OLYMPIA, Wash. — Although the state’s paraprofessionals likely won't see a $7 an hour pay increase this year, those pushing for that increase are optimistic the educators will soon receive higher salaries.
Senate Bill 6082 failed to pass out of the Committee on Early Learning & K-12 Education ahead of last week’s cut-off date.
Bill sponsor T’wina Nobles said she remains hopeful paraeducators will get more pay following upcoming budget negotiations.
“It is overdue,” said Nobles, D-Tacoma, who added that the $7 an hour boost might have caused “sticker shock” for some legislators.
The move would have cost the state $150 million for the next year and closer to $200 million a year after that, according to committee staff.
Chris Reykdal, the state's Superintendent of Public Instruction, requested the bill.
“They are so important to supplemental learning, or they are the highest contact point for some of our kids,” said Reykdal.
According to OSPI staff, the average paraeducator makes $30,000 annually, with average salaries between $22 and $27 dollars an hour.
Reykdal said districts have become more reliant on paraeducators to help students with emotional or academic studies since the pandemic.
He said paraeducators are leaving schools to make more money in retail or restaurant jobs.
”Turnover’s a big part of this thing," Reykdal said. "The more we stabilize that workforce, the more attractive it is, the more talent we will get, and the better the outcome for learners.”
While SB 6082 appears dead for the legislative session, Reykdal and Nobles said paraeducators can still get raises in the upcoming supplemental budget negotiations.
In December, Gov. Jay Inslee proposed giving paraeducators $3 more per hour.
A spokesperson said the office is still pushing for that.