Teaching Assistants, Postsecondary Salary in Sacramento, CA

In Sacramento, CA, the typical postsecondary teaching assistant earns a median annual salary of $57,660 as per the Bureau of Labor Statistics' Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (BLS OEWS) for May 2025. This figure is substantially higher than the national median for the same occupation, which stands at $44,930. When compared to the local area's median household income of $93,986, teaching assistants earn approximately 61% of a typical household’s income. The concentration of teaching assistant positions in Sacramento reflects an estimated employment of 4,630 individuals within this specific field. With the local unemployment rate at 4.70%, these roles are integral to maintaining educational standards and supporting faculty members, offering financial stability relative to other occupations in the region.

The earnings for postsecondary teaching assistants in Sacramento show variation based on experience levels. The salary distribution indicates that both entry-level positions (10th percentile) and those at the lower end of experienced workers (25th percentile) start at $57,660 annually. As these professionals gain more experience and demonstrate increased proficiency, their earning potential rises significantly, with the 75th percentile earning up to $73,460 per year. The highest earners in this field reach salaries at the 90th percentile, also at $73,460, indicating a plateau in salary growth beyond a certain level of expertise or tenure. This disparity is driven by factors such as educational qualifications, specialized skills, institutional demand, and additional responsibilities that more experienced teaching assistants might take on. As they progress in their careers, these individuals often contribute to curriculum development, mentorship, and administrative tasks, justifying the increase in compensation.