Teaching Assistants, Except Postsecondary Salary in San Diego, CA

In San Diego, California, teaching assistants, except those at the postsecondary level, earn a median annual salary of $43,010 as of May 2025, according to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics. This figure is notably higher than the national median for the same occupation, which stands at $35,240. When compared to the local household income in San Diego, which has a median value of $102,285, teaching assistants earn approximately 42% of the area's median household income. This indicates that while they contribute significantly within their role, there remains a considerable gap between their earnings and typical local household incomes.

Entry-level teaching assistants in San Diego typically start closer to the lower end of the salary spectrum, with salaries around the 10th percentile at $35,280, which aligns closely with the national median. As experience is gained, these professionals can see significant increases in their earnings, reaching up to the 75th percentile at $47,740 or even the 90th percentile at $55,710 for those who advance further in their careers. The primary drivers of this salary progression include factors such as years of experience, additional qualifications, and specialized skills. Experienced teaching assistants often take on more responsibilities, which can lead to higher compensation compared to their entry-level counterparts.