NOC 43100: Elementary and secondary school teacher assistants

The employment outlook will be Good for elementary and secondary school teacher assistants (NOC 43100) in Nova Scotia for the 2025-2027 period.

The following factors contributed to this outlook:

Employment growth will lead to a moderate number of new positions.

A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.

There are a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

Teacher assistants are in great demand in some areas of the province, such as the South Shore and the Annapolis Valley, so qualified applicants should find work easily. Hiring for positions in the public school system often occurs in the spring before the beginning of the school year of employment. Working hours tend to correspond to the school day, meaning that they fall well short of 40 hours per week. However, this schedule can be convenient or beneficial for teacher assistants with children of their own.

Training to become a teacher assistant is relatively short, at less than one year, and is offered at career colleges throughout the province, as well as Université Sainte-Anne.

Here are some key facts about elementary and secondary school teacher assistants in Nova Scotia:

Approximately 3,550 people work in this occupation.

Elementary and secondary school teacher assistants mainly work in the following sectors:

Elementary and secondary schools (NAICS 6111): more than 95%

The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:

Full-time workers: 60% compared to 82% for all occupations

Part-time workers: 40% compared to 18% for all occupations

30% of elementary and secondary school teacher assistants work all year, while 70% work only part of the year, compared to 62% and 38% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 40 weeks compared to 42 weeks for all occupations.

The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:

Men: 8% compared to 51% for all occupations

Women: 92% compared to 49% for all occupations

The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:

no high school diploma: less than 5% compared to 10% for all occupations

high school diploma or equivalent: 22% compared to 27% for all occupations

apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 12% compared to 12% for all occupations

college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 46% compared to 22% for all occupations

bachelor's degree: 15% compared to 20% for all occupations

university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: less than 5% compared to 10% for all occupations

The employment outlook will be Good for elementary and secondary school teacher assistants (NOC 43100) in New Brunswick for the 2025-2027 period.

The following factors contributed to this outlook:

Employment growth will lead to several new positions.

A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.

There are a moderate number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

Employers may prefer candidates who have completed a teaching/educational assistant program or related post-secondary education. Educational assistants working with special needs students may require post-secondary education in a relevant field and may need to demonstrate additional skills such as knowledge of sign language, braille, augmentative and alternative communication methods, assistive/adaptive devices, and special education techniques.

A criminal background and a vulnerable sector check are typically required to work in this field.

First Aid and C.P.R. training are generally required.

Here are some key facts about elementary and secondary school teacher assistants in New Brunswick:

Approximately 3,850 people work in this occupation.

Elementary and secondary school teacher assistants mainly work in the following sectors:

Elementary and secondary schools (NAICS 6111): more than 95%

The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:

Full-time workers: 83% compared to 84% for all occupations

Part-time workers: 17% compared to 16% for all occupations

10% of elementary and secondary school teacher assistants work all year, while 90% work only part of the year, compared to 62% and 38% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 37 weeks compared to 42 weeks for all occupations.

Less than 5% of elementary and secondary school teacher assistants are self-employed compared to an average of 10% for all occupations.

The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:

Men: 6% compared to 52% for all occupations

Women: 94% compared to 48% for all occupations

The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:

no high school diploma: less than 5% compared to 11% for all occupations

high school diploma or equivalent: 25% compared to 30% for all occupations

apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 14% compared to 12% for all occupations

college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 47% compared to 23% for all occupations

bachelor's degree: 10% compared to 16% for all occupations

university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: less than 5% compared to 7% for all occupations

The employment outlook will be Good for elementary and secondary school teacher assistants (NOC 43100) in Quebec for the 2025-2027 period.

The following factors contributed to this outlook:

Employment growth will lead to a moderate number of new positions.

A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.

There are a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

Here are some key facts about elementary and secondary school teacher assistants in Quebec:

Approximately 9,500 people work in this occupation.

Elementary and secondary school teacher assistants mainly work in the following sectors:

Elementary and secondary schools (NAICS 6111): more than 95%

The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:

Full-time workers: 57% compared to 82% for all occupations

Part-time workers: 42% compared to 18% for all occupations

25% of elementary and secondary school teacher assistants work all year, while 75% work only part of the year, compared to 62% and 38% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 38 weeks compared to 43 weeks for all occupations.

