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Job outlook for assistant principals in the United States
Assistant principal job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected assistant principal job growth rate is 5% from 2018-2028.
About 14,200 new jobs for assistant principals are projected over the next decade.
Assistant principal salaries have increased 6% for assistant principals in the last 5 years.
There are over 34,913 assistant principals currently employed in the United States.
There are 42,186 active assistant principal job openings in the US.
The average assistant principal salary is $73,607.
Are assistant principal jobs in demand?
Assistant principal job and salary trends over time
Assistant principal jobs over time
Assistant principal job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 34,913 | 0.01% |
| 2020 | 33,358 | 0.01% |
| 2019 | 34,444 | 0.01% |
| 2018 | 33,440 | 0.01% |
| 2017 | 31,808 | 0.01% |
Average assistant principal salary over time
Assistant principal salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $73,607 | $35.39 | +2.2% |
| 2024 | $72,045 | $34.64 | +1.1% |
| 2023 | $71,230 | $34.25 | +1.0% |
| 2022 | $70,543 | $33.91 | +2.0% |
| 2021 | $69,138 | $33.24 | +2.3% |
Assistant principal jobs by state
Most common states for assistant principals
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 172 | 13% |
| 2 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 132 | 13% |
| 3 | Virginia | 8,470,020 | 1,030 | 12% |
| 4 | Oregon | 4,142,776 | 485 | 12% |
| 5 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 588 | 11% |
| 6 | Colorado | 5,607,154 | 517 | 9% |
| 7 | Illinois | 12,802,023 | 974 | 8% |
| 8 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 163 | 8% |
| 9 | Idaho | 1,716,943 | 143 | 8% |
| 10 | Pennsylvania | 12,805,537 | 959 | 7% |
| 11 | North Carolina | 10,273,419 | 687 | 7% |
| 12 | Arizona | 7,016,270 | 523 | 7% |
| 13 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 445 | 7% |
| 14 | Connecticut | 3,588,184 | 235 | 7% |
| 15 | New Mexico | 2,088,070 | 147 | 7% |
| 16 | Nevada | 2,998,039 | 179 | 6% |
| 17 | Kansas | 2,913,123 | 163 | 6% |
| 18 | Delaware | 961,939 | 54 | 6% |
| 19 | Wyoming | 579,315 | 35 | 6% |
| 20 | New York | 19,849,399 | 1,033 | 5% |
Most common cities for assistant principals
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cleburne | 1 | 3% | $66,715 |
| 2 | Bethesda | 1 | 2% | $76,670 |
| 3 | Spring | 1 | 2% | $67,738 |
| 4 | Wheaton | 1 | 2% | $73,033 |
| 5 | Houston | 4 | 0% | $67,890 |
| 6 | Austin | 1 | 0% | $67,865 |
| 7 | Dallas | 1 | 0% | $66,672 |
| 8 | Fort Worth | 1 | 0% | $66,647 |
| 9 | Miami | 1 | 0% | $69,581 |
| 10 | San Antonio | 1 | 0% | $68,787 |
| 11 | Washington | 1 | 0% | $73,909 |
Assistant Principal job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of assistant principal experts
Soka University of America
Marymount University
Northwestern State University of Louisiana
Ohio University
University of Kansas
Hiram College
Springfield College
What will help Assistant Principals increase their earning potential?
Ryan Allen: I think being willing to move to a new location, even sometimes across the world, can be one of the things that helps propel a career. In the educational leadership space, someone may end up at a place they like, but career advancement is limited because the person above them also likes that place. Depending on the location or institution, these can be desirable roles. One way to overcome these issues is to move to another institution, sometimes even in a lateral move with an eye moving up. There is no shame in getting more experience elsewhere and then moving back later. In fact, I think seeing a wider range of different schools, organization, or other educational institutions can be a great way to bring fresh ideas back with you if you do return. I understand moving (especially abroad) is not always an option for people, but it might even just be moving to a different school down the road. Grow through your options.
What general advice would you give to an Assistant Principal?
Dr. Matthew Ohlson Ph.D.: Principal: Learn, Learn, Learn! The beginning of your career is where the real skills training starts. Sign up for any training opportunities, volunteer for activities or committees and be engaged in professional development and not just a passive learner. Take every experience is a step towards your next role.
My Coaching with New Leaders: Coaching New Leaders: Daily Reflection and Growth
Parking Lot Rule: Each day, before leaving school, take a moment to reflect on one positive thing you accomplished. Whether it's supporting a teacher, connecting with a student, or sharing school successes with a community member, focusing on these daily achievements will help you recognize and feel the impact of your leadership.
Mentorship: Seek guidance and support from experienced mentors who can provide valuable advice and perspective. Mentorship is a valuable resource as you navigate the challenges and responsibilities of your role.
