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The differences between special education aides and substitute paraprofessionals can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a special education aide has an average salary of $31,638, which is higher than the $28,914 average annual salary of a substitute paraprofessional.
The top three skills for a special education aide include behavior management, paraprofessional and IEP. The most important skills for a substitute paraprofessional are instructional support, math, and classroom environment.
| Special Education Aide | Substitute Paraprofessional | |
| Yearly salary | $31,638 | $28,914 |
| Hourly rate | $15.21 | $13.90 |
| Growth rate | 4% | 4% |
| Number of jobs | 95,429 | 46,060 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 59% | Bachelor's Degree, 49% |
| Average age | 44 | 44 |
| Years of experience | - | - |
A special education aide works with therapists and special education teachers to teach children with disabilities. Special education aides teach children with behavioral and emotional disorders, intellectual disorders, and those with physical and communication disabilities. They perform their job in a small group or individual setting. The scope of their job is performed outside or inside the classroom. Patience, attention to detail, and communication are necessary for performing their job.
The man who is highly acclaimed working in the education field is simply known as the substitute paraprofessional. These professionals are education workers who help licensed teachers in student administration.
Special education aides and substitute paraprofessionals have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Special Education Aide | Substitute Paraprofessional | |
| Average salary | $31,638 | $28,914 |
| Salary range | Between $25,000 And $39,000 | Between $23,000 And $35,000 |
| Highest paying City | Riverhead, NY | Pacifica, CA |
| Highest paying state | Massachusetts | Washington |
| Best paying company | Bear Valley Unified School District | Boston Public Schools |
| Best paying industry | Education | Government |
There are a few differences between a special education aide and a substitute paraprofessional in terms of educational background:
| Special Education Aide | Substitute Paraprofessional | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 59% | Bachelor's Degree, 49% |
| Most common major | Psychology | Psychology |
| Most common college | Northwestern University | Northwestern University |
Here are the differences between special education aides' and substitute paraprofessionals' demographics:
| Special Education Aide | Substitute Paraprofessional | |
| Average age | 44 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 20.0% Female, 80.0% | Male, 15.4% Female, 84.6% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 9.1% Unknown, 4.4% Hispanic or Latino, 19.8% Asian, 8.1% White, 57.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.2% | Black or African American, 8.1% Unknown, 4.4% Hispanic or Latino, 17.1% Asian, 8.2% White, 60.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 6% | 6% |