How Much Do Teaching Assistants Earn: Detailed UK Salary Guide

Understanding how much teaching assistants earn can help you plan your career. In this blog, we discuss yearly salaries and hourly rates and the factors that affect them. We also cover teaching assistant requirements, teaching assistant roles, and ways to boost your pay. If you want to become a teaching assistant with no experience, this guide shows you realistic earnings and the next steps.

Salary Ranges for Teaching Assistants

National Pay Scales Explained

The salary for a teaching assistant is based on national pay scales. The scales tell you how much you make a year. The following are common ranges:

• Level 2 Teaching Assistant: £14,000–£17,000 per year.
• Level 3 Teaching Assistant: £16,000–£20,000 per year.
• Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA): £20,000–£25,000 per year.

Hourly Rates and Term-Time Contracts

Many TAs work hourly or term-time contracts. Hourly rates often are:

• Level 2: £9–£12 per hour.
• Level 3: £10–£14 per hour.
• HLTA: £12–£18 per hour.

Term-time roles pay holiday pay, too. Knowing how much do teaching assistants earn per hour helps you compare offers.

Key Factors That Affect Your Pay

Qualifications and Training

Your qualifications impact teaching assistant salary significantly. Common requirements include:

• GCSEs in English and Maths for entry-level roles.
• Level 2 Certificate in Supporting Teaching.
• NVQ Level 3 or CACHE Diploma for advanced roles.
• HLTA accreditation and Level 4 qualification for HLTAs.

If you ask “what qualifications do I need to be a teaching assistant“, focus on these core certifications.

Specialisms and SEN Support

A lot of the time, SEN teaching assistants get paid more. Every year, schools charge extra fees of £500 to £2,000. For SEN jobs, you need to be trained in:

• Help for people with autism and ADHD.
• Ways of communicating, such as Makaton.
• Individualised Education Plans and equipment that help people learn.

Knowing how to become a SEN teaching assistant opens doors to higher rates.

Experience and Seniority

Your pay goes up as you work longer. TAs who are just starting out get paid less. Senior or HLTA roles pay more. Pay can go up if you train new employees or lead small groups.

Location and School Type

The pay rates at schools in London and the South East are better. Pay is lower in rural places. Find out how much teaching assistant make in your area by looking into local rates.

Salary Breakdown by Role Level

Entry-Level Teaching Assistant (Level 2)

A Level 2 teaching assistant supports general classroom tasks. Earnings:

• Annual: £14,000–£17,000.
• Hourly: £9–£12.

These rates apply to classroom support, resource prep, and supervising small groups.

Qualified Teaching Assistant (Level 3)

A Level 3 teaching assistant has an NVQ or CACHE Diploma. Earnings:

• Annual: £16,000–£20,000.
• Hourly: £10–£14.

Level 3 roles include leading interventions, behaviour management, and SEN support.

Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA)

HLTAs plan and deliver lessons. Earnings:

• Annual: £20,000–£25,000.
• Hourly: £12–£18.

This level commands the highest pay among teaching assistants.

How to Boost Your Earnings

Gain Higher Qualifications

Move up from Level 2 teaching assistant to HTLA. Get certified by the HLTA. Consider taking a course for teaching assistants that covers SEN issues. Your pay band goes up with each qualification.

Specialise in SEN or Specific Needs

Getting training in autism, ADHD, or speech needs makes you more valuable. The pay for SEN TAs is better. Look into taking courses in behaviour and specialised help.

Take on Extra Responsibilities

Cover for teachers who aren’t there. Run clubs after school. Help new TAs learn. A lot of the time, schools pay extra for extra work.

Work in High-Paying Regions

You should apply to schools in London or the South East. Look for school trusts that pay well. The cost of living should also play a role in your choice.

Negotiate Effectively

Use national pay scales as proof. In interviews, talk about your skills and experience. Be polite and sure of yourself when you discuss salaries.

Benefits Beyond Basic Salary

Pension Contributions

You can join a savings plan at most schools. Contributions from your employer help you save even more in the long run. This advantage makes your job as a TA more valuable.

Paid Holidays and Leave

When you work a term-time job, you get paid time off. You have time off during school breaks and on days when you have training.

Professional Development Opportunities

Schools often pay for courses and workshops. Learning new things is free. Use it to move up in your job.

Common Questions About TA Pay

What does a teaching assistant do?

TAs support lessons, help individual pupils, prepare resources, and manage classroom behaviour.

What qualifications do you need to be a teaching assistant?

GCSEs in English and Maths. Level 2 certificate for entry roles. Level 3 NVQ or CACHE Diploma for higher roles.

Can a teacher become a teaching assistant?

Yes. Qualified teachers sometimes work as TAs. Their teaching background may earn higher pay.

How much does a SEN teaching assistant earn?

SEN TAs earn £16,000–£22,000 annually, including pay premiums for specialist skills.

How much do part-time teaching assistants earn?

Calculate pay by multiplying hourly rates (£9–£18) by contracted hours worked.

Are you ready to make more money? Find out how much do teaching assistants earn in your area. Sign up for our online Teaching assistant training right now. Get higher qualifications and get paid more!