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Elementary and secondary school teacher assistants

(NOC 43100)
Annual Earnings
$56,311
Training, Education, Experience and Responsibilities
College Diploma or Apprenticeship, less than 2 years
Job Openings
(2023-2033)
7,110

Career Overview

Elementary and secondary school teacher assistants – often known as education assistants or EAs – support students by providing help to teachers and counsellors. They help with teaching and with other tasks, such as personal care and behaviour.

Duties

Elementary and secondary school teacher assistants:

  • Work under the supervision of teachers or other child-care professionals
  • Work with individual students and small groups
  • Reinforce students’ learning using lessons and methods developed with the classroom teacher
  • Help students with assignments
  • Help build students’ social skills, emotional skills and self-esteem
  • Offer encouragement to help students fit into the classroom and the school community
  • Assist with children’s personal care
  • Observe students and share their observations with the classroom teacher
  • Assist students with special needs using sign language, braille and other supports
  • Supervise students on field trips and during activities in school gyms, labs, libraries and resource centres

They may help teachers operate audio-visual and electronic equipment. They may also monitor students during recess and lunch hour. In addition, they may help in the school library or office or perform other duties assigned by the school principal.

Earnings

Earnings is income that workers receive in exchange for their labour. Depending on the type of employment, earnings can be in the form of wages (hourly), salaries (fixed monthly or annual) or self-employed earnings.

Annual Earnings

$56,311

Provincial Hourly Rate

High$30.17/hr
Median$27.00/hr
Low$20.98/hr
Source: B.C. Labour Market Information Office, derived from 2023 Job Bank Wage data

Work Environment

# Workers Employed

19,270

% Employed Full Time

12%
Source: 2021 Census

Teacher assistants work in public and private elementary, middle and high schools. They also work in special schools and treatment centres. They play an important role in both in-class and online learning. 
They usually work school hours and may spend some of their time outdoors.

Teacher assistants often move from classroom to classroom throughout the day, taking on various tasks. They may help a student understand an assignment, deal with a physical need or manage anxiety. Whatever the challenge, they work as part of a team with the shared goal of helping children thrive.

Career Pathways

Teacher assistants may specialize in supporting children with severe behaviour, autism, hearing impairment or other special needs.

With experience, elementary and secondary school teacher assistants can move into other jobs related to child and adolescent care.

Occupational Interests

It’s important to understand what kinds of occupations align with your interests.

For more about occupational interests visit Skills for the Future Workforce > Characteristics.

Here are the top occupational interest(s) for this career profile:

Data not available

Job Titles

Educational assistant
Educational resources assistant
Homework assistant
Remedial education aide
Special education assistant

Education, Training and Skills

Teacher assistants need a high school diploma. Most jobs also require completion of a 10-month college program in teaching assistance, educational assistance or another social science.

Teacher assistants who help students with special needs usually need specific training and experience.

Education programs in B.C.

The following program areas are related to this occupation:

  • Teacher Assistant/Aide
EducationPlannerBC Logo
Find out more information about programs offered specifically for this career.

Skills

Every job calls for a certain set of skills. Knowing those skills is the first step in finding a good career fit.

Here, you will find the 10 most relevant workplace skills. Some are more important to achieving success in a certain career than others. These skills may come naturally to you or you may need to gain them through education, training and experience.

See the list of work-related skills below, ranked in order of importance for this career. Check out the list and see if this career matches your skills—take that first step!

Data not available

Labour Market Statistics

Discover data, facts and information that have been gathered and analyzed. Learn about the characteristics of the economy and labour market in B.C.

Employment

Find out about employment types and trends by region and industry.

Employment

19,270
Source: 2021 Census

Employment by Region

Map of BC Map of BC highlighting Cariboo region Map of BC highlighting Kootenay region Map of BC highlighting Mainland/Southwest region Map of BC highlighting North Coast and Nechako region Map of BC highlighting Northeast region Map of BC highlighting Thompson-Okanagan region Map of BC highlighting Vancouver Island/Coast region
Cariboo
Kootenay
Mainland/Southwest
North Coast and Nechako
Northeast
Thompson-Okanagan
Vancouver Island/Coast
Region Employment % Employment of this Occupation
Cariboo 790 4.1%
Kootenay 820 4.3%
Mainland/Southwest 11,130 57.8%
North Coast and Nechako 630 3.3%
Northeast 435 2.3%
Thompson-Okanagan 2,295 11.9%
Vancouver Island/Coast 3,170 16.5%
Source: 2021 Census

Labour Market Outlook

The B.C. Labour Market Outlook is a 10-year forecast of the expected supply and demand for labour in the province. It’s usually updated every year. The purpose is to provide British Columbians with the knowledge to make informed decisions on careers, skills training, education and hiring.

Forecasted Job Openings (2023-2033)

7,110
Source: B.C. Labour Market Outlook

Forecasted Job Openings

Forecasted Employment Growth Rate

Composition of Job Openings

Source: B.C. Labour Market Outlook

Job Openings by Region (2023-2033)

Map of BC Map of BC highlighting Cariboo region Map of BC highlighting Kootenay region Map of BC highlighting Mainland/Southwest region Map of BC highlighting North Coast and Nechako region Map of BC highlighting Northeast region Map of BC highlighting Thompson-Okanagan region Map of BC highlighting Vancouver Island/Coast region
Cariboo
Kootenay
Mainland/Southwest
North Coast and Nechako
Northeast
Thompson-Okanagan
Vancouver Island/Coast
Region Job Openings Avg. Annual Employment Growth
Cariboo 180 -0.7%
Kootenay 260 0.1%
Mainland/Southwest 4,120 1.2%
North Coast and Nechako 70 -0.8%
Northeast 100 -0.4%
Thompson-Okanagan 1,080 1.8%
Vancouver Island/Coast 1,300 0.9%
Source: B.C. Labour Market Outlook

Industry Highlights

Learn about the opportunities in B.C.'s major industries, including employment trends, earning potential, locations of work and more.

Forecasted Job Openings by Industry

IndustryJob Openings (2023-2033)
Educational Services7,070
Health Care And Social Assistance20
Public Administration10
Accommodation And Food Services10
Professional, Scientific And Technical Services0
For additional industry information, visit the Industry Profiles page.
Source: B.C. Labour Market Outlook

Insights from Industry

The employment rate for elementary and secondary school teacher assistants has increased in recent years. Also, extra funding introduced with the return to in-class learning after the COVID-19 pandemic created more jobs.

Teacher assistants often gain great satisfaction from making a positive difference in students’ lives.

Resources