Introduction
Paraprofessionals are professionals who work in a variety of fields to provide support to other professionals. They may work as teacher aides in educational settings, providing assistance to teachers and students; they may work in healthcare settings, assisting nurses and doctors; or they may work in nonprofit organizations, providing administrative and organizational support. Whatever field they choose, paraprofessionals play an important role in helping to ensure the smooth functioning of various organizations.
So, how much does a paraprofessional make? This article will explore paraprofessional salaries in detail, providing an overview of the average pay of a paraprofessional and exploring the factors that can affect their salary. We’ll also compare paraprofessional salaries across different sectors and provide advice for those considering a career as a paraprofessional.
A Comprehensive Guide to Paraprofessional Salaries
How Much Do Paraprofessionals Earn?
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that the median annual wage for paraprofessionals was $30,370 in May 2019. According to PayScale, paraprofessionals earn an average of $14.97 per hour, with a range of $10.75 to $20.11. The highest-paid paraprofessionals earn more than $37,000 per year, while the lowest-paid earn less than $24,000.
Exploring the Average Pay of a Paraprofessional
According to the BLS, the average hourly wage for paraprofessionals in May 2019 was $14.76. The top 10 percent of earners made an average of $21.51 per hour, while the bottom 10 percent earned an average of $9.99 per hour. The highest-paying industries for paraprofessionals were home health care services ($16.62 per hour) and outpatient care centers ($16.54 per hour). The lowest-paying industries were elementary and secondary schools ($13.21 per hour) and junior colleges ($13.56 per hour).
What Factors Determine Paraprofessional Salary?
The salary of a paraprofessional is determined by a number of factors, including experience, industry, location, and education. Let’s take a look at each of these factors in more detail.
Experience
Experience is one of the most important factors in determining a paraprofessional’s salary. According to a survey conducted by PayScale, the average pay for a paraprofessional with 1-4 years of experience is $31,857 per year. For those with 5-9 years of experience, the average pay increases to $34,220 per year. And for those with 10-19 years of experience, the average pay rises to $36,902 per year.
Industry
The industry in which a paraprofessional works can also have an impact on their salary. According to BLS data, the highest-paying industry for paraprofessionals is home health care services, where the average hourly wage is $16.62. Other high-paying industries include outpatient care centers ($16.54 per hour), medical and diagnostic laboratories ($15.74 per hour), and specialty hospitals ($15.41 per hour).
Location
Location can also have an effect on a paraprofessional’s salary. According to PayScale, the highest-paying states for paraprofessionals are California ($39,738 per year), New York ($37,373 per year), and Massachusetts ($36,567 per year). The lowest-paying states are South Dakota ($27,660 per year), Arkansas ($28,076 per year), and Alabama ($29,250 per year).
Education
Education level can also have an impact on a paraprofessional’s salary. According to the BLS, the median yearly wage for paraprofessionals with a bachelor’s degree is $39,570, while those with an associate’s degree earn an average of $33,540 per year. Those with some college education but no degree earn an average of $29,420 per year, while those with a high school diploma or equivalent earn an average of $26,520 per year.
The Impact of Experience on Paraprofessional Salaries
Experience is one of the most important factors in determining a paraprofessional’s salary. As we’ve seen, experienced paraprofessionals tend to earn higher salaries than those with less experience. Let’s take a closer look at the impact of experience on paraprofessional salaries.
Benefits of Experience
Experience can be beneficial for paraprofessionals in several ways. Experienced paraprofessionals are familiar with their job duties and can work more efficiently, which can lead to higher wages. In addition, they may have access to better job opportunities and may be able to negotiate higher salaries. Finally, experienced paraprofessionals can serve as mentors and trainers for new paraprofessionals, which can lead to additional income.
Challenges of Experience
While experience can be beneficial, it can also present challenges for paraprofessionals. For example, experienced paraprofessionals may have difficulty finding new job opportunities, as employers may prefer to hire someone with less experience. In addition, experienced paraprofessionals may find it difficult to keep up with changes in technology or new methods of working. Finally, experienced paraprofessionals may face age discrimination when looking for new job opportunities.
Comparing Paraprofessional Salaries Across Different Sectors
Paraprofessionals work in a variety of industries, from education to healthcare to nonprofit organizations. Let’s take a look at the average salaries for paraprofessionals in each sector.
Education Sector
The education sector is one of the most popular industries for paraprofessionals. According to the BLS, the median hourly wage for paraprofessionals in the education sector was $13.21 in May 2019. The highest-paying states for paraprofessionals in the education sector are California ($17.32 per hour), New York ($16.05 per hour), and Washington ($15.95 per hour).
Healthcare Sector
Paraprofessionals also work in the healthcare sector, assisting nurses and doctors. According to the BLS, the median hourly wage for paraprofessionals in the healthcare sector was $14.69 in May 2019. The highest-paying states for paraprofessionals in the healthcare sector are California ($18.11 per hour), New Jersey ($17.63 per hour), and New York ($17.37 per hour).
Nonprofit Sector
Paraprofessionals also work in nonprofit organizations, providing administrative and organizational support. According to the BLS, the median hourly wage for paraprofessionals in the nonprofit sector was $15.82 in May 2019. The highest-paying states for paraprofessionals in this sector are California ($19.45 per hour), New York ($18.47 per hour), and Massachusetts ($18.23 per hour).
Conclusion
Summary
This article has provided an overview of paraprofessional salaries and the factors that influence them. We’ve seen that the median annual wage for paraprofessionals is $30,370, and that the average hourly wage is $14.76. We’ve also explored the impact of experience, industry, location, and education on paraprofessional salaries, and compared salaries across different sectors.
Advice for Prospective Paraprofessionals
For those considering a career as a paraprofessional, it’s important to remember that experience, industry, location, and education can all have an impact on your salary. You should also consider the different sectors available to paraprofessionals and research the average salaries in each. With the right knowledge and experience, you can maximize your earning potential as a paraprofessional.
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