Education Administrators, Kindergarten through Secondary: Salary, Education, and Career Path (2026)
The U.S. has 319,630 education administrators, kindergarten through secondarys, and they earn a median of $104,070/year. The range runs from $72K to $166K. Washington pays the most.
What it takes
The BLS lists the typical education for this role as varies by employer.
Entry-level education administrators, kindergarten through secondarys start around $72K. The gap between that and the median ($104K) is where experience, certifications, and location make the difference.
Top earners clear $166K, but that's the 90th percentile. Getting there usually takes a decade or more of experience, the right credentials, and being in a high-paying market.
Salary progression
Highest paying states
| State | Median salary | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Washington | $161K | 6,310 |
| California | $152K | 33,400 |
| Connecticut | $146K | 4,450 |
| New York | $138K | 19,300 |
| New Jersey | $137K | 11,060 |
| District of Columbia | $134K | 1,880 |
| Delaware | $130K | 1,080 |
| Oregon | $129K | 4,090 |
| Maryland | $128K | 6,420 |
| Massachusetts | $128K | 10,360 |
Frequently asked questions
How much does a education administrators, kindergarten through secondary make?▼
The median education administrators, kindergarten through secondary salary in the United States is $104,070 per year ($0/hour). Entry-level positions start around $72,400, while experienced professionals earn up to $165,820.
What education do you need to become a education administrators, kindergarten through secondary?▼
The BLS lists the typical entry-level education as varies by employer. State licensing or certification requirements vary, so check your state's board for specifics.
What is the job outlook for education administrators, kindergarten through secondarys?▼
Check the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook for the latest employment projections for education administrators, kindergarten through secondarys.
What are the highest paying states for education administrators, kindergarten through secondarys?▼
The highest paying states for education administrators, kindergarten through secondarys are Washington ($161,090), California ($151,890), Connecticut ($146,460), New York ($137,870), New Jersey ($137,260). Salaries vary significantly by location due to cost of living and local demand.