Teaching assistants, postsecondary
SOC Code: 25-9044
Teaching assistants, postsecondary carries a 31% AI exposure score (Medium automation risk), with a median annual wage of $44,930 and +3.1% projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034 (BLS), affecting approximately 193,600 workers. Full task breakdown, skills, and employer data are below.
Proportion of tasks susceptible to AI automation (O*NET analysis)
AI Exposure vs Industry Growth
Total occupations tracked
832
Covering all SOC major groups
Data currency
2024
BLS Employment Projections
AI exposure avg
40%
Fleet-wide median across all roles
Composite score weighing O*NET task data completeness, BLS projection methodology, and cross-validation with employer risk grades.
Employment Projections
Occupation Insight
Teaching assistants, postsecondary (SOC 25-9044) carries an AI exposure score of 31%, placing it in the Medium automation-risk tier. This score is computed from O*NET Database 30.0 task-level analysis, where each task an occupation performs is evaluated against current generative AI, robotic process automation, and machine-learning capabilities. A score below 40% reflects tasks anchored in physical dexterity, unstructured environments, or high-touch human interaction that current AI cannot reliably replicate.
The economic context matters alongside the risk score. BLS counted approximately 193,600 workers in this occupation in 2024, and projects a +3.1% change through 2034 — modest growth that keeps the occupation viable even as tasks evolve. Median annual compensation stands at $44,930, reflecting both skill scarcity and the value employers place on the tasks that remain difficult to automate. Entry typically requires Bachelor's degree, plus None of related experience.
For career planners, this profile should be read alongside the task, skill, and knowledge breakdowns below and the list of employers whose workforce composition includes Teaching assistants, postsecondary. Adjacent occupations shown further down offer lateral moves that preserve industry knowledge while potentially reducing exposure. Pair the AI exposure score with the BLS employment projection and wage percentiles above for a complete career assessment.
Education & Entry Requirements
Top Tasks (O*NET)
- 1. Teach undergraduate-level courses.
- 2. Evaluate and grade examinations, assignments, or papers, and record grades.
- 3. Lead discussion sections, tutorials, or laboratory sections.
- 4. Develop teaching materials, such as syllabi, visual aids, answer keys, supplementary notes, or course Web sites.
- 5. Inform students of the procedures for completing and submitting class work, such as lab reports.
- 6. Return assignments to students in accordance with established deadlines.
- 7. Prepare or proctor examinations.
- 8. Tutor or mentor students who need additional instruction.
- 9. Complete laboratory projects prior to assigning them to students so that any needed modifications can be made.
- 10. Provide assistance to faculty members or staff with laboratory or field research.
Key Skills Required
- Reading Comprehension
- Active Listening
- Speaking
- Instructing
- Learning Strategies
- Writing
- Critical Thinking
- Monitoring
- Social Perceptiveness
- Coordination
Knowledge Areas
- English Language
- Education and Training
- Computers and Electronics
- Mathematics
- Communications and Media
- Psychology
- Administrative
- Sociology and Anthropology
- Customer and Personal Service
- Biology
Frequently Asked Questions
Will AI replace Teaching assistants, postsecondary?
Teaching assistants, postsecondary has an AI exposure score of 31%, indicating a medium level of automation risk. The majority of tasks in this role require human judgment, creativity, or physical presence that AI cannot easily replicate.
What is the job outlook for Teaching assistants, postsecondary?
According to BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034, Teaching assistants, postsecondary is projected to grow by 3.1% over the decade. Current employment stands at approximately 193,600 workers.
What skills are needed for Teaching assistants, postsecondary?
Key skills for Teaching assistants, postsecondary include Reading Comprehension, Active Listening, Speaking, and others. Typical entry-level education is Bachelor's degree.
How much do Teaching assistants, postsecondary earn?
The median annual wage for Teaching assistants, postsecondary is $44,930, according to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024). Actual earnings vary by location, experience, industry, and employer. The BLS publishes detailed wage percentiles by region in its Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program.
What education is required for Teaching assistants, postsecondary?
The typical entry-level education for Teaching assistants, postsecondary is Bachelor's degree. Employers generally expect None of related work experience. On-the-job training typically involves None. Requirements can vary by employer and specialization.
Which companies employ Teaching assistants, postsecondary?
Teaching assistants, postsecondary roles exist across many industries and employers. Workforce composition is estimated from BLS industry-occupation employment distributions matched to SEC-registered public companies.
AI Exposure Rating
Medium automation risk based on 10 analyzed tasks. Most tasks require human judgment and are resistant to automation.
Related Occupations
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Data sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections 2024–2034 and O*NET Database 30.0. Employment figures are rounded. Wage data from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics (OES).