What Does a School Administrator Do? Education & Salary
Updated on:
February 6, 2026
Discover what a school administrator does, how to become one, and salary expectations. Learn about degrees, licensure, and career paths in education leadership.
If you’ve ever wondered what a school administrator is, the answer goes beyond one single job title. School administrators are the leaders who keep schools running smoothly. They manage daily operations, support teachers and staff, and make decisions that shape student learning. Whether at the elementary, middle, high school, or college level, administrators create the structures that help teachers teach and students succeed.
Their responsibilities vary depending on the setting. An elementary school principal may spend the day with parents and young students, while a district administrator may focus on policy and budgets across multiple schools.
No matter the level, administrators share one mission: creating safe, effective, and supportive learning environments. This article will break down what school administrators do, how much they earn, and the steps you can take if you’re wondering how to become a school administrator.
What Is a School Administrator?
A school administrator is an education leader responsible for management, leadership, and coordination in schools or districts. They ensure that schools meet academic standards while also supporting the people who make learning possible: teachers, staff, parents, and students.
The title “school administrator” covers many positions. Principals and assistant principals are the most visible at the school level, while district administrators, superintendents, and curriculum directors guide policies for multiple schools.
Higher education also employs administrators in roles such as department chairs, deans, and provosts. Across all these jobs, the administrator’s role combines management with a strong focus on educational outcomes.
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What Does a School Administrator Do?
School administrators wear many hats. Their daily responsibilities can range from handling student discipline to balancing multimillion-dollar budgets. Some of their most important tasks include:
- Overseeing school operations: Administrators manage budgets, hire and supervise staff, schedule classes, and ensure compliance with state and federal laws.
- Supporting teachers and staff: They provide professional development, evaluate performance, and foster a workplace culture that keeps morale strong.
- Working with students and parents: Administrators address student concerns, handle safety protocols, and meet with parents to resolve issues or celebrate successes.
- Setting and enforcing policies: They implement academic standards, enforce discipline rules, and lead school improvement plans.
- Representing the school in the community: Administrators serve as the public face of the school, building partnerships with local businesses, community leaders, and organizations.
How Much Does a School Administrator Make?
Salaries for school administrators vary by role, location, and level of responsibility. According to national data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, principals earn a median salary of $104,070 per year, though administrators in large districts or urban areas can earn more. Assistant principals typically earn slightly less, while superintendents and higher education administrators may earn six-figure salaries.
Pay also depends on education and experience. A principal with 10 years of teaching and a master’s degree in educational leadership may earn more than someone just starting in administration. Larger schools and wealthier districts often pay higher salaries as well.
How To Become a School Administrator
If you’re interested in school leadership, you’ll need a combination of education, teaching experience, and licensure. Here’s a step-by-step look at how to become a school administrator.
Step 1: Earn a Bachelor’s Degree
Most administrators start with a bachelor’s degree in education or a related subject. This qualifies you to become a licensed teacher in your state.
Coursework usually includes child development, teaching methods, and classroom management. Some future administrators also major in fields like English or math before completing teacher preparation programs.
Step 2: Gain Teaching Experience
Almost all administrators begin their careers as teachers. Classroom experience gives you a firsthand understanding of what students and teachers need. It also gives you opportunities to take on leadership roles, such as mentoring new teachers, leading committees, or coordinating school programs.
Step 3: Complete a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership
To advance into administration, you’ll likely need a master’s degree in educational leadership, administration, or curriculum design. These programs focus on leadership skills, policy, and school management.
You’ll learn how to evaluate teachers, design effective curricula, and manage budgets. Many programs are designed for working teachers and offer online or evening classes.
Step 4: Obtain State Licensure or Certification
Most states require administrators to be licensed. This usually involves passing exams that test your knowledge of education law, finance, and leadership. Some states also require ongoing professional development to maintain certification.
Step 5: Apply for Administrative Roles
Once you’ve earned your master’s degree and state licensure, you can apply for administrative positions. Many start as assistant principals before advancing to principal roles. Others move into district-level positions like curriculum coordinator or superintendent. With experience and additional training, you can take on roles in higher education administration as well.
FAQs About School Administrators
Students and professionals considering education leadership often have questions about the workload, career path, and what makes administration different from teaching. Here are answers to some of the most common questions.
Is a School Administrator the Same as a Principal?
A principal is one type of school administrator, but the term also includes assistant principals, district administrators, superintendents, and higher education leaders. Essentially, all principals are administrators, but not all administrators are principals.
Do School Administrators Work Year-Round?
Yes, most administrators work year-round. Unlike teachers, who usually have summers off, administrators use that time to plan for the upcoming year, manage budgets, hire staff, and schedule professional development. Their work continues even when students are not in the classroom.
What Skills Do School Administrators Need?
Strong leadership and communication skills are essential. Administrators make daily decisions that affect students, teachers, and parents.
They also need problem-solving skills for issues like discipline or budget shortfalls. For example, an administrator might need to mediate a conflict between parents and teachers while still following district policy.
Can Teachers Become School Administrators?
Yes, and in fact, most administrators start as teachers. After earning a bachelor’s degree and gaining classroom experience, many pursue a master’s in educational leadership. This combination of teaching and advanced training prepares them to lead schools effectively.
Is School Administration a Good Career?
For those passionate about education and leadership, school administration can be a rewarding path. You’ll have the opportunity to shape school culture, improve student outcomes, and support teachers. However, it comes with significant responsibility and pressure, from managing budgets to meeting state standards.
Explore Education Administration Programs
If you’re ready to move from the classroom into leadership, consider accredited master’s programs in educational leadership or administration. You can explore options on Learn.org to find flexible programs that prepare you for licensure and success as a school administrator.
