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In May 2006, elementary and secondary school administrators had median annual earnings of $77,740; postsecondary school administrators had median annual earnings of $73,990, while administrators in preschool and childcare centers earned a median of $37,740 per year. Salaries of education administrators depend on several factors, including the location and enrollment level in the school or school district.
According to a survey of public schools, conducted by the Educational Research Service, average salaries for principals and assistant principals in the 2006-07 school year were as follows:
| Principals: | |
| Senior high school | $92,965 |
| Jr. high/middle school | 87,866 |
| Elementary school | 82,414 |
| Assistant principals: | |
| Senior high school | $75,121 |
| Jr. high/middle school | 73,020 |
| Elementary school | 67,735 |
According to the College and University Professional Association for Human Resources, median annual salaries for selected administrators in higher education in 2006-07 were as follows:
| Chief academic officer | $140,595 |
| Academic deans: | |
| Business | $135,080 |
| Arts and sciences | 121,942 |
| Graduate programs | 120,120 |
| Education | 117,450 |
| Nursing | 112,497 |
| Health-related professions | 110,346 |
| Continuing education | 99,595 |
| Occupational studies/vocational education | 83,108 |
| Other administrators: | |
| Chief development officer | $125,000 |
| Dean of students | 80,012 |
| Director, student financial aid | 68,000 |
| Registrar | 66,008 |
| Director, student activities | 50,000 |
Benefits for education administrators are generally very good. Many get 4 or 5 weeks of vacation every year and have generous health and pension packages. Many colleges and universities offer free tuition to employees and their families.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2008-09 Edition, Education Administrators, on the Internet at http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos007.htm (visited March 14, 2009). Used by permission.