Also called: Teacher's aide, Paraeducator
Supports a lead teacher by working with small groups, helping students with extra needs, and supervising.
Teacher assistants re-explain lessons to small groups, help students with disabilities, monitor lunch and recess, and prepare materials. Many use the job to try teaching before earning a degree, and some districts pay for them to become teachers.
BLS teaching assistants, except postsecondary.
Associate's degree (2-year), about 1 year after high school. High school diploma plus some college or a paraprofessional exam; Title I schools require 2 years of college or an associate.
Ways in: 2-year college, On-the-job training, Certification. Training cost: Under $15k.
Majors to look at: Education, Early Childhood Education.
Growing slowly (about 0% over 10 years). BLS projects little or no change.
Low risk in 5 years, medium in 10. AI tutors may take over some small-group drills, reducing aide hours; supervising, behavior support and helping students with disabilities stay human.
Classes: Child development CTE class, Psychology, Spanish.
Official data: O*NET occupation 25-9042.
Career Universe is an early version. Pay, training and AI-risk figures are estimates to start your own research, not verified facts. The research was written with AI research assistants, checked by validation scripts and spot-checked by hand. Check anything important with schools, employers and official sources. How the numbers work.