Celebrate Successes: Have a clear vision of what success looks like for you (at work, at home, etc.) Recognize and celebrate your achievements and milestones.
What Assistant Principal skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Matthew Ohlson Ph.D.: Become knowledgeable and most importantly, comfortable, sharing the data and impact you’ve had as a school leader. The use of data is so imperative to show progress towards long and short-term goals, for example: attendance gains, teacher retention rates, etc. School leaders can seek more compensation and larger responsibilities in more prominent roles when they are able to show how their leadership made a difference. Annual impact reports, data snapshots, student/teacher testimonials, etc. can illustrate how your leadership impacted teaching and learning.
What will help Assistant Principals increase their earning potential?
Dr. Matthew Ohlson Ph.D.: Principal: Collaboration, the reteaching of conversations skills and interaction, empathy, grit, ability to blend virtual and in-person strategies effectively.
My Coaching with New Leaders: New leaders must navigate the complexities of the role where one moment you are harnessing your logistics talents in terms of scheduling and the next moment you are motivating students for graduation, and then celebrating teachers to kick off the school year. Your positive energy is contagious and even though you feel overwhelmed or apprehensive, great school leaders consistently show a sense of confidence and an unwavering belief in their “why.” It is imperative to harness skills/resources such as public speaking/social media (tell your story or someone else will!), grit (If you know you why, you can navigate any “how”) and promoting positivity (It’s not bragging if it’s true).
Marcia Baldanza Ed.D.
Assistant ProfessorMarymount University
Educational Administration And Supervision
What general advice would you give to an Assistant Principal?
Marcia Baldanza Ed.D.: Continuously Learn and Grow: Education and education leadership is a field that is constantly evolving. Stay updated with the latest research, trends, and best practices in education. Take advantage of further education and professional development opportunities to enhance your skills and knowledge. Build Relationships: Effective leadership often hinges on collaboration and communication. Cultivate strong relationships with colleagues, teachers, students, parents, and other stakeholders in the educational community. Lead by Example: Demonstrate integrity, professionalism, and a commitment to the values you want to instill in your educational community. Your actions will set the tone for others to follow. Prioritize Equity and Inclusion: Strive to create an inclusive and equitable learning environment where all students feel valued and supported. Be mindful of systemic barriers and work to address them proactively. Focus on Student Success: Keep the best interests of students at the forefront of your decision-making process. You can't go wrong! Champion initiatives that promote academic achievement, personal growth, and well-being.
What Assistant Principal skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Marcia Baldanza Ed.D.: Technology in the Service of Learning: With the ongoing integration of technology in education, school leaders must possess strong digital literacy skills and be adept at leveraging technology to enhance teaching, learning, and administrative processes. Data Analysis with Decision-Making: As data-driven decision-making becomes more prevalent and important, school leaders will need to be proficient in analyzing various types of data, including academic performance metrics, student demographics, and financial data, to inform strategic planning and resource allocation. Cultural Competency and Equity Advocacy: With a growing focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion in education, school leaders must demonstrate cultural competency and advocate for equitable practices that address the needs of all students, regardless of background or identity. Adaptability and Change Management: In an era of constant change and uncertainty, school leaders must be adaptable and agile, capable of navigating complex challenges and leading their schools through transitions effectively. Innovative Pedagogies and Personalized Learning: School leaders should champion innovative pedagogical approaches and personalized learning strategies that cater to the diverse needs and learning styles of students, preparing them for success in the 21st-century workforce. Emotional Intelligence and Relationship Building: Strong interpersonal skills, emotional intelligence, and the ability to build positive relationships are essential for fostering a supportive school culture and nurturing a sense of belonging among students, staff, and families.
What will help Assistant Principals increase their earning potential?
Marcia Baldanza Ed.D.: Maximizing your salary potential in school leadership involves a combination of strategic planning, professional development, and a proactive approach to career advancement. This can be challenging in a highly competitive environment with a salary scale in a unionized (in some places) environment. Obtain Advanced Degrees and Certifications: Higher levels of education, such as a master's degree or doctorate in educational leadership or a related field, can often lead to higher salary opportunities. Gain Experience and Demonstrate Success: Build a strong track record of success in your educational career, whether as a teacher, administrator or in another role. Document your accomplishments, leadership experience, and impact on student achievement, as these can strengthen your position when negotiating salary or applying for higher-level leadership positions. Seek Leadership Positions in High-Need Areas: Consider pursuing leadership positions in high-need areas, such as schools serving low-income communities or those with high rates of student need. These positions may offer additional financial incentives or loan forgiveness programs to attract qualified candidates.
What general advice would you give to an Assistant Principal?
