Occupations25-9044.00

Teaching Assistants, Postsecondary

Assist faculty or other instructional staff in postsecondary institutions by performing instructional support activities, such as developing teaching materials, leading discussion groups, preparing and giving examinations, and grading examinations or papers.

Median annual pay
$44,930

BLS, 2024

Employment
193,600

U.S., 2024

Ten-year outlook
+3.1%

2024–34

Annual openings
24,600

Projected average

The work

Core tasks

  1. 01Teach undergraduate-level courses.
  2. 02Evaluate and grade examinations, assignments, or papers, and record grades.
  3. 03Lead discussion sections, tutorials, or laboratory sections.
  4. 04Develop teaching materials, such as syllabi, visual aids, answer keys, supplementary notes, or course Web sites.
  5. 05Inform students of the procedures for completing and submitting class work, such as lab reports.
  6. 06Return assignments to students in accordance with established deadlines.
  7. 07Prepare or proctor examinations.
  8. 08Tutor or mentor students who need additional instruction.
  9. 09Meet with supervisors to discuss students' grades or to complete required grade-related paperwork.
  10. 10Schedule and maintain regular office hours to meet with students.
  11. 11Order or obtain materials needed for classes.
  12. 12Copy and distribute classroom materials.

Capabilities

Essential skills

Reading ComprehensionActive ListeningSpeakingLearning StrategiesWritingCritical ThinkingMonitoringActive LearningMathematicsScience

Employment outlook

Where the role is heading

U.S. employment is projected to move from 193,600 in 2024 to 199,600 in 2034, a +3.1% change.

BLS projects an average of 24,600 openings each year over the period, including openings created by workers leaving the occupation.