Less than 5% of elementary and secondary school teacher assistants are self-employed compared to an average of 12% for all occupations.

The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:

Men: 11% compared to 52% for all occupations

Women: 89% compared to 48% for all occupations

The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:

no high school diploma: 5% compared to 12% for all occupations

high school diploma or equivalent: 19% compared to 19% for all occupations

apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 17% compared to 19% for all occupations

college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 34% compared to 22% for all occupations

bachelor's degree: 19% compared to 17% for all occupations

university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: 5% compared to 11% for all occupations

The employment outlook will be Good for elementary and secondary school teacher assistants (NOC 43100) in Alberta for the 2025-2027 period.

The following factors contributed to this outlook:

Employment growth will lead to a moderate number of new positions.

A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.

There are a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

Persistent demand for teaching occupations remains at all levels of education in Alberta. Some schools in the province have been experiencing a shortage of elementary and secondary school teacher assistants.

In Budget 2025, the provincial government earmarked $1.1 billion to hire additional school staff, such as teachers and educational assistants.

Here are some key facts about elementary and secondary school teacher assistants in Alberta:

Approximately 14,950 people work in this occupation.

Elementary and secondary school teacher assistants mainly work in the following sectors:

Elementary and secondary schools (NAICS 6111): more than 95%

The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:

Full-time workers: 72% compared to 80% for all occupations

Part-time workers: 28% compared to 20% for all occupations

17% of elementary and secondary school teacher assistants work all year, while 83% work only part of the year, compared to 61% and 39% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 36 weeks compared to 42 weeks for all occupations.

Less than 5% of elementary and secondary school teacher assistants are self-employed compared to an average of 15% for all occupations.

The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:

Men: 6% compared to 53% for all occupations

Women: 94% compared to 47% for all occupations

The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:

no high school diploma: less than 5% compared to 10% for all occupations

high school diploma or equivalent: 26% compared to 28% for all occupations

apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 12% compared to 13% for all occupations

college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 37% compared to 19% for all occupations

bachelor's degree: 16% compared to 21% for all occupations

university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: 5% compared to 9% for all occupations

The employment outlook will be Moderate for elementary and secondary school teacher assistants (NOC 43100) in Newfoundland and Labrador for the 2025-2027 period.

The following factors contributed to this outlook:

Employment is expected to remain relatively stable.

A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.

There are a moderate number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

Here are some key facts about elementary and secondary school teacher assistants in Newfoundland and Labrador:

Approximately 950 people work in this occupation.

Elementary and secondary school teacher assistants mainly work in the following sectors:

Elementary and secondary schools (NAICS 6111): more than 95%

The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:

Full-time workers: 49% compared to 83% for all occupations

Part-time workers: 51% compared to 17% for all occupations

11% of elementary and secondary school teacher assistants work all year, while 89% work only part of the year, compared to 56% and 43% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 35 weeks compared to 40 weeks for all occupations.

Less than 5% of elementary and secondary school teacher assistants are self-employed compared to an average of 8% for all occupations.

The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:

Men: 6% compared to 51% for all occupations

Women: 94% compared to 49% for all occupations

The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:

no high school diploma: less than 5% compared to 11% for all occupations

high school diploma or equivalent: 27% compared to 27% for all occupations

apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 17% compared to 17% for all occupations

college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 35% compared to 23% for all occupations

bachelor's degree: 15% compared to 14% for all occupations

university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: less than 5% compared to 7% for all occupations

The employment outlook will be Moderate for elementary and secondary school teacher assistants (NOC 43100) in Prince Edward Island for the 2025-2027 period.

The following factors contributed to this outlook:

Employment growth will lead to a moderate number of new positions.

A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.

