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Massachusetts (MA)
How to become a paraprofessional in Massachusetts
Massachusetts sets a relatively high ParaPro cut score of 464 under the DESE Title I-A guidelines.
Average annual pay
$34,200
$18.30 / hr
vs. National
-0.2%
below average
Exam path
ParaPro
Passing score 464
Requirements
Massachusetts recognizes the following routes to qualify as a paraprofessional under federal Title I-A requirements and state guidance.
- Associate degree
- 48 college credits
For paraprofessionals choosing the exam route, Massachusetts’s cut score on the ParaPro Assessment is 464.
Pay in Massachusetts
Paraprofessionals in Massachusetts earn an average of $34,200 per year, or about $18.30 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 Massachusetts 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 Massachusetts.
- 4. Join the Registry so districts can find you.