Similar careers
Similarity is based on what people in the careers do, what they know, and what they are called. The process of establishing similarity lists is described in this white paper.
A College Teaching Assistant (TA) is a graduate or upper-level undergraduate student who assists professors in teaching college courses. They support the instructional process by interacting with students, grading, and sometimes leading smaller discussion sessions or labs.
Education: Bachelor's degree
Years in related career: None
On-the-job training: None
Projected Growth: 4.2% (above average)
Annual job openings: 24,600
Direct AI exposure: 18% of tasks
Potential AI exposure: 55% of tasks
| According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, average income (in USD) in 2025 was $43K per year. | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bottom 10% | Bottom 25% | Median (average) | Top 25% | Top 10% |
| $29K per year | $35K per year | $43K per year | $60K per year | $76K per year |
| Compared to other careers: Median is $8.07K below the national average. | ||||
College TAs typically work in university and college settings, including classrooms, laboratories, and office environments. They may have designated office hours for student consultation and spend time preparing materials and grading assignments.
College Teaching Assistants are vital to the educational process in higher education, playing a key role in enhancing the learning experience of students. They work closely with professors to provide a supportive learning environment, often taking on a more relatable and accessible role for students than the lead professors. TAs are involved in various aspects of course delivery, from planning and preparation to direct student engagement and grading.
For many graduate students, being a TA is an integral part of their academic journey, offering a valuable opportunity to develop teaching skills, deepen their knowledge in their field of study, and gain professional experience. It also provides a practical perspective on academic careers and can be a stepping stone to future opportunities in academia or related fields.
The role of a TA varies greatly depending on the department and type of course. In laboratory courses, they might focus on guiding experiments and ensuring safety protocols. In lecture-based courses, they may lead discussion sessions, help manage online learning platforms, or assist students needing additional support. Regardless of the specific duties, TAs are essential in bridging the gap between students and faculty.
Becoming a College Teaching Assistant usually requires enrollment in a graduate program or being an upper-level undergraduate student. For graduate TAs, this means having completed a bachelor's degree (4 years) and being in the process of earning a master's or Ph.D.
Similarity is based on what people in the careers do, what they know, and what they are called. The process of establishing similarity lists is described in this white paper.
