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Substitute paraprofessional vs student assistant

The differences between substitute paraprofessionals and student assistants can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a substitute paraprofessional has an average salary of $28,914, which is higher than the $25,439 average annual salary of a student assistant.

The top three skills for a substitute paraprofessional include instructional support, math and classroom environment. The most important skills for a student assistant are customer service, front desk, and administrative assistance.

Substitute paraprofessional vs student assistant overview

Substitute ParaprofessionalStudent Assistant
Yearly salary$28,914$25,439
Hourly rate$13.90$12.23
Growth rate4%4%
Number of jobs46,06029,093
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 49%Bachelor's Degree, 70%
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 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.

Substitute paraprofessional vs student assistant salary

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

Substitute ParaprofessionalStudent Assistant
Average salary$28,914$25,439
Salary rangeBetween $23,000 And $35,000Between $17,000 And $37,000
Highest paying CityPacifica, CAAlbany, NY
Highest paying stateWashingtonRhode Island
Best paying companyBoston Public SchoolsNcar - The National Center For Atmospheric Research
Best paying industryGovernmentGovernment

Differences between substitute paraprofessional and student assistant education

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

Substitute ParaprofessionalStudent Assistant
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 49%Bachelor's Degree, 70%
Most common majorPsychologyBusiness
Most common collegeNorthwestern UniversityNorthwestern University

Substitute paraprofessional vs student assistant demographics

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

Substitute ParaprofessionalStudent Assistant
Average age4444
Gender ratioMale, 15.4% Female, 84.6%Male, 36.8% Female, 63.2%
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, 9.8% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 20.1% Asian, 8.1% White, 56.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.3%
LGBT Percentage6%6%

Differences between substitute paraprofessional and student 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

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

Substitute paraprofessional vs student assistant skills

Common substitute paraprofessional skills
  • Instructional Support, 15%
  • Math, 9%
  • Classroom Environment, 9%
  • Mathematics, 8%
  • Classroom Management, 7%
  • Para, 7%
Common student assistant skills
  • Customer Service, 13%
  • Front Desk, 8%
  • Administrative Assistance, 7%
  • Financial Aid, 7%
  • PowerPoint, 6%
  • Office Equipment, 5%

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