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California (CA)
How to become a paraprofessional in California
California leaves paraprofessional skills testing to individual districts — many districts use their own instructional aide exam.
Average annual pay
$35,200
$18.90 / hr
vs. National
+2.7%
above average
Exam path
District
See below
Requirements
California recognizes the following routes to qualify as a paraprofessional under federal Title I-A requirements and state guidance.
- District-administered skills test
- Associate degree
- 48 college credits
Pay in California
Paraprofessionals in California earn an average of $35,200 per year, or about $18.90 per hour. Special Education paraprofessionals typically earn 20–30% above this average, and districts in higher cost-of-living areas within the state pay more than rural districts.
See the full salary report for how California compares to the rest of the country.
Next steps
- 1. Confirm your route: exam, associate degree, or college credits.
- 2. Complete a background check through your target district.
- 3. Apply for open paraprofessional roles in California.
- 4. Join the Registry so districts can find you.