Are you looking for the full breakdown of UK teaching assistant salary & pay scale per hour and per month in 2025? You are not alone. Many people considering a career in education want to know how much teaching assistants earn in the UK, both hourly and monthly.
Teaching assistants (TAs) play a very important role in supporting teachers and helping students in schools. While the work can be rewarding, it is also good to understand the pay, benefits, and what affects salaries before you apply.
This article explains everything you need to know about teaching assistant salaries in the UK. Whether you are just starting out, have experience, or are planning a move to this field, this guide will give you clear and accurate information about the hourly and monthly pay.
Why You Should Understand UK Teaching Assistant Salary & Pay Scale
Understanding the salary structure for teaching assistants in the UK is very important because:
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It helps you set realistic expectations before applying for jobs.
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It lets you plan your budget and finances properly.
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It helps you decide between full-time and part-time work.
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It allows you to compare pay across different regions and schools.
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It motivates you to gain experience and skills to increase your earnings.
While teaching assistant roles are not the highest-paid jobs, many find the work satisfying and view it as a stepping stone to a teaching career.
How Much Do Teaching Assistants Earn in the UK in 2025?
In 2025, teaching assistant salaries in the UK vary depending on experience, level, school, and location. On average:
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Hourly pay ranges from £11.50 to £16.00 per hour.
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Monthly pay (for full-time roles) ranges from £1,650 to £2,300 per month before tax.
The annual salary is usually between £19,000 and £28,000 per year.
Let’s break it down further by levels and regions.
UK Teaching Assistant Salary by Level
Teaching assistants can work at different levels based on their responsibilities. These levels also affect pay.
1. Entry-Level or General Teaching Assistant
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Hourly pay: £11.50 – £13.00
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Monthly pay: £1,650 – £1,900
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Annual salary: £19,000 – £23,000
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Role: Supporting teachers, helping students, preparing materials.
2. Experienced or Level 2 Teaching Assistant
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Hourly pay: £12.50 – £14.00
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Monthly pay: £1,800 – £2,000
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Annual salary: £21,500 – £24,500
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Role: Supporting students with special needs, supervising classes in absence of teacher.
3. Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA)
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Hourly pay: £14.50 – £16.00
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Monthly pay: £2,100 – £2,300
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Annual salary: £25,000 – £28,000
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Role: Taking on teaching duties, planning lessons, assessing students.
UK Teaching Assistant Salary by Region
Pay can also vary depending on where you work in the UK.
London
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Hourly pay: £13.50 – £16.00
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Monthly pay: £1,950 – £2,350
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Reason: London Weighting allowance due to higher living costs.
South East England
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Hourly pay: £12.50 – £15.00
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Monthly pay: £1,850 – £2,200
Midlands & North England
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Hourly pay: £11.50 – £14.00
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Monthly pay: £1,650 – £2,000
Scotland, Wales & Northern Ireland
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Hourly pay: £11.50 – £13.50
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Monthly pay: £1,650 – £1,900
Summary Table: UK Teaching Assistant Pay in 2025
| Level / Region | Hourly Pay (£) | Monthly Pay (£) |
|---|---|---|
| Entry-Level TA | 11.50 – 13.00 | 1,650 – 1,900 |
| Experienced TA (Level 2) | 12.50 – 14.00 | 1,800 – 2,000 |
| Higher Level TA (HLTA) | 14.50 – 16.00 | 2,100 – 2,300 |
| London | 13.50 – 16.00 | 1,950 – 2,350 |
| South East England | 12.50 – 15.00 | 1,850 – 2,200 |
| Midlands & North England | 11.50 – 14.00 | 1,650 – 2,000 |
| Scotland, Wales, N. Ireland | 11.50 – 13.50 | 1,650 – 1,900 |
What Affects Teaching Assistant Pay in the UK?
Several factors influence how much you can earn as a teaching assistant:
Experience
More experienced TAs usually earn more, especially those at Level 2 or HLTA level.
Qualifications
Specialised training, HLTA status, or certificates in SEN (Special Educational Needs) can increase your pay.
Location
Schools in London and the South East tend to pay more due to higher living costs.
Type of School
Independent and private schools sometimes pay more than state schools. Special schools may also pay higher rates.
Full-Time or Part-Time
Part-time TAs earn less overall but may still get good hourly rates.
Term-Time Contracts
Most TAs are paid only during term time (39 weeks), so annual salaries are lower than equivalent full-year roles.
Advantages of Being a Teaching Assistant in the UK
Many people choose this role despite modest pay because of these benefits:
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A chance to help children and make a difference.
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Flexible working hours (often compatible with family life).
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Term-time only work, giving you school holidays off.
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Opportunities to gain teaching experience and progress to other roles.
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Pension contributions and paid leave (in many contracts).
How to Become a Teaching Assistant in the UK
If you’re thinking of starting as a TA in 2025, here are the steps:
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Check Job Openings: Look on local authority websites, school websites, and job boards.
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Get Basic Qualifications: Many schools accept GCSEs, but further training or Level 2/3 TA courses help.
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Gain Experience: Volunteering in schools can improve your chances.
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Apply and Interview: Highlight your people skills, patience, and passion for education.
Frequently Asked Questions About UK Teaching Assistant Salary & Pay Scale
What is the average hourly pay for a teaching assistant in the UK?
On average, teaching assistants earn between £11.50 and £16.00 per hour depending on experience and location.
How much does a teaching assistant earn per month?
Full-time TAs typically earn between £1,650 and £2,300 per month before tax.
Do teaching assistants get paid during school holidays?
Most TAs are on term-time contracts, which means they are paid only for the weeks they work (usually around 39 weeks a year).
Is being a teaching assistant full-time?
It can be either full-time or part-time depending on the school’s needs and your contract.
Can a teaching assistant become a teacher?
Yes. Many TAs go on to complete teacher training and qualify as teachers.
Do teaching assistants earn more in London?
Yes. London Weighting means TAs in London earn higher salaries to reflect higher living costs.
Final Thoughts: UK Teaching Assistant Salary & Pay Scale in 2025
The UK teaching assistant salary & pay scale per hour and per month in 2025 shows that TAs earn between £11.50 and £16.00 per hour, which adds up to £1,650 – £2,300 per month depending on experience, qualifications, and location.
While the salary is modest compared to some other professions, many people find the job fulfilling and enjoy the flexible, term-time work pattern.
If you are thinking about becoming a TA, gaining relevant qualifications and experience will help you move up to higher-paying roles such as HLTA or specialist support staff.
By understanding the pay structure and opportunities in this field, you can make informed decisions about your career in education.