North Monterey County Unified School District | $29,189 | $14.03 |
| 17 | Anderson Community Schools | $29,164 | $14.02 |
| 18 | Vacaville USD | $29,041 | $13.96 |
| 19 | Perris Union High School District | $28,988 | $13.94 |
| 20 | Roseville Area Schools | $28,968 | $13.93 |
The average substitute paraprofessional salary has risen by $5,307 over the last ten years. In 2014, the average substitute paraprofessional earned $23,607 annually, but today, they earn $28,914 a year. That works out to a 14% change in pay for substitute paraprofessionals over the last decade.
Compare substitute paraprofessional salaries for cities or states with the national average over time.
Compare substitute paraprofessional salaries for individual cities or states with the national average.
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $28,900 | $13.90 | +3.4% |
| 2024 | $27,900 | $13.43 | +3.3% |
| 2023 | $27,000 | $12.98 | +2.6% |
| 2022 | $26,300 | $12.64 | +3.2% |
| 2021 | $25,400 | $12.23 | +2.0% |
| Company | Job | Location | Date added | Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Academy District 20 | Sped Paraprofessional-Affective Needs | Colorado Springs, CO | 06/29/2025 | $42,220 |
| The Villages | ESE Paraprofessional at The Autism Center | The Villages, FL | 06/28/2025 | $31,305 |
| Richfield Public Schools | Substitute Health Paraprofessional | Nore, MN | 06/28/2025 | $48,398 |
| Toppenish School District | SY-Paraprofessional | Toppenish, WA | 06/28/2025 | $38,276 |
| Suwannee County Schools | ESE Paraprofessional (Idea-Temporary) ~ #1003119 | Live Oak, FL | 06/27/2025 | $21,760 |
| Archdiocese of Chicago, Office of Catholic Schools | SY-Pre-K Paraprofessional-Queen of The Rosary School-ELK Grove Village-VIC. | Elk Grove Village, IL | 06/27/2025 | $31,305 |
| Amsschools | Sped Paraprofessional | Tucson, AZ | 06/27/2025 | $32,349 |
| Lake Villa School District #41 | Sped Paraprofessional | Kane, IL | 06/27/2025 | $37,566 |
| Ohio Department of Education | Substitute Paraeducator | Lisbon, OH | 06/26/2025 | $27,131 |
| People Incorporated | Paraprofessional-Per Diem | Fall River, MA | 06/26/2025 | $34,436 |
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