Preschool Teacher Assistant

Impact: Direct, Nurturing

Assists lead teachers in providing care and educational activities for young children in a preschool setting. Responsibilities include supervising children, preparing materials, and helping with daily routines.

What the day looks like

People interaction
Extensive
Team vs solo
Team-oriented
Client facing
Always
Impact visibility
High
Travel
None
Schedule flexibility
Rigid
Remote work
On-site Only
Typical work hours
35-40 hours/week
Stress level
Moderate

At a glance

Median salary
$30,000
Entry-level
$25,000
Senior
$38,000
Growth by 2033
5%
Demand
Stable
Freelance potential
Low
Salary growth potential
Low to Moderate
Typical student debt
$0 - $10,000

Skills you'll use

Hard skills

  • Child Development Knowledge
  • First Aid
  • Classroom Management

Soft skills

  • Communication
  • Patience
  • Empathy

Technical complexity: Low

How to get there

Minimum education
High school diploma or equivalent
Licensing
Varies by State
Years to mid-career
3-5 years
Years to senior
8-10 years
Career switching
Moderate

Where this career leads

How people arrive here

    Where you can go from here

      Typical progression

      1. Preschool Teacher, Lead Teacher, Childcare Director

      Future outlook

      Automation probability
      Low
      AI disruption risk
      Low
      Demand trend
      Stable

      How people feel about it

      Overall satisfaction
      4/10
      Meaning
      4/10
      Work-life balance
      3.5/10
      Prestige
      4.5/10
      Social perception
      High

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