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Substitute Paraprofessional Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Substitute Paraprofessional

Mcgehee, AR · On-site

$14.25 - $18.50/hr

Substitute Paraprofessional An ESS substitute paraprofessional assists the classroom teacher to provide extra support to students with special needs, promoting maximum academic and personal growth.

Substitute Paraprofessional

Toms River, NJ · On-site

$15.25 - $19.75/hr

Substitute Paraprofessional An ESS substitute paraprofessional assists the classroom teacher to provide extra support to students with special needs, promoting maximum academic and personal growth.

Substitute Paraprofessional

Lodi, NJ · On-site

$16.25 - $21.25/hr

Substitute Paraprofessional An ESS substitute paraprofessional assists the classroom teacher to provide extra support to students with special needs, promoting maximum academic and personal growth.

Substitute Paraprofessional

Rumson, NJ · On-site

$15.50 - $20/hr

Substitute Paraprofessional An ESS substitute paraprofessional assists the classroom teacher to provide extra support to students with special needs, promoting maximum academic and personal growth.

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How much do substitute paraprofessional jobs pay per hour?

As of May 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for substitute paraprofessional in the United States is $16.47, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.42 and $18.75 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Substitute Paraprofessional, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Substitute Paraprofessional, you need a high school diploma or equivalent, understanding of classroom routines, and the ability to support teachers and students effectively. Familiarity with educational software, basic office tools, and district-specific management systems is often required. Patience, adaptability, and strong communication skills help build rapport with students and support a positive learning environment. These skills ensure smooth classroom operations and help maintain student engagement and safety during staff absences.

How does a substitute paraprofessional typically collaborate with teachers and full-time staff during an assignment?

As a substitute paraprofessional, you will work closely with teachers and other classroom staff to support students’ daily activities and learning goals. Communication is key: teachers often provide guidance on lesson plans, classroom routines, and specific student needs. Flexibility and adaptability are important, as you may be asked to assist with different tasks, including one-on-one support or group supervision. Building rapport quickly and following established classroom procedures help ensure a smooth experience for both students and staff during your assignment.

What are substitute paraprofessionals?

Substitute paraprofessionals are educational support staff who temporarily fill in for regular paraprofessionals when they are absent. They assist teachers in classroom management, provide support to students with special needs, and help with instructional activities. Substitute paraprofessionals may work in various educational settings, including elementary, middle, and high schools. Their primary role is to ensure continuity of support and maintain a productive learning environment during a regular paraprofessional's absence.
More about Substitute Paraprofessional jobs
What cities are hiring for Substitute Paraprofessional jobs? Cities with the most Substitute Paraprofessional job openings:
What states have the most Substitute Paraprofessional jobs? States with the most job openings for Substitute Paraprofessional jobs include:
Infographic showing various Substitute Paraprofessional job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 89% Full Time, and 10% Part Time. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $34,266 per year, or $16.5 per hour.

Substitute Paraprofessional

Medford Lakes School District

Medford, NJ • On-site

$14.75 - $19/hr

Full-time

Posted 6 days ago


Job description

Substitute Paraprofessional
An ESS substitute paraprofessional assists the classroom teacher to provide extra support to students with special needs, promoting maximum academic and personal growth. The substitute paraprofessional job responsibilities range from supplementing regular classroom curriculum to helping individual students.
Substitute paraprofessionals are also known as school aides, teacher assistants, instructional aides, one-to-one aides, and personal care assistants.
Responsibilities
  • Provide instructional reinforcement for individual students or small groups of students
  • Assist teacher with classroom management and general supervision of the class
  • Assist with administrative duties such as setting up equipment and preparing materials
  • Supervise students in the cafeteria, schoolyard, specials, hallways, on field trips, and/or during before and after school programs
  • Attend to students' physical, personal, academic, and emotional needs
  • Support students with special needs by following provisions specified in their IEPs/504 Plans
  • Perform other duties as directed by the classroom teacher and school administration

For a complete job description of a substitute paraprofessional, click here .
Qualifications
  • Minimum of a high school diploma or GED
  • Valid NJ criminal history letter
  • Negative tuberculosis test required prior to start of employment

About ESS
As leaders in the education staffing space since 2000, ESS specializes in placing qualified staff in daily, long-term, and permanent K-12 school district positions including substitute teachers, paraprofessionals, and other school support staff. Over the last 23 years, we have innovated education staffing to provide dynamic solutions to school districts and professional opportunities to passionate educators. Our team serves over 5 million students with a pool of 92,000 substitute and permanent employees throughout 34 states. Internally, the ESS team is comprised of 650 individuals with a passion for education working together to ensure our 900 partner districts experience valuable education every day.
We provide our employees with the ability to work in school districts across the country in addition to benefits, comprehensive training, flexible work schedules, and professional development.
ESS Diversity Statement
ESS continuously works to create an environment where all its employees - regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexuality, age or abilities - can work to the fullest of their potential in a fair and welcoming space. Believing that a diverse company is more innovative and successful, we have embraced diversity to ensure that we are empowered to make sure that "Every day counts" for our employees, the students, and the schools we serve nationwide.
ESS is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE). Qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, or veteran status.