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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Special Needs Teacher Assistant in North Carolina is $50,586 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $24.
However, a Special Needs Teacher Assistant's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Special Needs Teacher Assistant Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $57,000 | $4,750 | $1,096 | $27 |
| Average | $50,586 | $4,215 | $973 | $24 |
| 25th Percentile | $43,178 | $3,598 | $830 | $21 |
Pediatric Developmental Services - Garner, NC
Pediatric Developmental Services - Garner, NC
Elevation Healthcare - Marion, NC
OASIS NC - Wilmington, NC
A Special Needs Teacher Assistant's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Special Needs Teacher Assistant's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here’s how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Special Needs Teacher Assistant | $47,612 |
| Intermediate Level Special Needs Teacher Assistant | $48,181 |
| Senior Level Special Needs Teacher Assistant | $50,586 |
| Specialist Level Special Needs Teacher Assistant | $52,472 |
| Expert Level Special Needs Teacher Assistant | $52,944 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Special Needs Teacher Assistants. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:
For Special Needs Teacher Assistant roles, the industry you choose can impact your earning potential by as much as 60% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the highest-paying industry, Healthcare, offers compensation 30% above the average. Conversely, Special Needs Teacher Assistant positions in Business Services typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view Special Needs Teacher Assistant as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Healthcare | $65,761 | $32.0 | 30% |
Understanding how a Special Needs Teacher Assistant's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $57,000 | $4,750 | $1,096 | $27 |
| Average | $50,586 | $4,215 | $973 | $24 |
| 25th Percentile | $43,178 | $3,598 | $830 | $21 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Special Needs Teacher Assistant job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
AB Staffing
Asheville, NC
AB Staffing | Asheville, NC
Special Education Teacher AB Staffing is looking for experienced Special Education Teachers for the upcoming 2025/2026 school year. Requirements: Bachelor'... more
1 Day Ago
Hope Services, LLC
Raleigh, NC
Hope Services, LLC | Raleigh, NC
Job Description. Job Description. Currently seeking a part-time Special Education Teacher in our Raleigh Child/Adolescent Day Treatment Facility more
2 Days Ago
The Stepping Stones Group
Gastonia, NC
The Stepping Stones Group | Gastonia, NC
Job Description. Job Description. Step Into a Rewarding Career with The Stepping Stones Group. Are you a compassionate educator with a. big heart. and a. p... more
2 Days Ago
Pediatric Developmental Services
Lincolnton, NC
Pediatric Developmental Services | Lincolnton, NC
Job Description. Job Description. Pediatric Developmental Services (PDS) is looking to hire a Special Education Teacher to join our staff and work in an am... more
3 Days Ago
Schoolforce Solutions Inc
Wendell, NC
Schoolforce Solutions Inc | Wendell, NC
Job Description. Job Description. We are looking for a talented. Special Education Teacher. for the school year. Age. High school. License. Adaptive. Hourl... more
3 Days Ago
AB Staffing Solutions
Waynesville, NC
AB Staffing Solutions | Waynesville, NC
Job Description. Job Description. Why You’ll Love This Role. AB Staffing is hiring Special Education Teachers for the 2025–2026 school year in and around W... more
4 Days Ago
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