Post job

Elementary school principal vs elementary school teacher

The differences between elementary school principals and elementary school teachers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, an elementary school principal has an average salary of $92,372, which is higher than the $52,161 average annual salary of an elementary school teacher.

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

Elementary school principal vs elementary school teacher overview

Elementary School PrincipalElementary School Teacher
Yearly salary$92,372$52,161
Hourly rate$44.41$25.08
Growth rate5%4%
Number of jobs61,34784,607
Job satisfaction-2
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 48%Bachelor's Degree, 73%
Average age4742
Years of experience4-

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.

What does an elementary school teacher do?

Elementary school teachers are trained to provide education to children from kindergarten through fifth grade. The teachers are responsible for children's emotional and educational growth in the classroom. They manage the resources and materials to be used for their education. It is part of their duties to evaluate the students' performance, social development, physical health, and behavior. Also, they adapt to teaching methods and instructions to meet the interests and needs of the children.

Elementary school principal vs elementary school teacher salary

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

Elementary School PrincipalElementary School Teacher
Average salary$92,372$52,161
Salary rangeBetween $65,000 And $129,000Between $37,000 And $72,000
Highest paying CityRidgefield, CTBaltimore, MD
Highest paying stateConnecticutMaryland
Best paying companyRobbinsdale Area SchoolsGerman International School New York
Best paying industryEducationGovernment

Differences between elementary school principal and elementary school teacher education

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

Elementary School PrincipalElementary School Teacher
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 48%Bachelor's Degree, 73%
Most common majorEducational LeadershipElementary Education
Most common collegeUniversity of PennsylvaniaUniversity of Pennsylvania

Elementary school principal vs elementary school teacher demographics

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

Elementary School PrincipalElementary School Teacher
Average age4742
Gender ratioMale, 42.8% Female, 57.2%Male, 19.5% Female, 80.5%
Race ratioBlack 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%Black or African American, 9.7% Unknown, 3.9% Hispanic or Latino, 12.6% Asian, 3.7% White, 69.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5%
LGBT Percentage16%9%

Differences between elementary school principal and elementary school teacher duties and responsibilities

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.

Elementary school teacher example responsibilities.

  • Offer leave of absence for remainder of school yearupon adoption of twin girls from Russia.
  • Help kids expend excess energy so they can sit still in regular classes for the rest of the afternoon.
  • Differentiate lessons to fit the needs of students in the ESL program, students with special needs, and gift students.
  • Create innovative PowerPoint presentation for daily lesson.
  • Create various PowerPoint presentations for multiple projects.
  • Develop innovative approaches to literacy development and mathematics teaching.
  • Show more

Elementary school principal vs elementary school teacher skills

Common elementary school principal skills
  • Professional Development, 9%
  • Student Achievement, 7%
  • School Administration, 6%
  • Elementary Schools, 5%
  • Staff Development, 5%
  • Professional Growth, 5%
Common elementary school teacher skills
  • Classroom Management, 18%
  • Math, 9%
  • Professional Development, 9%
  • Mathematics, 8%
  • Social Studies, 4%
  • Instructional Materials, 4%

Browse executive management jobs