Education · SOC 25-9042
Classroom teaching work is largely AI-proof; automated grading tools are the only meaningful near-term exposure.
Hands-on, interpersonal or high-stakes work AI struggles to replace.
Timeline: AI grading tools will handle simple assignments soon, but the physical presence and relationship-building that define this role will keep it human-centered well into the 2030s.
Tap a skill to find courses on Coursera.
Some links are affiliate links — if you sign up or buy through them, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
$62,340 median pay
$63,620 median pay
$63,910 median pay
$69,590 median pay
$80,190 median pay
$61,430 median pay
AI job-risk card
Teaching Assistants, Preschool, Elementary, Middle, and Secondary School, Except Special Education is resilient on AIFear. Hands-on, interpersonal or high-stakes work AI struggles to replace.
AIFear.com
Our AI Fear Score for Teaching Assistants, Preschool, Elementary, Middle, and Secondary School, Except Special Education is 25/100 (Resilient). Hands-on, interpersonal or high-stakes work AI struggles to replace.
25 out of 100, based on an AI-model review of this occupation's O*NET tasks against what current AI can actually do.
Most exposed: Grading homework and computing scores, Preparing display materials and lesson handouts, Recording and tracking student performance data. Harder to automate: One-on-one tutoring and hands-on student support, Enforcing behavioral policies and classroom routines, Teaching social and life skills through direct interaction.
Lean into Differentiated instruction techniques, Behavior management strategies, Learning assessment and progress monitoring, Special needs awareness. Consider roles such as Special education teaching assistant or Instructional aide lead / coordinator or Early childhood educator.
Tasks, skills and AI-exposure for this role were reviewed by an AI model against its O*NET task profile (curated roles use published research anchors). Pay and employment, where shown, are U.S. BLS OEWS (May 2024) figures. This is an estimate, not a prediction about any individual's job. Compare all occupations.