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Elementary school principal vs school business manager

The differences between elementary school principals and school business managers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 2-4 years to become both an elementary school principal and a school business manager. Additionally, an elementary school principal has an average salary of $92,372, which is higher than the $62,224 average annual salary of a school business manager.

The top three skills for an elementary school principal include professional development, student achievement and school administration. The most important skills for a school business manager are K-12, professional development, and payroll.

Elementary school principal vs school business manager overview

Elementary School PrincipalSchool Business Manager
Yearly salary$92,372$62,224
Hourly rate$44.41$29.92
Growth rate5%5%
Number of jobs61,34787,493
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 48%Bachelor's Degree, 61%
Average age4747
Years of experience44

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 a school business manager do?

A school business manager is responsible for providing leadership and management of all teaching and non-teaching staff in a school setting and ensuring they perform their duties accordingly to achieve the required standards of learning. The duties and responsibilities include attending senior managerial meetings and taking the lead of all school responsibilities in the absence of the headteacher.

Elementary school principal vs school business manager salary

Elementary school principals and school business managers have different pay scales, as shown below.

Elementary School PrincipalSchool Business Manager
Average salary$92,372$62,224
Salary rangeBetween $65,000 And $129,000Between $43,000 And $88,000
Highest paying CityRidgefield, CTSacramento, CA
Highest paying stateConnecticutConnecticut
Best paying companyRobbinsdale Area SchoolsSelective Insurance
Best paying industryEducationEducation

Differences between elementary school principal and school business manager education

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

Elementary School PrincipalSchool Business Manager
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 48%Bachelor's Degree, 61%
Most common majorEducational LeadershipBusiness
Most common collegeUniversity of PennsylvaniaUniversity of Pennsylvania

Elementary school principal vs school business manager demographics

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

Elementary School PrincipalSchool Business Manager
Average age4747
Gender ratioMale, 42.8% Female, 57.2%Male, 42.9% Female, 57.1%
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, 11.1% Unknown, 4.0% Hispanic or Latino, 14.2% Asian, 4.3% White, 65.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7%
LGBT Percentage16%16%

Differences between elementary school principal and school business manager 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.

School business manager example responsibilities.

  • Utilize on-line agency managing software which aides in conformation of patient progress note submission to Medicare regulation standards.
  • Provide oversight to school business operations through its closure and transition with regional technical high school.
  • Maintain a computerize accounting system and are responsible for payroll.
  • Set up and train production staff to utilize QuickBooks for assembly company inventory system for accurate information provide to commercial customers.
  • Process rental payments, delinquency notices, evictions, and other property specific communications.

Elementary school principal vs school business manager 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 school business manager skills
  • K-12, 15%
  • Professional Development, 13%
  • Payroll, 11%
  • Financial Reports, 8%
  • Public Schools, 8%
  • Cash Control, 7%

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