Higher level teaching assistants Pay Data UK — 2025

Higher level teaching assistants roles in the UK earn a median of £25,886 per year, equivalent to £16.82 per hour as of 2025. This represents a 6.3% increase in annual pay compared to the previous year. Pay varies across the UK, ranging from £19,263 to £40,153 per year.

How Pay Varies Across the UK

Each bar shows how many areas of the UK have a median annual pay in that range for Higher level teaching assistants roles. The dashed line marks the national median.

Based on sub-regional area data. Want a precise figure for your area?

About Higher level teaching assistants

Higher level teaching assistants (HLTA’s) assist teachers with their day-to-day classroom work, the provision and planning of and the creation of lesson materials. HLTA’s teach classes on their own and may be trained in relevant learning strategies such as literacy. They may support students with special/additional needs and work in special and additional needs schools.

Typical Tasks and Duties

• assists with development of lesson plans and materials
• assists teacher with preparation or clearing up of classroom
• gives lessons to classes and individual students independently of the teacher
• assess, record and report on pupils' progress
• manages and supports other teaching assistants
• listens to children read, reads to them or tells stories
• assists children with washing or dressing for outdoor and similar activities
• makes simple teaching aids and constructs thematic displays of educational material or children’s work
• helps with outings and other out-of-classroom activities

Entry Routes and Qualifications

Entrants must achieve Higher level Teaching Assistant status. Academic qualifications may be required by some employers and significant relevant experience is usually necessary. NVQs at level 4 are available. A DBS check is mandatory.

Related Occupations

Salary data is sourced from official UK pay datasets and updated periodically.