Teaching Assistants, Special Education
O*NET 25-9043.00 · SOC 25-9043
Teaching Assistant is a risky career choice. Median pay is $37k a year with -0.3% projected growth through 2035 (declining) and about 176,200 openings a year. AI exposure: Moderate.
Bureau of Labor Statistics projections 2025–2035 · Data updated 2026-07-27
What You'd Actually Do
- →Implement individualized education program goals with students daily.
- →Assist students with physical disabilities in moving around school.
- →Use adaptive tools to help students complete assignments.
- →Track and record student progress on IEP objectives.
- →Communicate student behavioral or academic concerns to lead teacher.
Education & How to Get In
Most Teaching Assistant positions require an associate degree or vocational training. Many community colleges and technical schools offer relevant programs that can be completed in 1–2 years, often with hands-on clinical or lab experience built in.
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Work Environment
People-facing — clinics, schools, or client sites
Collaborative — frequent interaction with teams, clients, or patients
A Day in the Life
While every role varies by employer and specialization, a typical day as a Teaching Assistant involves a mix of core responsibilities:
Personality Fit (RIASEC)
Who Thrives as Teaching Assistant?
Based on the interests and work style this role actually demands, these personality types tend to fit it best. Salary and growth tell you if a career is worth entering — personality fit tells you whether you'll still want it in five years.
Not sure which you are? Take the 7-minute quiz →
See Open Teaching Assistant Roles
Browse live openings to get a feel for requirements and pay in your area.
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Job Outlook
Employment of Teaching Assistants, Special Education is projected to decline 0.3% from 2025 to 2035, declining for all occupations.
Will AI Replace This Job?
- ·50% social/interpersonal tasks — hard for AI to replace
Scored from the mix of routine, creative, physical and social tasks the role involves, adjusted for sector and projected growth. An estimate, not a forecast.
Common Questions
How much does a Teaching Assistant make?
The median Teaching Assistant earns $37k a year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' May 2025 wage data. Half earn more than that and half earn less, and pay varies considerably by state, industry and experience.
Will AI replace Teaching Assistant jobs?
Our model puts Teaching Assistant at 26 out of 100 for automation exposure, which is moderate — likely AI-complementary. The main drivers: 50% social/interpersonal tasks — hard for AI to replace.
Is Teaching Assistant a growing field?
Employment is projected to shrink 0.3% between 2025 and 2035, which is declining. That works out to roughly 176,200 openings a year, counting both new positions and people leaving the occupation.
What degree do you need to be a Teaching Assistant?
Most Teaching Assistant roles expect an associate degree, apprenticeship or vocational certificate rather than a four-year degree.
How long does it take to become a Teaching Assistant?
Typically one to two years, typically an associate degree, apprenticeship or vocational program. O*NET classes this role as Job Zone 3 of 5, which describes how much preparation people in it usually have.
Is a Teaching Assistant career right for you?
Your personality, values, and strengths matter as much as the job market. Take the quiz to see your personalized Future-Fit Score for this career and hundreds more.
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