How Much Does a Contracted Certified Paraeducator Make?

Not all paraeducators are certified.

Certified paraeducators have undergone extensive training to provide excellent student support, supervision and instruction. Each state differs in the specific number of hours required for paraeducator certificate training and in the components of those hours. The result, though, is a more qualified work force in public schools. Some school districts may choose to pay their certified paraeducators more than non-certified paraeducators. In districts where paraeducators are part of a union, their salaries may be collectively bargained with the school district on a yearly, or other periodic, basis.

Job Description

Paraeducators work in a variety of capacities in schools. They are tutors, classroom helpers, clerical assistants, and lunch room and playground monitors. They also work with special needs students to help them have successful school days. They must prove through taking tests, having college credit hours and taking professional development classes that they have the skills and knowledge necessary to work in the profession.

Average Salary

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics provides salary information for the general category of paraprofessionals as of May 2010. Although it does not provide experience or education breakdowns, it does provide a general idea of the levels of salary paraeducators across the nation can expect to earn, whether certified or not. The average annual salary of a paraeducator was $24,880, according to the bureau. The 10th percentile made up to $16,510 per year; the 25th percentile, $18,770; median salary was $23,220; the 75th percentile made $29,400 annually; and the 90th percentile was at $36,130.

By Location

In the Menomonie Area school district in Wisconsin, paraeducators must be certified. The starting salary of a paraeducator in the district is set at $13.47 per hour and increased to $14.22 hourly after 12 months of experience, according to the school district's 2011-2012 collective bargaining agreement. This equates to annual salaries in line with the national average: about $23,330 and $24,629, respectively, given the average work day and school calendar year.

New York City paraeducators, who can earn certification on five incremental levels, make between $20,679 and $32,895 per year, as of July 2011. Paraeducators work under a contract between the NYC Department of Education and the United Federation of Teachers.

Chicago public schools hire certificated paraeducators who trained under the Illinois Department of Education. A first-year Teacher Assistant I (working 39 weeks per year, with less than 1 year of experience) earned a base annual salary of $25,838 per year as of 2011. A Teacher Assistant II (with 25 years' experience) earned $37,889 per year, according to the Chicago Teachers Union.

Job Outlook

The job prospects are expected to be good for paraeducators in the coming years, according to Bureau of Labor statistics data, which anticipates 10 percent growth between 2008 and 2018. Those with at least 2 years of college education; experience working with special education students; and who speak a foreign language are expected to have the easiest time finding jobs. The need for paraeducators is expected to grow particularly in the West and South, where school enrollment is expected to rise. High turnover, according the bureau's report, should be a factor in position availability.

References

• University of Minnesota: Impact Newsletter; Paraeducator Certification: Iowa's System
• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Employment & Wages, May 2010; Teacher Assistants
• School District of the Menomonie Area: Employment; 2008
• School District of the Menomonie Area: 2011-2012 Paraeducator Contract Agreement and Terms
• NYC Department of Education: Salary; 2011
• NYC Department of Education: Paraprofessional Salaries

Resources

• NYC Department of Education: Teaching Assistant (Paraprofessional) Certification; 2011
• Careers at CPS: What Do I Need to Know Before Applying for a Non-Teaching (ESP) Position?; 2007
• Chicago Teachers Union: July 2007 to June 2012 Teacher Contract
• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Outlook Handbook; Teacher Assistants; December 2009