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Substitute paraprofessional vs educational assistant

The differences between substitute paraprofessionals and educational assistants can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, an educational assistant has an average salary of $31,100, which is higher than the $28,914 average annual salary of a substitute paraprofessional.

The top three skills for a substitute paraprofessional include instructional support, math and classroom environment. The most important skills for an educational assistant are CPR, IEP, and direct supervision.

Substitute paraprofessional vs educational assistant overview

Substitute ParaprofessionalEducational Assistant
Yearly salary$28,914$31,100
Hourly rate$13.90$14.95
Growth rate4%4%
Number of jobs46,06049,979
Job satisfaction-5
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 49%Bachelor's Degree, 59%
Average age4444
Years of experience--

What does a substitute paraprofessional do?

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.

What does an educational assistant do?

An educational assistant, or often called teaching assistant, assists teachers in instruction delivery and provides learning support to students. Educational assistants may perform classroom duties such as class preparations, taking attendance, and paperwork management. They help students by reviewing materials presented by teachers through one-on-one tutoring or in small groups. They may also supervise and monitor the educational activities of children, such as playing and other primary care. Educational Assistants can work in elementary, middle, and high schools while others work in preschools and childcare centers.

Substitute paraprofessional vs educational assistant salary

Substitute paraprofessionals and educational assistants have different pay scales, as shown below.

Substitute ParaprofessionalEducational Assistant
Average salary$28,914$31,100
Salary rangeBetween $23,000 And $35,000Between $20,000 And $47,000
Highest paying CityPacifica, CANew York, NY
Highest paying stateWashingtonRhode Island
Best paying companyBoston Public SchoolsColumbia University in the City of New York
Best paying industryGovernmentNon Profits

Differences between substitute paraprofessional and educational assistant education

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

Substitute ParaprofessionalEducational Assistant
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 49%Bachelor's Degree, 59%
Most common majorPsychologyBusiness
Most common collegeNorthwestern UniversityNorthwestern University

Substitute paraprofessional vs educational assistant demographics

Here are the differences between substitute paraprofessionals' and educational assistants' demographics:

Substitute ParaprofessionalEducational Assistant
Average age4444
Gender ratioMale, 15.4% Female, 84.6%Male, 23.2% Female, 76.8%
Race ratioBlack 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%Black or African American, 9.1% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 19.3% Asian, 8.1% White, 57.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.4%
LGBT Percentage6%6%

Differences between substitute paraprofessional and educational assistant duties and responsibilities

Substitute paraprofessional example responsibilities.

  • Obtain finger print clearance card, CPR and first aid certify.
  • Help students with strategies to assist them with studying, reading and math.
  • Assist teachers with math, literacy and science centers and chaperone field trips.
  • Assist in a variety of classrooms throughout the district with children who qualify for para support
  • Provide care for kids in grades k-12 in a fun, safe environment after school.
  • Assist students with reinforcement activities in areas such reading, mathematics and language arts, etc.
  • Show more

Educational assistant example responsibilities.

  • Perform responsible human support and paraprofessional work assisting classroom teacher or other professionals, achieve institution objectives.
  • Perform basic administrative tasks like photocopying student work displays etc.
  • Support class teachers in photocopying and other tasks in order to support teaching.
  • Used CPI blocks, restraints, and escorts when necessary to ensure the safety of students and staff.
  • Serve special needs Pre-K students in a PPCD classroom, under the direction of a certify classroom teacher.
  • Provide assistance to non-English speaking students
  • Show more

Substitute paraprofessional vs educational assistant skills

Common substitute paraprofessional skills
  • Instructional Support, 15%
  • Math, 9%
  • Classroom Environment, 9%
  • Mathematics, 8%
  • Classroom Management, 7%
  • Para, 7%
Common educational assistant skills
  • CPR, 12%
  • IEP, 7%
  • Direct Supervision, 6%
  • Behavioral Issues, 6%
  • Clerical Support, 6%
  • Autism, 6%

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