What is the Salary for a Teaching Assistant? UK Guide

A teaching assistant helps teachers support students in the classroom. They help with lessons, reading, behaviour and daily school tasks. Many people start their career through volunteering, college courses or apprenticeships. Others apply directly for teaching assistant roles without school experience. So, what is the salary for a teaching assistant in the UK? 

The official salary ranges from £19,000 to £26,000 per year. Starter teaching assistants can earn around £19,000 while experienced TAs can earn up to £26,000. Most TAs work 16 to 37 hours each week, often during term time. However, your pay can change based on experience, location and working hours. London TAs can earn around £103 per day. 

Let's take a closer look at the teaching assistant salary.

What is the Salary for a Teaching Assistant?

The teaching assistant salary UK varies with experience, hours and employer. The National Careers Service gives a useful official baseline. It lists £19,000 a year for starters and up to £26,000 for experienced teaching assistants. Therefore, the average teaching assistant salary can fall within this broad range. 

However, employers may offer different salaries for similar TA roles. Online salary figures can also differ between websites. Each site may use different jobs, locations and reporting methods. You may also see TA salary figures shown hourly or daily. These rates help compare part-time, term-time and full-time work. Always check whether a figure shows full-time or actual pay.

How Much Does a Teaching Assistant Earn Per Hour?

The typical teaching assistant earn hourly rate ranges from £12.50 to £16.50. Outside London, typical pay often sits around £13 to £15 per hour. NextGen's figures provide useful estimates for different TA levels. 

Level 1 roles usually pay £12.50 to £13.50 per hour. Roles at Level 2 typically pay between £13.50 and £14.75 per hour. Level 3 roles often pay £14.75 to £16 per hour. Higher-level teaching assistants may earn £16 to £18 hourly. 

Experience, qualifications and extra duties can increase your TA hourly pay. Entry-level pay also sits close to £12.71. Therefore, check your contract before comparing teaching assistant salary per hour figures.

How Does FTE Salary Affect Your Actual Pay?

FTE means Full-Time Equivalent, which shows a full-time salary. However, many teaching assistants work part-time or term-time hours. Therefore, the advertised teaching assistant FTE salary may look higher than your actual pay. For example, a £25,500 FTE salary could mean around £18,500–£20,000 for term-time work. Similarly, a £26,000 FTE salary could result in around £19,000–£21,000 actual pay.

1. FTE salary: Shows what you could earn working full-time.
2. Actual salary: Depends on your contracted hours and working weeks.
3. Term-time work: Usually pays less than the advertised FTE figure.
4. £25,500 FTE: You might receive around £18,500–£20,000.
5. £26,000 FTE: Your actual pay might reach £19,000–£21,000.
6. Check your contract: Always confirm your actual pay before accepting.

How Much Do Term-Time TAs Actually Earn?

A term-time contract means you usually work during school term dates. Most TAs work around 38–39 weeks each year. However, schools can spread your salary across all 12 months. This means you can receive regular monthly payments throughout the year.

Term-time TAs usually earn £17,000 to £21,000 a year. At Level 1, pay may range from £17,000 to £18,500. Moving to Level 2 can bring around £18,500–£20,000. Level 3 roles may offer £19,500–£22,000. For HLTAs, earnings can reach £21,000–£24,000. However, your TA take-home pay depends on your hours, contract, tax and other deductions.

How Much Does a Part-Time Teaching Assistant Earn?

A part-time teaching assistant's salary depends mainly on their weekly working hours. For example, someone working 20 hours weekly earns less than someone working 37 hours. However, both workers can receive the same hourly rate. The National Careers Service lists typical TA hours between 16 and 37 hours weekly. 

Therefore, fewer hours usually mean lower yearly earnings. Term-time contracts can reduce annual pay even further. Two TAs may earn different amounts despite having similar hourly rates. Your TA part-time pay depends on hours, contract and working weeks.

How Does Teaching Assistant Pay Rise With Experience?

A teaching assistant salary with no experience usually starts at the entry level. New TAs may earn £12.50–£13.50 per hour. This equals around £23,000–£24,500 FTE or £17,000–£18,500 for term-time work. Pay can increase as you gain experience and new skills.

1. Years 1–2: Many TAs start in Level 1 roles during this period.
2. Years 2–4: Some TAs progress into Level 2 or early Level 3 roles.
3. Level 2: More experience can bring higher pay and extra duties.
4. SEND skills: Supporting pupils with additional needs can improve progression.
5. Behaviour skills: Strong behaviour support skills can help you progress.
6. Mentoring: Helping newer staff can support progression into higher roles.

How Much Do TAs Earn Outside London?