There are a moderate number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

Elementary and secondary school teacher assistants in Prince Edward Island continue to be in demand, particularly for those trained to work with special needs students or newcomers requiring additional support. The province’s 2025–26 capital budget includes funding for new schools and renovations, reflecting record enrolment growth and the need for expanded classroom support. Teacher assistants are increasingly relied upon to help address students’ social, emotional, and mental health challenges, and to provide inclusive learning environments. Most opportunities are part-time, substitute, or term contracts, though demand is steady across the province. Employers typically prefer candidates with college diplomas or postsecondary training in fields such as Educational Assistance, Child and Youth Care, or Early Childhood Education, and specialized skills like sign language, Braille, or adaptive technology can significantly improve prospects. For new graduates or career changers, this occupation offers stable employment, valuable experience in education, and clear pathways into specialized or permanent roles, though flexibility and willingness to work across different schools are often required.

Here are some key facts about elementary and secondary school teacher assistants in Prince Edward Island:

Approximately 700 people work in this occupation.

Elementary and secondary school teacher assistants mainly work in the following sectors:

Elementary and secondary schools (NAICS 6111): more than 95%

The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:

Full-time workers: 83% compared to 84% for all occupations

Part-time workers: 17% compared to 16% for all occupations

12% of elementary and secondary school teacher assistants work all year, while 88% work only part of the year, compared to 59% and 41% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 38 weeks compared to 41 weeks for all occupations.

The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:

Men: 8% compared to 51% for all occupations

Women: 92% compared to 49% for all occupations

The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:

no high school diploma: less than 5% compared to 11% for all occupations

high school diploma or equivalent: 16% compared to 28% for all occupations

apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 8% compared to 11% for all occupations

college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 56% compared to 25% for all occupations

bachelor's degree: 16% compared to 17% for all occupations

university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: less than 5% compared to 8% for all occupations

The employment outlook will be Moderate for elementary and secondary school teacher assistants (NOC 43100) in Ontario for the 2025-2027 period.

The following factors contributed to this outlook:

Employment growth will lead to a few new positions.

A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.

There are a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

What Types of Employers Are Out There?

Nearly all employed in elementary and secondary schools.

What are the Main Trends Affecting Employment?

Demand strongly influenced by population size and student registration

In the near term, enrolment is expected to increase in elementary and secondary schools

Changes to annual funding amounts can affect employment prospects in school boards

Investments made in support of students with special needs may lead to job openings for teaching assistants with this specialization

What Skills Do I Need to Succeed?

Completion of the Behaviour Management Systems certification may be an asset in securing employment

Educational Assistant is a voluntary skilled trade in Ontario.

Here are some key facts about elementary and secondary school teacher assistants in Ontario:

Approximately 37,700 people work in this occupation.

Elementary and secondary school teacher assistants mainly work in the following sectors:

Elementary and secondary schools (NAICS 6111): more than 95%

The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:

Full-time workers: 84% compared to 81% for all occupations

Part-time workers: 16% compared to 19% for all occupations

17% of elementary and secondary school teacher assistants work all year, while 83% work only part of the year, compared to 63% and 37% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 38 weeks compared to 43 weeks for all occupations.

Less than 5% of elementary and secondary school teacher assistants are self-employed compared to an average of 15% for all occupations.

The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:

Men: 10% compared to 52% for all occupations

Women: 90% compared to 48% for all occupations

The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:

no high school diploma: less than 5% compared to 9% for all occupations

high school diploma or equivalent: 13% compared to 25% for all occupations

apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: less than 5% compared to 8% for all occupations

college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 56% compared to 22% for all occupations

bachelor's degree: 19% compared to 24% for all occupations

university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: less than 5% compared to 13% for all occupations

The employment outlook will be Moderate for elementary and secondary school teacher assistants (NOC 43100) in Manitoba for the 2025-2027 period.

The following factors contributed to this outlook:

Employment growth will lead to a few new positions.

A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.

There are a moderate number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

Demand for this occupation is driven by school budgets and the need to support teachers with large class sizes and diverse and complex student needs. Teaching assistants are increasingly supporting students with complex needs (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) in mainstream classrooms.

Key trends for this occupation include a shift from administrative and preparation tasks to direct instruction and student support using artificial intelligence (AI) tools to develop individual plans and adapted materials and assisting students with social-emotional development.

Here are some key facts about elementary and secondary school teacher assistants in Manitoba:

Approximately 9,550 people work in this occupation.

Elementary and secondary school teacher assistants mainly work in the following sectors:

Elementary and secondary schools (NAICS 6111): more than 95%

The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:

Full-time workers: 77% compared to 81% for all occupations

Part-time workers: 23% compared to 19% for all occupations

18% of elementary and secondary school teacher assistants work all year, while 82% work only part of the year, compared to 65% and 35% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 37 weeks compared to 43 weeks for all occupations.

Less than 5% of elementary and secondary school teacher assistants are self-employed compared to an average of 12% for all occupations.

The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:

Men: 15% compared to 53% for all occupations

Women: 85% compared to 47% for all occupations

The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:

no high school diploma: less than 5% compared to 12% for all occupations

high school diploma or equivalent: 39% compared to 31% for all occupations

apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 18% compared to 12% for all occupations

college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 20% compared to 17% for all occupations

bachelor's degree: 15% compared to 20% for all occupations

university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: 5% compared to 8% for all occupations

The employment outlook will be Moderate for elementary and secondary school teacher assistants (NOC 43100) in Saskatchewan for the 2025-2027 period.

The following factors contributed to this outlook:

Employment growth will lead to a moderate number of new positions.

A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.

There are a moderate number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

This occupation is influenced by population growth, student enrollment, and provincial government spending.

Investment in new educational infrastructure including ongoing funding for 25 new or consolidated schools and 1 new replacement school should create new hiring opportunities and support employment growth in this occupation.

Recent federal government cuts and caps on immigration levels for the period 2025-2027 is slowing Saskatchewan’s international net migration-driven population growth and may soften the population-driven demand for services offered by this occupation.

Government investment of $130 million to fund a new teacher agreement and address pressures of growing student enrolment will secure and enhance employment opportunities for this occupation.

Increased demand for staff and space may be greater in Regina and Saskatoon.

Here are some key facts about elementary and secondary school teacher assistants in Saskatchewan:

Approximately 6,150 people work in this occupation.

Elementary and secondary school teacher assistants mainly work in the following sectors:

Elementary and secondary schools (NAICS 6111): more than 95%

The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:

Full-time workers: 79% compared to 81% for all occupations

Part-time workers: 21% compared to 19% for all occupations

17% of elementary and secondary school teacher assistants work all year, while 83% work only part of the year, compared to 65% and 35% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 37 weeks compared to 43 weeks for all occupations.

Less than 5% of elementary and secondary school teacher assistants are self-employed compared to an average of 16% for all occupations.

The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:

Men: 9% compared to 53% for all occupations

Women: 91% compared to 47% for all occupations

The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:

no high school diploma: less than 5% compared to 11% for all occupations

high school diploma or equivalent: 34% compared to 33% for all occupations

apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 18% compared to 15% for all occupations

college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 28% compared to 17% for all occupations

bachelor's degree: 13% compared to 18% for all occupations

university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: less than 5% compared to 7% for all occupations

The employment outlook will be Moderate for elementary and secondary school teacher assistants (NOC 43100) in British Columbia for the 2025-2027 period.

The following factors contributed to this outlook:

Employment growth will lead to a moderate number of new positions.

A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.

There are a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

In the 2024/25 school year, there were about 600,000 students enrolled in public schools around the province, a 3.7% increase from the previous year.

This was the highest enrollment figure since 1999.

Persistent demand for teaching occupations remains at all levels of education in British Columbia.

Some schools in the province have been experiencing a shortage of instructors.

Investments in public school services around the province will improve employment opportunities in the educational services sector.

In 2025, the Government of British Columbia opened new schools and announced school expansion projects in communities including the Cowichan Valley, Langford, Surrey, and Langley.

Here are some key facts about elementary and secondary school teacher assistants in British Columbia:

Approximately 18,550 people work in this occupation.

Elementary and secondary school teacher assistants mainly work in the following sectors:

Elementary and secondary schools (NAICS 6111): more than 95%

The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:

Full-time workers: 61% compared to 78% for all occupations

Part-time workers: 39% compared to 22% for all occupations

15% of elementary and secondary school teacher assistants work all year, while 85% work only part of the year, compared to 61% and 39% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 37 weeks compared to 42 weeks for all occupations.

