Teaching Assistants, Postsecondary

Job Zone 5 - Extensive preparation needed

Assist faculty or other instructional staff in postsecondary institutions by performing instructional support activities, such as developing teaching materials, leading discussion groups, preparing and giving examinations, and grading examinations or papers.

Pay & job outlook

Median pay: $42,910/yr (U.S. national, May 2025)

$28,600$76,420

Typical range nationwide (10th–90th percentile). This is a population snapshot, not a personal prediction - actual pay varies by location, employer, and experience.

Job outlook: +3.1% projected growth, 2024–2034 — about as fast as average.

About 24,600 openings per year, on average, over the decade.

Typical entry-level education: Bachelor's degree.

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS and Employment Projections.

Top skills

Reading ComprehensionActive ListeningSpeakingInstructingLearning StrategiesWritingCritical ThinkingSocial PerceptivenessMonitoringCoordination

Top knowledge areas

English LanguageEducation and TrainingComputers and ElectronicsMathematicsCommunications and MediaPsychologyAdministrativeSociology and Anthropology

Core tasks

• Teach undergraduate-level courses.

• Evaluate and grade examinations, assignments, or papers, and record grades.

• Lead discussion sections, tutorials, or laboratory sections.

• Develop teaching materials, such as syllabi, visual aids, answer keys, supplementary notes, or course Web sites.

• Inform students of the procedures for completing and submitting class work, such as lab reports.

• Return assignments to students in accordance with established deadlines.

• Prepare or proctor examinations.

• Tutor or mentor students who need additional instruction.

Frequently asked questions

What's the median pay for Teaching Assistants, Postsecondary?

The median pay for Teaching Assistants, Postsecondary is $42,910 per year, per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

What's the job outlook for Teaching Assistants, Postsecondary?

Employment for Teaching Assistants, Postsecondary is projected to change +3.1% from 2024 to 2034 - about as fast as average.

What education is typically required for Teaching Assistants, Postsecondary?

Typical entry-level education: Bachelor's degree.

How many job openings are there each year for Teaching Assistants, Postsecondary?

About 24,600 openings per year, on average, over the decade.