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Assistant principal vs elementary school principal

The differences between assistant principals and elementary school principals can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 2-4 years to become both an assistant principal and an elementary school principal. Additionally, an elementary school principal has an average salary of $92,372, which is higher than the $73,607 average annual salary of an assistant principal.

The top three skills for an assistant principal include classroom management, curriculum development and professional development. The most important skills for an elementary school principal are professional development, student achievement, and school administration.

Assistant principal vs elementary school principal overview

Assistant PrincipalElementary School Principal
Yearly salary$73,607$92,372
Hourly rate$35.39$44.41
Growth rate5%5%
Number of jobs42,18661,347
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 46%Bachelor's Degree, 48%
Average age4747
Years of experience44

What does an assistant principal do?

An assistant principal is responsible for carrying out administrative support tasks in a school or similar establishment. Most of the duties involve producing reports and evaluations, attending meetings, overseeing daily school operations, monitoring classes and faculty performances, implementing school policies and regulations, and coordinating with the principal, school board, and other members of the institution. Furthermore, an assistant principal participates in devising plans and strategies to improve the school curriculum and organize various activities that will help students develop their skills and potential.

What does an elementary school principal do?

An Elementary School Principal is responsible for managing public and private schools from kindergarten to middle school. They implement elementary curriculums, set performance goals, prepare budget reports, and perform other duties, as necessary.

Assistant principal vs elementary school principal salary

Assistant principals and elementary school principals have different pay scales, as shown below.

Assistant PrincipalElementary School Principal
Average salary$73,607$92,372
Salary rangeBetween $57,000 And $94,000Between $65,000 And $129,000
Highest paying CityRedwood City, CARidgefield, CT
Highest paying stateOregonConnecticut
Best paying companyPace UniversityRobbinsdale Area Schools
Best paying industryGovernmentEducation

Differences between assistant principal and elementary school principal education

There are a few differences between an assistant principal and an elementary school principal in terms of educational background:

Assistant PrincipalElementary School Principal
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 46%Bachelor's Degree, 48%
Most common majorEducational LeadershipEducational Leadership
Most common collegeUniversity of PennsylvaniaUniversity of Pennsylvania

Assistant principal vs elementary school principal demographics

Here are the differences between assistant principals' and elementary school principals' demographics:

Assistant PrincipalElementary School Principal
Average age4747
Gender ratioMale, 47.4% Female, 52.6%Male, 42.8% Female, 57.2%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 13.2% Unknown, 4.0% Hispanic or Latino, 13.2% Asian, 4.2% White, 64.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7%Black or African American, 10.6% Unknown, 4.0% Hispanic or Latino, 14.1% Asian, 4.3% White, 66.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7%
LGBT Percentage16%16%

Differences between assistant principal and elementary school principal duties and responsibilities

Assistant principal example responsibilities.

  • Lead the NCA steering committee to assist with the school improvement process.
  • Create and manage projects that are research base to improve student success in the areas of mathematics for ESL students.
  • Manage special education department budget, student programming and IEP accommodations.
  • Conduct CSE and annual review meetings.
  • Plan, control, and direct the overall activities for students in grade Pre-K - 8th grade.
  • Coordinate RtI interventions and implementation at secondary level.
  • Show more

Elementary school principal example responsibilities.

  • Create a PBIS system for teachers on how to manage behavior on a daily basis and reward positive outcomes.
  • Assist teachers in the Pre-K and pre-school programs.
  • Establish and maintain relationships with colleges, community organizations, and other schools to coordinate educational services.
  • Help re-design the 6th grade program to promote smoother transition to jr. high.
  • Result in international interest in available ESL programs.

Assistant principal vs elementary school principal skills

Common assistant principal skills
  • Classroom Management, 8%
  • Curriculum Development, 8%
  • Professional Development, 7%
  • Instructional Program, 5%
  • Math, 4%
  • Student Achievement, 4%
Common elementary school principal skills
  • Professional Development, 9%
  • Student Achievement, 7%
  • School Administration, 6%
  • Elementary Schools, 5%
  • Staff Development, 5%
  • Professional Growth, 5%

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