What Education Administrators, Kindergarten through Secondary do
The U.S. Department of Labor's O*NET database describes the work of Education Administrators, Kindergarten through Secondary this way: "Plan, direct, or coordinate the academic, administrative, or auxiliary activities of kindergarten, elementary, or secondary schools."
The core tasks O*NET records for this occupation include: "Review and approve new programs, or recommend modifications to existing programs, submitting program proposals for school board approval as necessary"; "Prepare, maintain, or oversee the preparation and maintenance of attendance, activity, planning, or personnel reports and records"; "Confer with parents and staff to discuss educational activities, policies, and student behavior or learning problems"; "Prepare and submit budget requests and recommendations, or grant proposals to solicit program funding"; "Counsel and provide guidance to students regarding personal, academic, vocational, or behavioral issues".
Education, experience and training
According to the BLS Employment Projections, the typical education needed to enter this occupation is master's degree. Work experience in a related occupation is typically 5 years or more.
Job outlook for Education Administrators, Kindergarten through Secondary
The Bureau of Labor Statistics counted 343,800 jobs in this occupation in 2025 and projects 342,700 in 2035, a decrease of 1,100 jobs (-0.3%). That is slower than the 3.5% projected for all occupations.
About 20,600 openings a year are projected on average, counting both new positions and positions vacated by workers who retire or switch occupations. Relative to today's employment that is 6.0% a year, against 10.3% for all occupations. BLS lists a national median annual wage of $105,870, compared with $50,980 for all occupations.
Where Education Administrators, Kindergarten through Secondary earn the most
Across the 6 states with published data, the employment-weighted average of local median wages for this occupation ranges from $92,346 in Texas to $158,974 in California, a gap of $66,629 (1.72 times). 5 of those 6 states average above the BLS national median of $105,870 and 1 average at or below it.
Texas employs the most people in this occupation among the states covered, 37,090, which is 22.4% of the 165,550 counted across them. California follows with 31,150.
Highest-paying states
California ($158,974), New York ($152,268) and New Jersey ($152,186) lead the ranking, while Texas ($92,346) and Indiana ($116,158) are at the bottom. The table below lists every state with a link to its county-level detail.
Education Administrators, Kindergarten through Secondary: pay against the cost of living
We compare 7 labor markets, each represented by its most populous county. After federal, Social Security, Medicare and state taxes and the four basics (a one-bedroom rental, food, home energy and gasoline), the largest yearly margin is in Bergen County, NJ (New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ) at $82,955. The smallest margin is $54,422 in Dallas County, TX.
The median wage for this occupation covers all four basics in 7 of the 7 markets. A one-bedroom apartment takes between 14.8% and 28.8% of take-home pay, depending on the market.
Occupations related to Education Administrators, Kindergarten through Secondary
Other occupations in the same SOC minor group (11-9000) include Natural Sciences Managers, Architectural and Engineering Managers, Medical and Health Services Managers and Construction Managers.
Frequently asked questions about Education Administrators, Kindergarten through Secondary
How much do Education Administrators, Kindergarten through Secondary earn in the United States?
BLS lists a national median annual wage of $105,870. Across the states covered here the average local median ranges from $92,346 to $158,974.
Which state pays Education Administrators, Kindergarten through Secondary the most?
California, with an employment-weighted average local median wage of $158,974. New York is next at $152,268.
Is Education Administrators, Kindergarten through Secondary a growing occupation?
BLS projects employment to shrink by 0.3% between 2025 and 2035, compared with 3.5% for all occupations, with about 20,600 openings a year.
What education do Education Administrators, Kindergarten through Secondary need?
The typical entry-level education is master's degree, with work experience in a related occupation of 5 years or more, according to BLS.
Where can Education Administrators, Kindergarten through Secondary afford to live best?
Among the markets covered, Bergen County, NJ leaves the largest yearly margin after taxes, rent, food, energy and gasoline: $82,955 on a median wage of $163,210.