Education Assistant (EA) Careers in B.C.: Benefits, Salary & Training 

Working as an Education Assistant (EA) in British Columbia offers a rewarding and in-demand career path, particularly for parents and gig workers seeking work-life balance and benefits.

EAs are currently in high demand across the province, allowing you to find meaningful and rewarding work in your community.

Being an Education Assistant in British Columbia means having summers off, along with winter and spring breaks. But the biggest benefit of all is the rewarding feeling of making a real difference in the lives of deserving students by contributing to inclusive learning in B.C.

EAs help students who need a little extra support thrive by promoting social skills and personal development, providing behaviour support, and being a positive and trusted adult for students.

What is an Education Assistant (EA) in B.C.? 

An Education Assistant, also often referred to as a Special Education Assistant (SEA) or Student Support Assistant, plays an essential role in B.C. classrooms. EAs support students with diverse learning needs to thrive in an inclusive environment.

Salary, Benefits and Work-Life Balance 

A career as an Education Assistant in B.C. is highly attractive due to the work schedule and comprehensive compensation package. 

Feature  Details  Benefit 
Hourly Pay Range  Varies by district; typically $28 to $36.50 per hour.  Consistent and competitive income. 
Typical Work Schedule  Workday usually ends by 3 p.m. (full-time, part-time, or on-call, up to 32 hours/week). Some EAs work additional after-school hours in childcare and support.  Ideal for parents and gig workers. 
Time Off  Includes summers off and scheduled winter and spring breaks. EAs can apply to receive EI during the summer months. Unmatched work-life balance; aligns with children's school breaks. 
Compensation  Provides benefits and a pension plan. Security and long-term financial stability. 

For the most current and complete list of schools and specific program names, visit the salary finder section on the British Columbia Public School Employers' Association website.

How to Become an Education Assistant in B.C. 

To become an Education Assistant, you must complete a certified EA program offered by post-secondary institutions. Many programs are designed for flexibility.

Training Options: 

  • Flexible Classes: Many certification programs offer part-time classes, allowing working individuals or parents to train at their convenience.
  • Delivery Methods: Programs are available as certified, in-person, online, or a blend of both.
  • Duration: Public programs generally take eight to 12 months, though some are shorter and longer, while some districts – particularly rural ones, allow for high school graduates with no post-secondary training to learn on the job. 

Regions Offering EA Training Programs in B.C. 

  • Metro Vancouver: Douglas College, Langara College, Capilano University, Stenberg College, Burnaby School District 41, Richmond School District No. 38
  • Fraser Valley: Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU), University of the Fraser Valley (UFV), Stenberg College
  • Vancouver Island/Sunshine Coast: Camosun College, North Island College, Vancouver Island University (VIU). 
  • Okanagan: Okanagan College, Sprott Shaw College
  • Northern B.C./Central B.C.: College of New Caledonia (CNC), Northern Lights College, Coast Mountain College
  • Online: Ashton College, Coastal College, Langara College

For the most current and complete list of schools and specific program names, visit the Education Assistant Careers page.

Next Steps 

  • View current wages: To find the most current hourly rates and salary grids, you can visit the official B.C. Salary Finder for each district.
  • Explore opportunities: Search for the latest job postings under the ECE, EA and Support Staff category to discover roles across every region of British Columbia.