 By Kate Halstead There's plenty of media attention focused on the perceived shortcomings of teaching salaries. Unfortunately, that same coverage fails to note the comparatively high earnings for those advancing into school leadership roles. If you're considering an education administration career, the salary and benefits can make it well worth your while. 
Education Administration Salaries Choosing an education administration career does not mean having to live frugally. In 2006, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics pegged the median annual earnings for elementary and secondary school administrators at a very comfortable $77,740. That median reflected a range of $67,735 paid to assistant elementary principals up to $92,965 as an average salary for high school principals across the US. Education administration salaries at the college and university level are very competitive with executive level compensation packages in the corporate world. Academic deans in most disciplines can expect to make in excess of $100,000, while those excelling in prominent school leadership roles such as presidents and many chief officers can see salaries pushing that figure much higher.
The Whole Package: Salary and Benefits School leadership positions are usually accompanied by generous benefit packages. Most include comprehensive health and pension plans as well as four to six weeks of vacation and performance-based bonuses. In addition, many universities and colleges offer tuition waivers for employees and their families. For anyone entering one of the many available education administration programs, the timing is excellent. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, large numbers of current education administrators are likely to retire within the next decade, leaving a favorable job environment for prospective leaders. They project that education administrators will have faster than average job growth through 2012. The projection goes on to note that because of the growing number of working adults entering postsecondary education, the private and for-profit segments of higher education will continue to grow, creating a significant demand for those pursuing an education administration career.
How to Jump Into School Leadership Most public school principals, assistant principals and school district administrator positions only require a master's degree. However, larger, more competitive institutions tend to look for candidates with doctoral degrees when they are recruiting for school leadership positions. Classroom teachers looking to advance their careers often move into administrative positions as academic deans, central office administrators and principals while others gain experience working as assistant principals or as a department head, curriculum specialist or subject matter advisor at the school or district level. For those in support staff positions like guidance counselors, admissions personnel and librarians, moving up to the high salary potential of an administrative position is possible with a degree from an education administration program. A Rewarding Career in School Leadership Educational institutions know that success requires competent administration. They need to fill their school leadership positions with capable individuals who possess a strong desire to succeed and the skills to get the job done. They also know that to attract and retain the best they must offer excellent education administration salaries and benefits. From elementary assistant principal to university chief academic officer, those able to provide the necessary leadership will find themselves rewarded well for their efforts. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics |
