Higher level teaching assistants Salary
Median salary £22,050 per year (2025). Based on ONS ASHE data.
Gross pay, before deductions. See take-home pay on £22,000 after tax and National Insurance →
For higher level teaching assistants, £25,434 is the typical (median) pay. That is well below the UK full-time median of £39,039 — -35% versus the national average. Experienced higher level teaching assistants (top 25%) earn over £26,215.
About this role
Higher level teaching assistants (HLTAs) provide advanced teaching support in schools, planning and delivering lessons, assessing pupil work and covering classes under the direction of qualified teachers.
Key responsibilities
- Planning and delivering lessons and learning activities
- Assessing and recording pupil progress
- Covering classes in the absence of the teacher
- Supporting pupils with special educational needs
- Contributing to curriculum planning and development
Qualifications and entry routes
Requires HLTA status, assessed against national standards. Typically builds on Level 3 Teaching Assistant qualifications with additional training. Many HLTAs hold degrees or foundation degrees in education.
Career outlook
Schools rely increasingly on HLTAs for cost-effective teaching support. The role can provide a pathway to qualified teacher status (QTS) for those wishing to progress.
Key skills
Common industries
- Primary schools
- Secondary schools
- Special schools
- Pupil referral units
- Multi-academy trusts
Data coverage
Salary Range (2025)
Estimated Career Progression
Based on salary percentile distribution for this occupation
Entry Level
£18,367
0-2 years
Mid Level
£18,367
3-7 years
Senior
£26,215
8-15 years
Potential career growth: ▲ +43% from entry to leadership
Salary Trend (2021-2025)
Gender Pay Comparison (2025)
Gender pay gap: 13.1%
Full-time vs All Employees (2025)
Full-time premium: +£3,384
Higher level teaching assistants salary: common questions
How much do higher level teaching assistants earn in the UK?
Is £25,434 a good salary in the UK?
What is the starting salary for higher level teaching assistants?
Have higher level teaching assistants salaries kept up with inflation?
Is there a gender pay gap for higher level teaching assistants?
Figures: ONS Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings, gross annual pay. UK full-time median £39,039 (2025).