How much does a teacher's aide make?
a year · about $18 an hour
A typical teacher's aide in the United States makes $36,780 a year, about $18 an hour, below a typical US worker ($50,980) (median, May 2025, US Bureau of Labor Statistics).
What do they do?
You might set out books and materials, then help a few students review a lesson or finish an assignment while the teacher leads the class. Later, you may take attendance, supervise lunch or recess, and tell the teacher how students are doing.
Did you know? Some aides help young adults with disabilities practice skills for getting a job or living independently after graduation.
Is that a lot?
Compared with jobs you knowIf 100 people had this job
Most earn between $27,150 and $50,040How do you become one?
In the U.S., public-school aides usually complete two years of college or earn an associate degree; some Title I schools accept a state or local test instead. Rules vary by state, and most states require a skills test for special-needs aides.
Why does pay differ?
In the U.S., pay can vary with experience and credentials, location, and whether you work in a public school, private school, or childcare center. Part-time hours and school breaks can also change yearly earnings.
Where does it pay most?
Highest in Washington ($49,120), lowest in Alabama ($24,070).
See every state
Top 5 and bottom 3 states, typical (median) yearly pay.
Jobs like this
Data table and sources
| Lower earner (10th from bottom) | Typical person (median) | Higher earner (10th from top) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|---|
| $27,150 | $36,780 | $50,040 | about 1.4 million |
| State | Typical person (median) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|
| Washington | $49,120 | about 43,000 |
| District of Columbia | $46,920 | about 4,000 |
| Maine | $46,750 | about 9,000 |
| California | $46,490 | about 177,000 |
| Vermont | $43,800 | about 5,000 |
Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025 (bls.gov); descriptions and related jobs from O*NET 31.0. Figures as of May 2025, full-time yearly pay (hourly × 2,080 hours). bls.gov/oes · O*NET OnLine
Pages used for the text
- www.bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/teacher-assistants.htm
- www.onetonline.org/link/details/25-9042.00
- www.onetonline.org/link/details/25-9043.00
- www.bls.gov/careeroutlook/2015/article/wage-differences.htm
- www.newamerica.org/insights/exploring-paraprofessional-requirements-across-the-5
Data: US BLS OEWS, May 2025 · 1 USD = 150 JPY