How to Become a Paraprofessional?
Are you thinking of becoming a Paraprofessional or already started your career and planning the next step? Learn how to become a Paraprofessional, what skills you need to succeed, how to advance your career and get promoted, and what levels of pay to expect at each step on your career path. Explore new Paraprofessional job openings and options for career transitions into related roles.
Steps to Become a Paraprofessional
If you're considering starting your Paraprofessional career path, it's important to note the skills, qualifications, and time it takes to become a professional Paraprofessional and how to advance your career path. Below are the steps generally required to begin and advance your Paraprofessional career.Contents
1
Earn a Degree
To begin your Paraprofessional career path, a GED / High School Degree in computer science or a related field is usually necessary in order to remain a competitive option for employers. Focus on industry-specific skill development during your education in order to be properly equipped when applying for entry-level positions and entering the job force. A Paraprofessional internship may be required to earn your GED / High School Degree and acquire necessary on-the-job skills before entering the workforce.What type of degree should you pursue to become a Paraprofessional?
47% of people working as a Paraprofessional earned a GED / High School Degree
What skills do you need to be a Paraprofessional?
- Positive Learning
- Writing
- First Aid
- Spanish Speaking
- CPR
- Microsoft Word
- Excellent Communication
- WORKING Relationships
2
Choose a Specialty in Your Field
As an Paraprofessional, you may be required to choose a specialty within your field. Determine which part of the Paraprofessional field you feel strongest in, and continue taking active steps toward growing in your chosen Paraprofessional specialty.3
Get an Entry-Level Position as a Paraprofessional
Once you've acquired a GED / High School Degree in computer science or a related field, you'll typically begin your career as an entry-level Paraprofessional. In general, you can become a Paraprofessional after completing your 12 year GED / High School Degree in a related discipline. Depending on the type of Paraprofessional role you’re pursuing, you may want to explore certification in certified support servicesinstr.4
Advance in Your Paraprofessional Career
Following entry-level, there are several Paraprofessional career path levels to advance into. It can take 2 years as an entry-level Paraprofessional to progress to the next seniority level position. Each advanced Paraprofessional position requires approximately 8 years of experience at each level to advance in your Paraprofessional career path. It may be necessary to receive additional education, an advanced degree such as a Master's Degree in a related field, or special certifications in order to advance your Paraprofessional career path.5
Continued Education for Your Paraprofessional Career Path
Not all industries and companies require continued education to advance your Paraprofessional career path. However, earning this degree may help you advance to higher-earning positions more quickly. Earning a Bachelor's Degree in computer science can take 4 years to complete. People that have earned their Bachelor's Degree typically make $46,491 compared to $21,490 for those without that type of degree.Paraprofessional Career Path
Paraprofessional
8+Years of Experience
$33K - $48K /yrMost Likely Range
Director of Paraeducation
No Years of Experience Reports
$78K - $132K /yrMost Likely Range
Total Pay Trajectory
Paraprofessional Career Path
Paraprofessional
Director of Paraeducation
$20K
$46K
$72K
$98K
$150K
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Related Careers in the Education Industry
Interested in other Education careers? Below are occupations that have high affinity with Paraprofessional skills. Discover some of the most common Paraprofessional career transitions, along with skills overlap.