Education Administrators, Kindergarten through Secondary
Elementary, middle, and high school principals oversee all school operations, including daily school activities.
Is education administrators, kindergarten through secondary a good career?
It scores 23/100 and ranks #257 of 825 occupations on pay, growth, employment and openings. Here's what the federal data says, with no editorializing.
Advantages
- Pays well above the U.S. median wage ($105,870 vs $61,390)
- High volume of openings — about 20,800 a year
Possible tradeoffs
- Employment is projected to decline (-1.5% through 2034)
- Typically requires a master's degree
- Often needs prior experience (5 years or more)
What education administrators, kindergarten through secondary earn
Wages: BLS OEWS May 2025Pay is a range, not a number. Half of U.S. education administrators, kindergarten through secondary earn between $86,040 and $134,630 a year.
Best-paying states
Best-paying metros
Strongest employment concentration
Live education administrators, kindergarten through secondary jobs
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- Typical education
- Master's degree
- Work experience
- 5 years or more
- On-the-job training
- None
- Outlook
- Employment is projected to grow decline through 2034.
Education
Principals typically need a master’s degree in education leadership or education administration. These master’s degree programs teach prospective principals how to manage staff, create budgets, set goals, and work with parents and the community. To enter a master's degree program, candidates typically need a bachelor's degree in education, counseling, or a related field.
Licenses, certifications & registrations
Most states require public school principals to be licensed as school administrators. Licensure requirements vary by state, but most require a master’s degree. Some states have alternative programs for candidates who do not have a master’s degree in education administration or leadership. Most states also require candidates to pass an exam and a background check.
Principals in private schools are not required to have a state-issued license.
Advancement
An assistant principal can advance to become a principal. Some principals advance to become superintendents or other types of education administrators, which may require additional education. Others become instructional coordinators.
Important qualities
Communication skills. Principals must communicate effectively with students, teachers, and parents. For example, when dealing with academic issues, they must listen to students and teachers in order to restate their understanding of the problem.
Critical-thinking skills. Principals analyze student test results and testing procedures to determine if improvements are needed. They must assess available options to help students achieve the best results.
Decision-making skills. Because principals are responsible for students, staff, and the overall operation of the school, they consider many factors when making decisions.
Interpersonal skills. Principals work with teachers, parents, and superintendents and must develop positive working relationships with them.
Leadership skills. Principals set educational goals and establish policies and procedures for the school. They need to be able to motivate staff to achieve these goals.
Problem-solving skills. Teachers, students, and other staff report problems to the principal. Principals need to be able to analyze problems and find appropriate solutions.
Related occupations
How much do education administrators, kindergarten through secondary make?
The national median wage is $105,870 a year, with the middle half earning between $86,040 and $134,630 (BLS OEWS May 2025).
Is education administrators, kindergarten through secondary a good career?
On the Jobs.best index it scores 23 of 100 and ranks #257 of 825 occupations, weighing pay, growth, employment and openings. Employment is projected to change -1.5% through 2034.
What education do you need to become a education administrators, kindergarten through secondary?
The typical entry-level education is master's degree, usually with 5 years or more.
Where do education administrators, kindergarten through secondary earn the most?
Among states, Washington pays the highest median ($166,590). Local pay for every state and metro is below.