Median annual earnings of teacher assistants in May 2006 were $20,740. The middle 50 percent earned between $16,430 and $26,160. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $13,910, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $31,610.
Full-time workers usually receive health coverage and other benefits. Teacher assistants who work part time ordinarily do not receive benefits. In 2006, about 3 out of 10 teacher assistants belonged to unions - mainly the American Federation of Teachers and the National Education Association - which bargain with school systems over wages, hours, and the terms and conditions of employment.