How much is an educational paraprofessional salary — what do they make?

The average annual educational paraprofessional salary is $35,550 per year, or $19.09 per hour in the United States. However, how much substitute paraprofessionals make is typically less.  

If you're considering becoming a paraeducator (also known as paraprofessionals, parapros, or teacher's aides in some school districts) you likely have several questions, including what you might expect for a pay range. Let's look at the factors more closely. 

How is an educational paraprofessional salary set?

While each district has its own approach to determining how much a paraprofessional makes, several common factors typically influence their final rate.

• State wage requirements
• Local cost of living and school bond rates
• Pay scales for comparable jobs in the area

Substitute paraprofessional jobs are usually considered nonexempt or hourly jobs. So, they don’t earn a salary. Instead, they’re paid on an hourly basis. It’s important to note that even when you work with an education staffing agency for placement in a paraeducator job, the pay is still set by the district.

At Kelly Education, we help our partner districts by sharing current market trends when it comes to pay scales for similar roles in their local community.

How much does a paraprofessional make on average?

A substitute paraprofessional salary can vary greatly between states and districts. So, you’ll want to refer to the job description. There may be a pay difference if you are a substitute or permanent paraeducator. Permanent paras are committed to working every day in the same building.  

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports the average annual permanent paraprofessional salary as $35,550 per year, or $19.09 per hour. According to Zippia , the average salary for a substitute paraeducator is $28,914 per year, with a majority range between $23,000 and $35,000 annually. That breaks down to $13.90 per hour on average, with a range between $11.05 and $16.82 per hour.  

In addition to these figures, some districts offer different paraprofessional levels (e.g., Paraeducator I, Paraeducator II), where advancement or placement in a higher-level position typically leads to increased pay. Always check with your local school district for the most up-to-date pay scales.

What are other perks and benefits for substitute paraeducators to consider?

While educational paraprofessional salary (or pay) is important, it’s not the only factor that matters to those considering a substitute paraprofessional job. Many also appreciate the additional perks that come with the role, such as:  

• Flexible schedule. Substitute school paraprofessionals get to set their schedule and choose how often they work. 

• Earlier end time of the workday. Many paraeducators enjoy a workday that typically ends before most day jobs. They can run errands in the afternoon and still be home in time for dinner. 

• Experience supporting students with special needs. Working as a substitute paraeducator is excellent for those who think they might want to be a special education teacher or are on the path to becoming one. The role provides insight into what the experience is like, provides relevant experience for a full-time job. 

• Transferable skills. Substitute paraeducators acquire and improve on many skills transferable to other professions. Examples include time management, organization, patience, communication, interpersonal, and active listening skills. 

• Steady work. There is a high demand for substitute paraeducators, providing steady work opportunities. 

• Personal fulfillment. Supporting students with special needs can provide a great sense of purpose. 

There’s also another perk for parents considering this role. They are drawn to paraeducator jobs because they have a similar schedule to their children—including holidays, inclement weather days, and the summer months off.  

What are the benefits of working with Kelly Education?

Most substitute paraprofessionals are part-time, so they aren’t eligible for benefits. However, when working as a substitute paraeducator through Kelly Education, you are offered Kelly-sponsored ACA health coverage and individual voluntary options that include:  

• • Vision coverage 
  • Dental coverage 
  • Telemedicine 
  • Critical illness coverage 
  • Short-term disability 
  • Life insurance 
  • Accident insurance 
  Our substitute educators are also eligible for: 
  • Corporate discounts 
  • Holiday pay plan 
  • Complimentary employee well-being program 
  • Access to retirement savings plans 

With Kelly Education, you also benefit from working with industry experts who can answer your questions and guide you on your career journey as a substitute educator.  

Want to go deeper into best practices for paraeducators? We have an entire library of helpful articles for substitute teachers and paraeducators. To get started, check these out:

• Classroom management techniques
• Understanding IEP and 504 Plans
• Complete guide to becoming a substitute teacher

Work with Kelly Education to find paraeducator jobs!

Now that you know how much a paraprofessional makes, are you ready to start making a difference in a student’s life? 

At Kelly Education, we recruit people who have paraeducator skills that include interpersonal communication, patience, compassion, empathy, and the ability to adhere to policies and procedures. We’re ready to help you discover paraeducator jobs or other education jobs near you.    

Fill out our brief interest form and one of our recruiters will contact you to answer your questions and share more about paraprofessional or paraeducator opportunities.