Education Administrators K–12 Salary Guide 2025: Median $105,870
The median Education Administrator for kindergarten through secondary school earns $105,870 per year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. That works out to roughly $51 per hour. The middle 80% of these professionals earn between $76,280 and $167,770, meaning top performers can pull in well over $160,000. The BLS counts 328,330 people in this occupation nationwide.
How much Education Administrators, Kindergarten through Secondary earn
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports the national median salary at $105,870, with a mean of $116,100. The typical salary range runs from $76,280 (10th percentile) to $167,770 (90th percentile).
Highest-paying industries include elementary and secondary schools (public) where the median often exceeds $100,000. Private schools and local government also employ large numbers of these administrators.
- Median: $105,870
- Mean: $116,100
- 10th percentile: $76,280
- 90th percentile: $167,770
- Total employment: 328,330
Pay by state
Where you work dramatically affects your paycheck. The highest-paying state is Washington, with an average salary of $166,590. California follows at $159,950, then Connecticut ($156,240), New York ($138,830), and the District of Columbia ($137,470).
At the other end, North Carolina averages $83,180, Mississippi $82,800, and West Virginia $80,650. That's a gap of nearly $86,000 between the top and bottom states.
- Top 5: Washington ($166,590), California ($159,950), Connecticut ($156,240), New York ($138,830), District of Columbia ($137,470)
- Bottom 3: North Carolina ($83,180), Mississippi ($82,800), West Virginia ($80,650)
How to become Education Administrators, Kindergarten through Secondary
Most school administrators start as teachers. You'll need at least a bachelor's degree, though a master's in education administration or a related field is standard. Many states require a teaching license and several years of classroom experience before you can earn an administrator credential.
Typical steps include earning a master's degree, completing a school administration program, passing state exams, and obtaining a principal or administrator license. Some move into assistant principal roles before becoming a principal. Superintendents usually hold a doctorate.
- Earn a bachelor's degree (usually in education or a subject area)
- Get teaching experience (typically 3–5 years)
- Complete a master's program in educational leadership or administration
- Obtain state licensure / certification as a school administrator
- Start in assistant principal or dean roles, then advance
Job outlook
The BLS projects a 1.5% decline in employment for education administrators K–12 from 2024 to 2034. That translates to about 20,800 openings per year, most due to replacements from retirements and turnover. Despite the slight shrinkage, steady demand exists in growing districts and for those who can manage budgets and staff effectively.
- Projected growth 2024–2034: -1.5%
- Annual openings: ~20,800
- Decline mostly due to falling student enrollments in some regions
Frequently asked questions
What is the average salary for Education Administrators, Kindergarten through Secondary?
The national average (mean) is $116,100 per year. The median is $105,870.
How do I become a K–12 school administrator?
You'll typically need a master's degree in educational administration, state licensure, and several years of teaching experience. Start with a bachelor's and a teaching credential.
Is the job outlook good for Education Administrators K–12?
Not great overall: the BLS forecasts a 1.5% decline from 2024 to 2034. But about 20,800 openings per year will come from retirements and turnover, so competition varies by location.
Which states pay the most for this career?
Washington ($166,590), California ($159,950), and Connecticut ($156,240) top the list. The lowest-paying states include West Virginia ($80,650) and Mississippi ($82,800).
Salary figures are U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates (OEWS / Employment Projections). For informational purposes only; not career or financial advice. See the full Education Administrators, Kindergarten through Secondary data.