Head teachers and principals vs Teaching assistants Salary (2025)

How do Head teachers and principals and Teaching assistants salaries compare in the UK? Here is a detailed side-by-side breakdown.

Head teachers and principals earns £51,898 more per year (243% higher)

Head teachers and principals

£73,276
per year
vs

Teaching assistants

£21,378
per year

Detailed Comparison

MetricHead teachers and principalsTeaching assistantsDifference
Median Annual£73,276£21,378+£51,898
Mean Annual£75,604£20,486+£55,118
Monthly£6,106£1,782+£4,324
Weekly£1,409£411+£998
Hourly£35.23£10.28+£24.95

Salary Range Comparison

PercentileHead teachers and principalsTeaching assistants
10th (Entry)£47,933£9,434
25th£63,816£16,092
50th (Median)£73,276£21,378
75th£85,533£25,464
90th (Senior)£0£29,226
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Frequently Asked Questions

Who earns more, a Head teachers and principals or a Teaching assistants?
A Head teachers and principals earns more. The median salary for a Head teachers and principals is £73,276, whilst a Teaching assistants earns £21,378 — a difference of £51,898 per year.
What is the salary difference between a Head teachers and principals and a Teaching assistants?
The difference is £51,898 per year. Head teachers and principals is the higher-paid role.
Should I become a Head teachers and principals or a Teaching assistants?
From a salary perspective, Head teachers and principals offers higher median pay. However, career choice depends on many factors including interests, qualifications, work-life balance and long-term prospects.

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