Compensation
Median Pay
$42,910
National median annual wage for this occupation.
National Career Overview
Teaching assistants, postsecondary
Explore national salary, projected growth, education requirements, and career opportunities across the United States.
National Median Pay
$42,910
Projected Growth
3.1%
Annual Openings
24,600
Career outlook
National Snapshot
A concise view of this occupation’s national scale, compensation, and projected demand.
National
Employment
193,600
Estimated jobs currently supported nationwide.
Outlook
Projected Growth
3.1%
Projected employment change through 2034.
Opportunity
Annual Openings
24,600
Estimated openings created each year.
Pathway
Preparation
The typical education, prior experience, and on-the-job training associated with entry into this career.
STEP 1
Education
Bachelor's degree
STEP 2
Experience
None
STEP 3
Training
None
Top Skills for Success
These are the highest-rated capabilities associated with success in this occupation. Scores are derived from occupational skill analysis and are measured on a 100-point scale.
Creativity & innovation
81 / 100
81%
Speaking & listening
78 / 100
78%
Computers & information technology
73 / 100
73%
Science
70 / 100
70%
Interpersonal
68 / 100
68%
Writing & reading
67 / 100
67%
Mathematics
48 / 100
48%
Adaptability
47 / 100
47%
Leadership
47 / 100
47%
Critical & analytical thinking
38 / 100
38%
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Location Intelligence
Best Places for This Career
Explore the states and metropolitan areas offering the strongest combination of salary, employment, demand, and long-term opportunity.
PRO
Best Metro Areas
Discover metro markets where compensation, hiring demand, and long-term momentum align.
- Top-paying cities
- Fast-growing markets
- Local opportunity rankings
CAREERGPS INSIGHTS
Career Analysis for Teaching Assistants, Postsecondary
Understand the salary, outlook, education, and geographic opportunities shaping this career.
Is Teaching assistants, postsecondary a Good Career?
Teaching assistants, postsecondary support instruction and learning in colleges and other postsecondary settings. This career currently employs 194,000 people nationwide, reflecting a sizable presence in the education sector. The role draws on a wide mix of skills, including speaking and listening, writing and reading, science, mathematics, computers and information technology, and strong interpersonal abilities. Creativity and innovation, adaptability, leadership, and critical and analytical thinking are also important, making this a good option for people who enjoy combining communication with problem-solving. The typical entry point is a bachelor’s degree, which aligns with the academic environment in which these assistants work. Nationally, the median annual salary is $44,930, with state and metro data showing a range of earning levels and job concentrations across the country. With projected employment growth of 3.1% and an estimated 25,000 annual openings, this path offers ongoing opportunities for new entrants as well as those considering a transition from related education roles.
Teaching Assistants, Postsecondary Salary
Teaching assistants, postsecondary earn a national median annual salary of $44,930, placing earnings in a moderate range for an education-focused role. Pay varies across states and metro areas. Among the top states by opportunity score, Massachusetts shows a median salary of $56,370 and Washington $50,460, both above the national median. California’s median of $49,140 and New York’s $43,610 illustrate that higher employment centers can still differ in pay levels. Colorado, at $37,450, represents the lower end among these highlighted states. At the metro level, Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV reports a median salary of $58,330, the highest among listed metros, while Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH and several California metros cluster in the mid-to-high $40,000s. These variations indicate that geographic choice can significantly influence earning potential within this occupation.
Job Outlook for Teaching Assistants, Postsecondary
Teaching assistants, postsecondary currently account for 194,000 jobs nationwide, indicating a substantial occupational footprint. Employment in this field is projected to grow by 3.1%, suggesting ongoing demand over the projection period. In addition to growth, there are an estimated 25,000 annual openings, reflecting opportunities created both by new positions and by turnover in existing roles. This combination of a large employment base, positive projected growth, and steady annual openings provides multiple entry points for new graduates and career changers. States and metro areas highlighted with specific opportunity scores also share the same 3.1% growth rate, which aligns local prospects with the national outlook. For someone planning a future in postsecondary education support, these consistent growth figures and recurring openings suggest a career path with regular hiring activity rather than a static or shrinking job market.
Where Are the Best Opportunities for Teaching Assistants, Postsecondary?
Location choices can meaningfully shape both opportunity and pay for postsecondary teaching assistants. Among states, California has the largest listed employment at 19,120 with a median salary of $49,140 and an opportunity score of 67.38, making it a major employment center. New York also has significant employment at 17,390, with a median salary of $43,610 and an opportunity score of 65.78. Massachusetts combines a smaller workforce of 3,040 with a higher median salary of $56,370 and an opportunity score of 65.87. Washington and Colorado show more modest employment levels—1,480 and 530 respectively—with opportunity scores in the mid-50s and salaries ranging from $37,450 in Colorado to $50,460 in Washington. At the metro level, San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA and New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ stand out with the highest opportunity scores, both above 77, supported by employment of 930 and 12,430 respectively. Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV offers the highest listed metro median salary at $58,330, while other metros such as San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA and Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH show solid mixes of employment and pay.
Education for Teaching Assistants, Postsecondary
The typical education requirement for postsecondary teaching assistants is a bachelor’s degree. This level of education aligns with the need to operate effectively in postsecondary academic environments. Success in this role is supported by a broad skill profile. Strong speaking and listening skills, along with writing and reading, help with clear communication in educational settings. Science and mathematics knowledge, combined with computers and information technology skills, support work in a range of academic disciplines and digital tools. Interpersonal skills and adaptability are important for working with diverse students and faculty. Creativity and innovation, leadership, and critical and analytical thinking round out the core skill set, enabling teaching assistants to contribute thoughtfully to learning activities and problem-solving. Individuals who possess or are willing to build this mix of communication, analytical, and interpersonal strengths are well-positioned to pursue and grow in this career.
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