Less than 5% of elementary and secondary school teacher assistants are self-employed compared to an average of 17% for all occupations.

The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:

Men: 9% compared to 52% for all occupations

Women: 91% compared to 48% for all occupations

The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:

no high school diploma: less than 5% compared to 8% for all occupations

high school diploma or equivalent: 15% compared to 28% for all occupations

apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 18% compared to 13% for all occupations

college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 40% compared to 17% for all occupations

bachelor's degree: 18% compared to 22% for all occupations

university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: 7% compared to 12% for all occupations

The employment outlook will be Moderate for elementary and secondary school teacher assistants (NOC 43100) in Nunavut for the 2025-2027 period.

The following factors contributed to this outlook:

Employment growth will lead to several new positions.

Not many positions will become available due to retirements.

There are several unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

Nunavut has four regional school operations offices: Qikiqtani, Kivalliq, Kitikmeot, and the Commission scolaire francophone du Nunavut.

Each regional school operations office hires its own education employees.

A housing shortage, particularly in rural communities, is affecting the Territory’s ability to recruit and retain qualified educational staff.

Here are some key facts about elementary and secondary school teacher assistants in Nunavut:

Approximately 200 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.

Elementary and secondary school teacher assistants mainly work in the following sectors:

Educational services (NAICS 61): more than 95%

The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:

Full-time workers: 92% compared to 87% for all occupations

Part-time workers: 8% compared to 13% for all occupations

61% of elementary and secondary school teacher assistants work all year, while 39% work only part of the year, compared to 72% and 28% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 43 weeks compared to 44 weeks for all occupations.

The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:

Men: 15% compared to 51% for all occupations

Women: 85% compared to 49% for all occupations

The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:

no high school diploma: 34% compared to 37% for all occupations

high school diploma or equivalent: 32% compared to 22% for all occupations

apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 9% compared to 11% for all occupations

college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 17% compared to 15% for all occupations

bachelor's degree: less than 5% compared to 10% for all occupations

university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: less than 5% compared to 6% for all occupations

The employment outlook will be Limited for elementary and secondary school teacher assistants (NOC 43100) in Northwest Territories for the 2025-2027 period.

The following factors contributed to this outlook:

Employment decline will lead to the loss of some positions.

Several positions will become available due to retirements.

There are a moderate number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

Most employees within these occupations work at one of the Northwest Territories' 49 schools within its ten education bodies, including the Commission scolaire francophone des Territoires du Nord-Ouest and Yellowknife Catholic Schools.

The federal government's Jordan’s Principle funding cuts led to teacher assistant layoffs in the Northwest Territories in 2025, reducing employment prospects for this occupation.

The Government of Northwest Territories' $14M Support Assistants Initiative, announced in August 2025, offers partial relief, allowing some schools to rehire teacher assistants for the 2025-2026 school year. However, without long-term federal funding, prospects will remain diminished (

CBC News, May 29, 2025

and

Government of Northwest Territories, August 28, 2025

).

Here are some key facts about elementary and secondary school teacher assistants in Northwest Territories:

Approximately 350 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.

Elementary and secondary school teacher assistants mainly work in the following sectors:

Educational services (NAICS 61): more than 95%

The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:

Full-time workers: 89% compared to 88% for all occupations

Part-time workers: 11% compared to 12% for all occupations

61% of elementary and secondary school teacher assistants work all year, while 39% work only part of the year, compared to 71% and 28% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 43 weeks compared to 44 weeks for all occupations.

The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:

Men: 19% compared to 52% for all occupations

Women: 81% compared to 48% for all occupations

The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:

no high school diploma: 11% compared to 17% for all occupations

high school diploma or equivalent: 37% compared to 26% for all occupations

apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 15% compared to 12% for all occupations

college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 23% compared to 18% for all occupations

bachelor's degree: 13% compared to 17% for all occupations

university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: less than 5% compared to 9% for all occupations