The teaching assistant salary UK outside London usually ranges from £12.50 to £15.50 per hour. Full-time salaries often range from £23,000 to £27,500. However, pay varies by location, employer, experience and demand. Local authorities and academies may also use different pay scales. Pay can differ across England, Scotland and Wales. 

Some TAs may earn £3,000–£6,000 less than similar roles elsewhere. In Wales, a salary change could benefit up to 3,350 Level 1 TAs. Therefore, check local vacancies before comparing TA salary outside London. Your hours and contract can also change your final teaching assistant pay UK.

What is the Salary for a Teaching Assistant Outside London?

The teaching assistant salary UK outside London usually ranges from £12.50 to £15.50 per hour. Full-time salaries often fall between £23,000 and £27,500. However, pay can vary by region, employer, experience and demand. Local authorities and academies may use different pay scales. 

England, Scotland and Wales also follow different arrangements. Some TAs may earn £3,000–£6,000 less than similar roles elsewhere. In Wales, a salary change could benefit up to 3,350 Level 1 TAs. Therefore, check local vacancies before comparing TA salary outside London. Your hours and contract can also affect your final teaching assistant pay UK.

What Is the SEN Teaching Assistant Salary?

The SEN teaching assistant salary ranges from £19,000 to £27,000, according to the National Careers Service. SEN TAs support children with additional needs, including communication, learning and behaviour. Some estimates suggest SEN TAs may earn £1–£3 more per hour. 

However, this extra pay is not guaranteed. Your pay can change based on your employer, duties and experience. Specialist skills can also affect your earnings. Term-time work and FTE salaries can change your actual pay. Therefore, always check the job advert before comparing SEN TA salary figures.

How Much Can an HLTA Earn?

A higher-level teaching assistant takes on more responsibility than a standard TA. An HLTA salary can range from £16 to £18 per hour. This can equal around £28,000–£32,000 FTE or £21,000–£24,000 term-time pay. HLTAs may deliver planned lessons, cover classes and support curriculum work.

1. Extra earnings: HLTAs may earn £3,000–£5,000 more per FTE.
2. Lesson delivery: They can deliver planned lessons without the teacher.
3. Classroom cover: They may provide short-term cover when teachers are absent.
4. Curriculum support: HLTAs can help teachers with learning and planning.
5. Senior TA pay: Indeed lists London Senior TAs at £21,264.
6. Job titles: Senior TA and HLTA roles can have different duties.

What Qualifications Can Increase Teaching Assistant Pay?

The right qualifications can help you get better TA roles. A Level 2 teaching assistant course is a good starting point. It teaches you how to support pupils in class. A Level 3 teaching assistant course can help you take on more duties. You can also choose a Level 3 apprenticeship that lasts up to two years.

Most Level 3 apprenticeships ask for five GCSEs at grades 9 to 4. These usually include English and maths. However, a qualification does not give higher pay. Your employer, skills and job duties also matter for getting a higher salary. Some SEN and specialist roles may offer better pay. Therefore, choose training that matches your career goals. Always check the job requirements before starting a course.

What Benefits Come With a Teaching Assistant Salary?

Teaching assistants get more than just their pay. They often get school holidays and regular daytime hours. Some jobs also offer a pension for the future. You may also get training to learn new skills. Benefits can change from one school to another. 

Local schools, academies and private schools may offer different benefits. Some TAs may also work a few evenings. So, check your job contract before you start. This helps you understand your teaching assistant benefits clearly.

Final Thoughts

Choosing a teaching assistant career can offer steady work and growth. What is the salary for a teaching assistant depends on several factors. The official range sits between £19,000 and £26,000 per year. Experience, location, hours and job type can change your earnings. London roles may offer higher daily rates. SEN and HLTA roles can also increase earning potential. Always check the salary, FTE figure and contract before applying.

FAQs About What is the Salary for a Teaching Assistant

1. What qualifications do I need to be a TA?

1. You usually need good English and maths skills, plus an Enhanced DBS check.

2. How much is a TA paid per hour?

1. A teaching assistant can earn around £12.50 to £16.50 per hour.

3. Is being a TA a good job?

1. Being a TA can be a good job if you enjoy helping children learn.

4. Are TAs getting a pay rise in 2026?

1. Some TAs may receive higher pay in 2026, depending on their employer and pay agreement.

5. Can a TA become a teacher without a degree?

1. You can train as a teacher through some routes without first having a degree.

6. What is the average pay for a teaching assistant in the UK?

1. The National Careers Service lists TA salaries from £19,000 to £26,000 per year.

7. What will the teaching pay scale be in 2026?

1. The teacher starting salary in England is expected to remain above £32,000 in 2026.

8. How long does a Level 2 teaching assistant course take?

1. A Level 2 teaching assistant course usually takes around 6 to 12 months.