How to become a Teaching Assistant

Also called: Education Assistant, Education Support Officer, Learning Support Officer, Student Support Officer, Teacher Aide

Works under the guidance of teachers and other education professionals to improve learning and wellbeing outcomes for students. Employed in primary and secondary schools, as well as in schools for specific purposes and other education settings, to facilitate student learning and engagement.

Main tasks

• Facilitates student learning in the classroom under the direction of a teacher
• Provides targeted support to individuals and groups of students
• Cares for students' social, emotional and physical needs
• Promotes positive behaviour and wellbeing
• Assists students to access the curriculum and participate fully in learning
• Assists teachers and students with sporting activities and school excursions
• Supports students in participating in extra-curricular activities

Ways in

• TAFE and VET: Certificate III in School Based Education Support (CHC30221); Certificate IV in School Based Education Support (CHC40221); Certificate III in Assistant Dance Teaching (CUA30320)
• Licence or registration: Registration or licensing is required.

Pay · Outlook · AI and this job

• Typical full-time pay: $69,784 a year
• About 134,700 people work in this job group now, and about 147,700 are projected by 2035. (+9.7%)
• AI is more likely to help with parts of this job than to do it. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as low.

Related jobs

• Inclusion Support Assistant
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education Officer
• Boarding Supervisor

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Questions people ask

How do I become a Teaching Assistant?

Ways in include: Certificate III in School Based Education Support; Certificate IV in School Based Education Support.

How much does a Teaching Assistant earn in Australia?

Median full-time pay is $69,784 a year (Jobs and Skills Australia).

Is a Teaching Assistant a growing career in Australia?

Yes. Employment is projected to grow 10% by 2035, from about 134,700 to about 147,700 people (Jobs and Skills Australia).

Do you need a degree to become a Teaching Assistant?

Usually not. Only 20% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Ways in include: Certificate III in School Based Education Support; Certificate IV in School Based Education Support.

Will AI change the work of a Teaching Assistant?

AI is more likely to help with parts of this job than to do it. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as low.

Sources

• Jobs and Skills Australia: Occupation data (ANZSCO), from ABS Labour Force and Census (February 2026), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Jobs and Skills Australia: Generative AI Capacity Study, interactive table data (September 2025), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Jobs and Skills Australia: Employment Projections (Victoria University) (May 2025 to May 2035), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Australian Taxation Office: Taxation Statistics, Individuals Table 15A (2023-24), CC BY 2.5 AU, retrieved 2026-10-04

Updated 2026-10-04