Teaching Assistants, Except Postsecondary Salary in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
In Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV, teaching assistants, except postsecondarys earn $38,580 at the median. The range runs from $31K at the entry level to $59K for experienced workers. Prices run high here (RPP 108.88), so that salary is closer to $35,434 in real purchasing power. A 2-bedroom apartment runs $2,246/month — about 84.3% of take-home, which is tight.
AffordMap analysis of BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (latest release, May 2024)
So what does $39K get you in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria?
About teaching assistants, except postsecondarys
Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
Entry-level teaching assistants, except postsecondarys (10th percentile) start around $31K. Mid-career wages sit at $39K.Top earners bring in $59K or more - a $28K spread from bottom to top.
Teaching Assistants, Except Postsecondary pay across states
Median income ranked highest to lowest, compared to the national figure
| State | Median salary | vs. national | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Washington | $47K | +34% | 41,650 |
| California | $45K | +29% | 160,960 |
| District of Columbia | $45K | +27% | 3,280 |
| Maine | $44K | +24% | 9,000 |
| Minnesota | $38K | +8% | 37,410 |
| Massachusetts | $38K | +8% | 37,750 |
| New Hampshire | $37K | +6% | 7,180 |
| Connecticut | $37K | +5% | 20,920 |
| Vermont | $37K | +5% | 5,470 |
| North Dakota | $37K | +4% | 5,550 |
| Delaware | $37K | +4% | 4,390 |
| Virginia | $37K | +4% | 34,460 |
| New York | $37K | +4% | 134,590 |
| Oregon | $37K | +4% | 22,330 |
| Wisconsin | $36K | +2% | 25,790 |
Track teaching assistants, except postsecondary salary changes
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Frequently asked questions
How much do teaching assistants, except postsecondarys make in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV?
The median is $38,580 a year. The range is wide: entry-level workers start around $31,200, and experienced teaching assistants, except postsecondarys can clear $59,430. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $39K enough to live in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $2,650/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom here rents for about $2,246/month (HUD Fair Market Rent), which eats 84.8% of your paycheck. That's above the 30% rule of thumb - housing will be a stretch at the median salary, though you can manage with roommates or a smaller place.
How far does a teaching assistants, except postsecondary salary go in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria?
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria has a Regional Price Parity of 108.88 (100 is the national average). Prices are above average here, so your dollar buys less than the same salary would in a cheaper metro. After cost-of-living adjustment, the median teaching assistants, except postsecondary salary is worth about $35,434 in national-average purchasing power.
Where do teaching assistants, except postsecondarys get paid the most?
The table above ranks every state by median pay for this role. Keep in mind that the highest-paying states tend to have the highest costs of living, so the top salary doesn't always mean the most money in your pocket.