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Student assistant vs classroom assistant

The differences between student assistants and classroom assistants can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a classroom assistant has an average salary of $27,801, which is higher than the $25,439 average annual salary of a student assistant.

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

Student assistant vs classroom assistant overview

Student AssistantClassroom Assistant
Yearly salary$25,439$27,801
Hourly rate$12.23$13.37
Growth rate4%4%
Number of jobs29,09349,273
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 70%Bachelor's Degree, 59%
Average age4444
Years of experience--

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.

What does a classroom assistant do?

A classroom assistant is responsible for monitoring the class activities and the students' learning progress under the command of a head instructor. Classroom assistants help the teachers in conducting engaging learning activities, creating comprehensive lesson plans, and gathering educational materials to support the students' needs. They take the initiative on observing the class when the teacher is away, leaving them activities to work on as the teacher instructed. A classroom assistant must have excellent communication and organization skills, as they also serve as a liaison between the students and the teacher for inquiries and concerns.

Student assistant vs classroom assistant salary

Student assistants and classroom assistants have different pay scales, as shown below.

Student AssistantClassroom Assistant
Average salary$25,439$27,801
Salary rangeBetween $17,000 And $37,000Between $22,000 And $34,000
Highest paying CityAlbany, NYBelmont, MA
Highest paying stateRhode IslandMassachusetts
Best paying companyNcar - The National Center For Atmospheric ResearchUniversity of California, Berkeley
Best paying industryGovernmentTechnology

Differences between student assistant and classroom assistant education

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

Student AssistantClassroom Assistant
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 70%Bachelor's Degree, 59%
Most common majorBusinessPsychology
Most common collegeNorthwestern UniversityDuke University

Student assistant vs classroom assistant demographics

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

Student AssistantClassroom Assistant
Average age4444
Gender ratioMale, 36.8% Female, 63.2%Male, 19.3% Female, 80.7%
Race ratioBlack 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%Black or African American, 9.4% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 16.5% Asian, 8.7% White, 59.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.3%
LGBT Percentage6%6%

Differences between student assistant and classroom assistant duties and responsibilities

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

Classroom assistant example responsibilities.

  • Lead chemistry recitations, prepare lessons, and coordinate student problem solving sessions.
  • Work at PTA and PTO events in various capacities.
  • Support the educational growth of elementary school students by working with small groups in math, language arts, and science.
  • Provide support to kindergarten classroom teacher through individual reading intervention and math assistance
  • Direct group activities within learning centers emphasizing spatial recognition, understanding patterns of colors and numbers for kindergarten class.
  • Work with ESE, VPK, and Pre-K, students.
  • Show more

Student assistant vs classroom assistant skills

Common student assistant skills
  • Customer Service, 13%
  • Front Desk, 8%
  • Administrative Assistance, 7%
  • Financial Aid, 7%
  • PowerPoint, 6%
  • Office Equipment, 5%
Common classroom assistant skills
  • CPR, 25%
  • Mathematics, 20%
  • Photocopying, 17%
  • IEP, 12%
  • Homework Assignments, 8%
  • Child Care, 3%

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