Many people ask, how much does a Level 2 teaching assistant get paid? It’s a common question for anyone starting this role. Level 2 teaching assistants earn between SCP2 and SCP6 on the NJC pay scale.
Outside London, the pay is around £12.65 to £13.47 an hour. In London, it’s higher because living costs are higher. Most TAs work term-time only, so their yearly pay is pro-rata. For example, West Sussex County Council uses this pay scale to keep things fair. The pay may not be huge, but helping children learn and grow makes this job feel special.
In this article, we talk about how much Level 2 teaching assistants earn. You’ll find out the usual pay rates and how the NJC pay scale works. We’ll also explain why pay can change between schools and areas. Then, we’ll look at how term-time jobs affect yearly pay and what could change. By the end, you’ll know what to expect if you want to work as a Level 2 TA.
What Does a Level 2 Teaching Assistant Do?
A Level 2 teaching assistant plays an important part in the classroom. They support the teacher and help pupils learn with confidence. They work closely with the class teacher or the SENDCo to make sure lessons go smoothly.
During lessons, they move around the room, giving extra help to children who find the work hard. Sometimes they work with small groups, and other times they support one pupil who needs extra care. They also help prepare books, worksheets, and other classroom materials before lessons start.
Level 2 teaching assistants help children follow classroom rules and keep the space calm and tidy. They might listen to pupils read, help with writing tasks, or guide them during group work.
Their main goal is to make learning easier and more enjoyable for everyone. It’s a job that takes patience, kindness, and energy — but seeing children improve and smile every day makes it truly special.
How Much Does a Level 2 Teaching Assistant Get Paid per Hour?
If you want to work as a Level 2 teaching assistant, you might wonder how much you can earn. In most schools outside London, pay usually starts from £12.65 an hour (SCP2) and can rise to around £13.47 an hour (SCP6).
Here’s a simple breakdown:
- SCP2: about £12.65 per hour
- SCP3: about £12.88 per hour
- SCP4: about £13.11 per hour
- SCP5: about £13.29 per hour
- SCP6: about £13.47 per hour
For example, West Sussex County Council follows this pay scale. The exact amount can change depending on the school and the job level shown in the advert.
Most teaching assistants work term-time only, so yearly pay depends on how many weeks you work. Even so, many TAs say the job feels rewarding because every day brings a chance to help children learn and grow.
What’s the Average Yearly Salary for Level 2 TAs?
If you’re thinking about becoming a Level 2 teaching assistant, you might want to know how much you can earn in a year. On average, a full-time Level 2 TA earns between £24,400 and £26,000 a year.
Here’s a quick look:
- Starting point (SCP2–SCP3): around £24,400 a year (FTE)
- Higher point (SCP6): up to about £26,000 a year (FTE)
- National range: usually between £19,000 and £26,000
Most teaching assistants work term-time only, so their pay is pro-rata. This means you earn for the weeks you work, not the full year.
For example, West Sussex County Council follows this same pay scale. Even though the pay might seem modest, many TAs say the job is worth it because helping children learn and grow feels rewarding every single day.
Does Pay Change by Location or School Type?
Yes, pay can change depending on where you work and what type of school you work in. Some areas pay more to match local living costs, while others follow standard rates.
Here’s what you should know:
- London weighting: Schools in London pay extra because living costs are higher.
- Inner London rates: The hourly rate can start from about £15.60 or more at the lower points.
- Outer London rates: Pay is slightly lower than in inner London but still higher than in other regions.
- Local council pay scales: Councils like Ealing Council and others use their own pay tables.
- Outside London: Most areas follow the standard NJC scale, around £12.65 to £13.47 per hour.
So yes, your pay as a Level 2 TA depends not just on your role, but also on where you work. That’s why it’s always smart to check your local council’s pay guide before applying.
Can Level 2 TAs Earn More with Experience?
Yes, they can! The good news is that Level 2 teaching assistants often earn more as they gain experience. Most councils, like West Sussex County Council, use the NJC pay scale, which has a series of pay points called a “spine.”
Here’s how it usually works:
- When you start, you begin on the lower point of your grade (for example, SCP2).
- Each year, you can move up one point on the scale, as long as your work meets the school’s expectations.
- Over time, your hourly rate and yearly pay increase until you reach the top point of your grade.
This process is called an annual increment, and it rewards your skills and experience. However, each school or council may have its own policy, so it’s always good to check how it works where you apply. So, while you might start on a modest rate, you won’t stay there forever. With time, dedication, and experience, your pay will grow — and so will your confidence in the classroom.
Do SEN or Extra Duties Increase Pay?
Yes, they often do. When you take on extra duties or work as a Special Educational Needs (SEN) teaching assistant, your pay can increase. Schools understand these roles need more care, patience, and skill, so they reward staff with a higher rate.
SEN teaching assistants help children with extra needs, such as autism or learning delays. The job can be more challenging, but it’s also very rewarding. Many schools offer an SEN allowance or put these roles on a higher grade than standard Level 2 jobs.
The National Education Union says SEN pay bands usually have a higher top rate than regular ones. This means you can earn a bit more if you take on extra responsibility.
The pay rise may be small, but the emotional reward is huge. Helping a child grow in confidence and happiness makes every effort worthwhile.
How to Move from Level 2 to Level 3 for Higher Pay
If you want to move from Level 2 to Level 3, it’s a smart step for your career. The jump not only builds your skills but also helps you earn more money.
To move up, you can complete the Level 3 Supporting Teaching and Learning (STL) course. This course gives you deeper knowledge and helps you handle more classroom duties with confidence. Another great option is the Level 3 Teaching Assistant apprenticeship. It lets you learn and work at the same time, which is perfect if you enjoy hands-on experience.
Once you finish the training, look for roles with extra duties. For example, you could support pupils with special educational needs (SEN) or take on a targeted support role. These jobs often sit on a higher pay grade because they need more skill and responsibility.
With every step, your confidence grows and so does your earning potential. So keep learning, stay patient, and aim high — your next pay rise could be closer than you think.
Final Thoughts: What to Expect from Level 2 TA Pay
Being a Level 2 teaching assistant is a rewarding job where you help children learn and grow every day. The pay may start small, but the joy of making a difference is priceless.
If you want to boost your skills and move up for better pay, the Level 2 Teaching Assistant Course from Unified Course is a great choice. It gives you the training and confidence to progress to Level 3 or take on specialist roles.
Start your journey today and take the next step towards a brighter career in education.
FAQs: Level 2 TA Pay (UK, 2025)
1. How is a TA’s salary worked out?
- Teaching assistants work term-time only, and hours can vary from part-time to full-time. Pay is usually shown as full-time equivalent (FTE), but your actual salary depends on how many hours you work.
2. How many hours a day does a TA work?
- Most full-time teaching assistants work 32 to 37 hours a week. They usually work from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Monday to Friday.
3. Do teaching assistants get a pay rise in April 2025?
- Good news for teaching assistants! From April 2025, their pay will rise by 3.2% across the national pay scale.
4. Does an Elsa get paid more than a TA?
- An ELSA may earn more than a regular TA. Their pay depends on experience, training, and the duties they handle.
5. How long does a TA level 2 take?
- The Level 2 Teaching Assistant course usually takes about 5 to 6 months to complete. It gives a strong start for the role.
