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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Special Needs Teacher Assistant in Tennessee is $49,744 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 | $56,052 | $4,671 | $1,078 | $27 |
| Average | $49,744 | $4,145 | $957 | $24 |
| 25th Percentile | $42,460 | $3,538 | $817 | $20 |
jackson madison county school system - Jackson, TN
IOTA Community Schools - Memphis, TN
The Stepping Stones Group - Nashville, TN
Thrive Therapies Group - Nashville, TN
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 | $46,821 |
| Intermediate Level Special Needs Teacher Assistant | $47,380 |
| Senior Level Special Needs Teacher Assistant | $49,745 |
| Specialist Level Special Needs Teacher Assistant | $51,600 |
| Expert Level Special Needs Teacher Assistant | $52,064 |
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 | $64,668 | $31.0 | 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 | $56,052 | $4,671 | $1,078 | $27 |
| Average | $49,744 | $4,145 | $957 | $24 |
| 25th Percentile | $42,460 | $3,538 | $817 | $20 |
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.
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