Assistant Teacher Salary Per Hour in the UK

Thinking about becoming an assistant teacher? You’re probably wondering how much you can earn. Most assistant teachers follow the local government (NJC) pay spine. After the April 2025 3.2% pay rise, the usual entry assistant teacher salary per hour is about £12.65–£13.70, depending on the council and spinal point. Remember, many jobs are term-time only, so your total annual pay is spread over the school year.

In this guide, you’ll learn about average pay, London rates, how contracts and experience affect your hourly pay, and ways to earn more.

What Is the Average Assistant Teacher Salary Per Hour?

If you’re just starting as an assistant teacher in the UK, you’ll probably earn around £13 per hour. But as you gain experience, take on extra duties or reach higher NJC grades, your pay can go up to £14–£15 per hour. Of course, your exact rate depends on your council, spinal point, and whether the job is term-time only. For example, London roles usually pay a little more. So, it’s always worth checking your council’s NJC pay table to know exactly where you stand.

How Does Assistant Teacher Pay Compare to the UK Minimum Wage?

From April 2025, anyone aged 21 and over will earn a National Living Wage of £12.21 per hour. Many assistant teachers begin slightly higher, usually between £12.65 and £13.70 per hour. The exciting part? As you gain experience or climb the NJC pay scale, your salary grows, leaving the minimum wage behind. Knowing your earnings can increase steadily over time makes this career path even more motivating!

Do Assistant Teachers Get Paid More in London?

Yes! Many London councils give extra pay, called a weighting, so hourly and daily rates are usually higher than in other parts of the UK. For example, some roles can pay £1–£3 more per hour than similar jobs outside London. Of course, the exact amount depends on your council and spinal point. So, it’s a good idea to check the job advert or council pay page. Plus, London pay often reflects the higher cost of living, which makes the extra money really helpful.

Curious about pay during school holidays? Check out our full guide on “Do Teaching Assistants Get Paid in the Holidays?” to find out everything you need to know.

How Do Term-Time Only Contracts Change the Hourly Rate?

If you work on a term-time only contract, don’t worry — your hourly pay stays the same. The only difference is your total pay for the year. This is because you’re only paid for the weeks when school is open — usually around 38–40 weeks — instead of all 52 weeks.

For example, someone working all year might get £1,300 a month, while a term-time assistant might get a smaller monthly amount, like £1,000, because they aren’t paid for school holidays. But remember, every hour you work is still worth the same as a full-year employee.

So, even if your monthly pay looks smaller, your hourly rate stays the same. Plus, knowing this makes it easier to plan your budget and feel confident about what you’re really earning — which is always reassuring, right?

Do Part-Time Assistant Teachers Earn Less Per Hour?

Nope! Your hourly pay doesn’t go down just because you work part-time. It’s set by your grade or spinal point, not the hours you do. The only thing that changes is how much comes in each month, depending on your hours. So, even if you work fewer hours, each hour you do is still worth the same as someone working full-time, which is pretty reassuring, right?

How Much Can an Experienced Assistant Teacher Earn Per Hour?

Once you’ve got some experience, your pay can move up to the mid-teens—around £14–£16 an hour. And if you work in London or take on HLTA roles, you can earn even more. So, the more you do and the higher your grade, the better your hourly pay gets.

Do Qualifications Affect Assistant Teacher Hourly Pay?

Yes! The more qualifications you have, the better your pay. For example, having a Level 3 or doing HLTA duties usually puts you on a higher NJC grade, which means you earn more per hour. So, it’s always worth checking the job advert to see the grade or spinal point—it shows you exactly what you could get paid.

What Is the Highest Assistant Teacher Salary Per Hour in the UK?

When it comes to pay, the highest assistant teacher salary per hour usually comes from two main things — being on a top NJC grade and getting the London weighting. Together, they can really boost your earnings.

For example, someone working in a central London school on a higher NJC grade (like Grade 6 or above) could earn around £17–£18 an hour, or even a bit more depending on the council. Meanwhile, outside London, the top pay is usually a little lower — around £15–£16 an hour for experienced staff or those in HLTA (Higher Level Teaching Assistant) roles.

So, if you’re aiming for the best pay, try building your skills, getting a Level 3 or HLTA qualification, and applying to councils with higher pay scales. An d of course, don’t forget to check your local council’s 2025/26 NJC pay table to see exactly what you could earn where you live.

How Does Assistant Teacher Pay Compare with Teaching Assistants?

You might wonder if there’s really a difference between an assistant teacher and a teaching assistant. Well, in some places, there is — just a tiny one. A teaching assistant usually helps in lessons, works with students, and supports the teacher directly. An assistant teacher (or teacher aide) might spend more time helping with classroom tasks, setting things up, or keeping things running smoothly.

But honestly, in most UK schools, both roles are pretty much the same — especially when it comes to pay. What really matters is your NJC grade on the job advert, not the job title. So, before applying, it’s always worth checking the spinal point to know exactly how much you could earn.

Can Assistant Teachers Increase Their Hourly Pay with Extra Duties?

If you want to earn more, it helps to be a little smart about it. First, stick with it and gain experience — the longer you do the job and the more you help out, the higher your pay can go. Next, get a Level 3 or HLTA qualification because this usually puts you on higher NJC grades. Then, look for councils with London weighting or better pay scales. Also, take on extra duties whenever you can, like SEN support, after-school clubs, or covering for other staff — even small tasks can make a difference. Finally, check the spinal points in job adverts; they show exactly how much you could earn. With a little effort and planning, your pay can grow over time — and it feels so good to see your hard work paying off!

FAQs 

• What is the hourly rate of pay for a teaching assistant?
  Around £12.65–£13.70 at entry level.

• What is the most a teaching assistant can make?
  Top rates with higher NJC grades and London weighting can reach high teens per hour.

• Do teaching assistants get a pay rise in April 2025?
  Yes, most received a 3.2% uplift from April 2025.

• What is the average salary in the UK for a teaching assistant?
  Entry-level roles are around £13/hour; experienced roles are usually £14–£15/hour.

• Is teaching assistant pay good?
  It starts just above the National Living Wage, and experience, extra duties, or London pay can increase it.

• Can a teaching assistant become a teacher?
  Yes! Many start as TAs and later train to become teachers.

Final Thoughts: What to Expect from Assistant Teacher Pay

So, to wrap things up, the assistant teacher salary per hour starts just a little above the new National Living Wage. But the good news is, it doesn’t stop there. As you gain more experience, earn a Level 3 qualification, or move into an HLTA role, your pay can rise into the mid-teens — and even higher if you’re working in London. That’s why it’s always smart to check the spinal point (SCP) on the job ad and your council’s 2025/26 NJC pay table to see exactly where you stand.

Want to boost your skills and move up the pay scale?

Start your journey today with our Teaching Assistant Course at Wise Campus and take the next step in your career.