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The differences between substitute paraprofessionals and special education assistants can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a special education assistant has an average salary of $32,149, 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 a special education assistant are paraprofessional, behavior management, and IEP.
| Substitute Paraprofessional | Special Education Assistant | |
| Yearly salary | $28,914 | $32,149 |
| Hourly rate | $13.90 | $15.46 |
| Growth rate | 4% | 4% |
| Number of jobs | 46,060 | 62,239 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 5 |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 49% | Bachelor's Degree, 57% |
| Average age | 44 | 44 |
| Years of experience | - | - |
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.
A special education assistant is responsible for supporting class activities in an inclusive classroom setting, assisting students with their tasks under the supervision of a special education teacher. Special education assistants create comprehensive lesson plans which adhere to the students' curriculum and special needs. They also help with developing engaging activities to promote an active learning environment while monitoring the students' personal and social behavior. A special education assistant must have excellent communication and organization skills, ensuring the progress of the students by regular interaction, and managing their needs.
Substitute paraprofessionals and special education assistants have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Substitute Paraprofessional | Special Education Assistant | |
| Average salary | $28,914 | $32,149 |
| Salary range | Between $23,000 And $35,000 | Between $25,000 And $40,000 |
| Highest paying City | Pacifica, CA | New York, NY |
| Highest paying state | Washington | Rhode Island |
| Best paying company | Boston Public Schools | Benicia Unified School District |
| Best paying industry | Government | Education |
There are a few differences between a substitute paraprofessional and a special education assistant in terms of educational background:
| Substitute Paraprofessional | Special Education Assistant | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 49% | Bachelor's Degree, 57% |
| Most common major | Psychology | Psychology |
| Most common college | Northwestern University | Northwestern University |
Here are the differences between substitute paraprofessionals' and special education assistants' demographics:
| Substitute Paraprofessional | Special Education Assistant | |
| Average age | 44 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 15.4% Female, 84.6% | Male, 21.9% Female, 78.1% |
| Race ratio | 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% | Black or African American, 8.8% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 18.8% Asian, 8.7% White, 57.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.4% |
| LGBT Percentage | 6% | 6% |