Larry Arant MSRS, RT(R)(CT)(MR): Stay teachable, network, embrace diversity and inclusion, develop strong communication skills.
What will help Assistant Principals increase their earning potential?
Larry Arant MSRS, RT(R)(CT)(MR): Research salary trends, gain experience and expertise, consider geographic location, evaluate benefits and perks.
Vernon Smith
What general advice would you give to an Assistant Principal?
Vernon Smith: If you have successfully completed the program for Educational Leadership, then you are ready to start demonstrating your skills. Mastering the Educational leadership program, you have the knowledge base, the technical skills, and interpersonal skills to be successful as an educational leader. You must believe in yourself. Even if a secured position is not immediately forthcoming, never give up. Remember, stop signs were made for traffic, not for people. The battle is not over until you quit.
What Assistant Principal skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Vernon Smith: Strong knowledge base, technical skills and interpersonal skills. If given a small school, work to become the building leader of a larger school. After you have gotten some on the job experience, seek central administrative positions.
What will help Assistant Principals increase their earning potential?
Vernon Smith: If you have successfully completed the program for Educational Leadership, then you are ready to start demonstrating your skills. Mastering the Educational leadership program, you have the knowledge base, the technical skills, and interpersonal skills to be successful as an educational leader. You must believe in yourself. Even if a secured position is not immediately forthcoming, never give up. Remember, stop signs were made for traffic, not for people. The battle is not over until you quit.
I am confident that we have instilled within you some passion; show it. Passion will take you far. You are human and humans make mistakes. Let every set-back become an opportunity for a comeback. Strive to become better. Listen to learn and learn to improve. Every day you wake up feel excited and grateful. Each day gives you another chance to demonstrate to all observers that you can make a positive difference in the academic achievement of your students. Never forget if you are not progressing, then you are regressing. Take the initiative. Turn your good into better and your better into best.
Stay focused and Involve others in the quest for excellence. Remember that none of us are as smart as all of us. You make more touchdowns when all players are going in the same direction. Collaborative and collegial leaders are winners….and you are a winner.
Dr. Dwan Robinson PhD
Associate Professor of Educational LeadershipOhio University
Educational Administration And Supervision
What general advice would you give to an Assistant Principal?
Dr. Dwan Robinson PhD: Given that many of our graduates have had opportunities to develop and refine their leadership skills while at OHIO:
I would suggest that our graduates seek opportunities where there is growth potential and future career opportunities for advancing in educational leadership.
I would encourage them to explore positions where they have the chance to impact the organization with the educational leadership and related expertise that they have cultivated.
I would also suggest that graduates reflect on how their expertise and experiences connect with the various roles and pathways that they are seeking in education so that they can imagine what their trajectories might be in the careers that they aspire to in the field of education.
What Assistant Principal skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Dwan Robinson PhD: In my capacity as a faculty member in educational leadership and having researched and interacted with numerous educational leaders, a few of the skills that I anticipate will become more important and prevalent in the field include:
Adaptable and Nimble Leadership: Adaptable and nimble leadership will become more important given the continually changing social and cultural context of education and the need to pivot to lead in varied circumstances. Educational leaders need to be able to adjust and lead through change and augment their leadership approaches to facilitate continued positive trajectories of educational organizations.
Collaborative and Shared Leadership: The increased demands on educational leadership will necessitate collaborative and shared leadership where leaders integrate the expertise of all members in organizations such as schools and external partners. Collaborative leadership will be essential in re-imagining and problem-solving, building capacity of colleagues, and helping to improve educational experiences for learners. To motivate and inspire people to want to stay in organizations they must be valued and appreciated and be supported to grow.
Innovative and Creative Leadership: Educational leaders will need to be innovative and creative being receptive to new approaches and strategies for achieving goals, maximizing opportunities for teaching and learning, and recognizing opportunities for merging new ideas with current ones.
Authentic and Compassionate Leadership: Educational leaders will need to be authentic and compassionate with those colleagues, team members, learners and other partners involved with the educational organization. They will need to recognize that education is a people intensive field that involves leaders, teachers, learners, and external partners. These leadership approaches will entail the development of authentic and compassionate relationships where there is trust, respect and appreciation and where leaders lead with an ethic of care for others.
What will help Assistant Principals increase their earning potential?
Dr. Dwan Robinson PhD: Creatively articulate the skills and expertise that you bring to the education profession and connect those proficiencies to show alignment with the needs of the career that you are seeking.
Be forward thinking about how you can impact the field of education broadly and specifically to the organization you endeavor to join.
Share ideas regarding how your experience can enhance the work that the organization you are moving into and articulate how you will help the organization achieve goals and realize positive outcomes.
