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District of Columbia (DC)
How to become a paraprofessional in District of Columbia
DC Public Schools set their own paraprofessional standards; average pay is among the highest nationally.
Average annual pay
$37,200
$19.90 / hr
vs. National
+8.6%
above average
Exam path
District
See below
Requirements
District of Columbia recognizes the following routes to qualify as a paraprofessional under federal Title I-A requirements and state guidance.
- Associate degree
- DCPS-set requirements
Pay in District of Columbia
Paraprofessionals in District of Columbia earn an average of $37,200 per year, or about $19.90 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 District of Columbia 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 District of Columbia.
- 4. Join the Registry so districts can find you.