Apr 22, 2025

Choosing the Best State to Work as a Paraprofessional: What You Need to Know

Paraprofessionals—also known as teacher’s aides or teaching assistants—are vital to today’s education system. They provide direct support to classroom teachers, assist students with special needs, and help create safe, productive learning environments. While the profession may not always receive the spotlight, the work is meaningful, rewarding, and indispensable to the success of many schools.

Whether you’re just starting out in the education field or you’re a seasoned para looking to relocate, choosing the best state to work in can have a huge impact on your job satisfaction, quality of life, and career growth. Here’s a deep dive into the factors you should consider when selecting a state for your paraprofessional career.

Understanding the Role of a Paraprofessional

Paraprofessionals work under the supervision of certified teachers to provide instructional support, often in small group or one-on-one settings. Their duties may vary depending on the school and student population but often include:

1. Assisting students with learning disabilities or behavioral challenges
2. Helping manage classrooms and maintain order
3. Supporting lesson implementation and reinforcing learning concepts
4. Aiding students with physical or medical needs

Because they often serve as a bridge between teachers and students, paraprofessionals play a critical role in making classrooms inclusive and supportive.

Career Outlook: Job Growth and Stability

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the job outlook for teacher assistants is expected to decline slightly—by about 1% from 2023 to 2033. At first glance, this may seem concerning. However, it’s important to look deeper into the numbers.

Despite the projected decline, the BLS estimates there will be about 161,900 paraprofessional openings each year, primarily due to:

1. Retirement of long-time paras
2. Career changes or transitions to other fields
3. Upward movement into certified teaching roles

This means the demand for passionate and reliable paraprofessionals will remain steady, especially in areas with larger student populations or strong special education programs.

Entry Requirements and Education Levels

One of the most appealing aspects of the paraprofessional field is its flexible entry requirements. While exact qualifications vary by state or district, most paraprofessional positions require:

1. A high school diploma at minimum
2. Some college coursework or an associate’s degree preferred for certain roles
3. A specialized certificate, such as a ParaPro assessment or a state-issued credential

These lower barriers to entry make the career accessible for individuals looking to work in education without committing to a full teacher licensure program. Additionally, many paraprofessionals use the role as a stepping stone to become licensed teachers, especially in districts that offer payment toward educator programs.

Salary Considerations by State

The national average salary for paraprofessionals is $36,430, but wages can differ significantly depending on the state, district, and even the specific school or program. According to the BLS, the top-paying states for paraprofessionals are:

1. Washington – $46,740
2. California – $45,080
3. District of Columbia – $44,720
4. Massachusetts – $43,620
5. Connecticut – $41,700

While these salaries are attractive, it’s important to consider the cost of living in each location. For instance, Washington and California offer high wages, but housing costs in cities like Seattle and Los Angeles are among the highest in the country. Meanwhile, states like Connecticut or Massachusetts may offer more affordable suburban or rural areas where your earnings go further.

Where the Jobs Are: States with High Employment Levels

If job availability is your top concern when considering a paraprofessional career or looking to relocate, it’s important to understand where demand is highest. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, elementary and secondary schools are the primary employers of paraprofessionals, with over 1.1 million positions in this sector alone as of 2023. These school-based roles typically involve supporting teachers in the classroom, working one-on-one with students, or assisting in special education programs.

Some states naturally employ more paraprofessionals simply because they have larger populations, more school districts, and broader educational programs. Here are the top states with the highest number of paraprofessional jobs:

California

With one of the largest public education systems in the country and a diverse student population, California consistently leads in the number of paraprofessional roles available. Bilingual support staff and special education aides are especially in demand.

Texas

Texas’s sprawling public school districts and emphasis on early childhood and special education support make it a hotspot for paraprofessional positions. The state’s steady population growth also contributes to long-term job stability.

New York

New York’s mix of urban, suburban, and rural school systems creates a wide variety of paraprofessional opportunities. In particular, New York City’s public school system—the largest in the U.S.—employs thousands of teacher aides and assistants annually.