Show an understanding about the field and the current landscape that the educational organization is operating in and be visionary about how your expertise connects with the visions and goals that employers have for their organization.
What general advice would you give to an Assistant Principal?
Hamlet Hernandez: With technology advancing at warp speed and the advent of AI in the public education space, leaders will need
to be adroit at understanding their appropriate application, but more importantly, leaders will need to be skilfull
at cultivating meaningful relationships which are rooted in principle and not in transaction. This is, and will
continue to be, of monumental importance. The ability to communicate effectively and to understand the
speed and method of communication to different stakeholders, will and should vary. How this skill is developed
will be consequential. I envision rich content being omnipresent and new pedagological practices manifesting,
as we learn more about how humans learn. The art of teaching will evolve as we embrace new technologies
and foster enduring relationships, thereby opening pathways to greater cognition.
What Assistant Principal skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Hamlet Hernandez: This is difficult question to answer. If money is your driver, you may be frustrated. Clearly having a Sixth-Year
diploma in education is much more marketable than simply having the 092 certification. It is my hope that the
demos see the great value of and connection to, education has on a thriving democracy. Recognizing this
importance may result in higher wages but it may not....do the right thing, for the right reasons, and the right
way and you will be rewarded intrinsically and maybe even monetarily.
What will help Assistant Principals increase their earning potential?
Hamlet Hernandez: Entering the field of public-school administration is not for the faint of heart. I would encourage all graduates
to think deeply as to why they have chosen to enter the field; it is noble and worthy of our time and talent to
become leaders in public education that contribute to the betterment of society through selfless service, so that
all students receive an appropriate and equitable education. Dispositionally, we would converse about the
importance of patience and compassion and how steady leadership not showy leadership will transcend
expectations. I would also add it is always about who gets the benefit of your work and not the credit.
On a practical level, I would encourage young administrators to balance their professional life with the other
equally important parts of their life. Administration is stressful and demanding, and at times lonely. Knowing
yourself and embracing personal and professional growth will sustain you through swerve of sway of
leadership.
Dr. Joseph Novak
Senior Lecturer, Director, Professional Development School Program Coordinator, Instructor and Advisor for the School of Education Master's program in Building Level Leadership.University of Kansas
Department of Educational Leadership and Policy Studies
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Assistant Principal job market given the pandemic?
Dr. Joseph Novak: The pandemic has heightened the awareness and in addressing the needs of all stakeholders affiliated with schools. The resulting stress, anxiety, and uncertainty exacerbated by the pandemic has led to a need for more support services for students, staff, and parents. The pandemic has also exposed a lack of training and resources for successful and effective virtual learning. Even though, schools may return to face-to-face learning, the growing use and popularity of virtual learning begs for additional resources and learning. Finally, the pandemic has created a real financial uncertainty for schools. Until the federal, state, and local economies recover and thrive, education will be faced with lay-offs and detriments to needed services.
What technical skills for an Assistant Principal stand out to employers?
Jennifer McCreight: Tech skills have increasingly played a central role in K-12 classrooms, as educators have at their fingertips devices and applications that are incredible assets to learning - from accessibility features, to interactive presentations that gather real-time info on students' understanding of content, to the ability of the students themselves to create videos, podcasts, and more. Teachers entering classrooms must be able to recognize the powerful gains that can be made in students' learning as a result of incorporating technologies, and know when and how to use it to support them. And of course, recent graduates entering classrooms will be expected to move between the platforms of Zoom or Google Meet, to bring in learners who may be at home, and to engage them actively in learning experiences - which is no small task!
Just as importantly, though, as we come out of the pandemic and reckon with children's and adolescents' increased use of screens, educators may also find that we need to use technology in classrooms more sparingly when possible. They will continue to ask themselves, even more urgently than they did pre-pandemic, whether technologies add to educational experiences or complicate them. Graduates will be faced with these questions as they move into their own classrooms, and we joyfully adjust to the eventuality of more in-person learning. This will be a wonderful challenge to face - that is, determining what innovations have resulted from the constraints of the pandemic, and what we will be happy to let go of when we are able. I am sure educators will embrace these conversations with zeal!
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Assistant Principal job market given the pandemic?
Eileen Cyr Ed.D.: The pandemic's financial ramifications will impact state and district budgets, and schools will likely be required to do more with fewer resources. This could potentially trickle down to personnel cuts. Even with this possibility, I believe that there will be an abundance of job opportunities related to early retirement and the predicted exodus from the profession.
In one form or another, virtual teaching is here to stay. I live in New England and believe that we will never have another "snow day." Teachers will need to provide lesson plans that can be carried out both in person and virtually. I believe that it is likely that students who are out sick due to minor illness will be required to attend virtually.