Florida

Known for its year-round school hiring needs and increasing student enrollment, Florida continues to offer robust job prospects for paraprofessionals, especially in districts with high English language learner (ELL) populations.

Illinois

Illinois offers strong support programs for special education and early intervention, which often rely heavily on paraprofessional staff. Chicago Public Schools, in particular, is a major employer in the state.

These states often experience ongoing demand due to student population growth, increased special education needs, and high turnover rates, making them ideal for job seekers looking for a steady stream of opportunities.

Top States by Paraprofessional Job Concentration

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the following states have the highest concentration of paraprofessional jobs per 1,000 total jobs:

Vermont – 18.41

Vermont tops the list, with paraprofessionals making up a significant share of the state’s overall workforce. This reflects the state’s deep investment in education, its focus on small class sizes, and its need for additional support staff across rural school districts..

Iowa – 15.83

Iowa’s strong public school system, combined with a high rate of student support needs in both urban and rural areas, contributes to the state’s high paraprofessional job density. Iowa often utilizes paraprofessionals to bridge gaps in special education and literacy initiatives, making them key players in classroom success.

New York – 14.12

While New York is known for the sheer number of paraprofessional jobs available—especially in urban districts like New York City—it also ranks high in density. This means paraprofessionals aren’t just numerous, they’re crucial to the state’s educational ecosystem. Strong union representation, especially within the New York City Department of Education, offers better protections and opportunities for career growth.

North Dakota – 14.08

In a state with a smaller overall population, the high density of paraprofessional roles reflects the critical support they provide in rural and underserved areas. Paraprofessionals in North Dakota often work across multiple grade levels or provide one-on-one support in specialized programs, making them an indispensable part of many schools.

Kansas – 14.01

Kansas shows a strong reliance on paraprofessionals throughout its school districts, particularly in special education. The state’s focus on inclusive education increases demand for dedicated classroom aides and assistants, helping Kansas maintain one of the highest paraprofessional job densities in the country.

What High Job Density Could Mean for You

High job concentration can indicate:

1. Greater hiring needs, increasing your chances of securing a position.
2. More diverse opportunities, from general classroom assistance to working with students with disabilities or English language learners.
3. More visibility and influence, since paraprofessionals in these states often play an integral role in student achievement and classroom management.
4. Stronger workplace advocacy, potentially offering union support, clearer career pathways, and professional development.

If you’re looking for a state where paraprofessionals are not only in demand but also valued as core contributors to student success, these high- density states are worth considering.

Work Environment and Lifestyle

While salary and job availability are important, so is your overall quality of life. Some states offer greater work-life balance through shorter commutes, flexible schedules, or opportunities for continuing education. Others may be more attractive based on climate, community size, or family-friendly amenities.

For example:

1. Vermont and Iowa may appeal to those who enjoy small-town life and scenic landscapes.
2. California and New York offer vibrant cities and diverse student populations, but may also come with higher workloads and stress.
3. Kansas and North Dakota may offer steady jobs in districts with smaller student-teacher ratios and tight-knit communities.

Think about what kind of environment helps you thrive both personally and professionally when deciding where to work.

Final Thoughts: Making the Right Move

Choosing where to work as a paraprofessional isn’t just about pay—it’s about opportunity, stability, lifestyle, and impact.

Here’s a quick checklist to guide your decision:
*Does the state offer competitive wages relative to cost of living?
*Are there plenty of job opportunities in your preferred setting (general ed, special ed, preschool, etc.)?
*Do you meet the education or certification requirements?
*Is the local lifestyle and community a good fit for you or your family?
*Are there pathways for professional growth, such as training or tuition reimbursement?

Even though the overall job growth in this field is slowing, the need for dedicated, compassionate paraprofessionals has never been greater. As veteran paras retire and school systems continue to evolve, there will always be space for those who are ready to support students and teachers with patience, empathy, and care.

Looking for your next opportunity as a paraprofessional?

At Aequor, we specialize in placing paraprofessionals in schools across the country. Whether you’re relocating, reentering the workforce, or ready to grow your education career, we’re here to help you find the right role—in the right place.

Browse our available jobs and connect with a recruiter today and explore where your next journey in education could take you.

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