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Job outlook for high school assistant principals in the United States
High school assistant principal job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected high school assistant principal job growth rate is 5% from 2018-2028.
About 14,200 new jobs for high school assistant principals are projected over the next decade.
High school assistant principal salaries have increased 6% for high school assistant principals in the last 5 years.
There are over 8,821 high school assistant principals currently employed in the United States.
There are 63,376 active high school assistant principal job openings in the US.
The average high school assistant principal salary is $91,217.
Are high school assistant principal jobs in demand?
High school assistant principal job and salary trends over time
High school assistant principal jobs over time
High school assistant principal job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 8,821 | 0.00% |
| 2020 | 8,428 | 0.00% |
| 2019 | 8,703 | 0.00% |
| 2018 | 8,449 | 0.00% |
| 2017 | 8,037 | 0.00% |
Average high school assistant principal salary over time
High school assistant principal salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $91,217 | $43.85 | +2.2% |
| 2024 | $89,281 | $42.92 | +1.1% |
| 2023 | $88,272 | $42.44 | +1.0% |
| 2022 | $87,420 | $42.03 | +2.0% |
| 2021 | $85,679 | $41.19 | +2.3% |
High school assistant principal jobs by state
Most common states for high school assistant principals
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 233 | 22% |
| 2 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 280 | 21% |
| 3 | Oregon | 4,142,776 | 760 | 18% |
| 4 | Illinois | 12,802,023 | 1,845 | 14% |
| 5 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 805 | 14% |
| 6 | Colorado | 5,607,154 | 764 | 14% |
| 7 | Connecticut | 3,588,184 | 512 | 14% |
| 8 | Idaho | 1,716,943 | 240 | 14% |
| 9 | Virginia | 8,470,020 | 1,085 | 13% |
| 10 | Arizona | 7,016,270 | 854 | 12% |
| 11 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 729 | 12% |
| 12 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 82 | 12% |
| 13 | Wyoming | 579,315 | 68 | 12% |
| 14 | New Mexico | 2,088,070 | 234 | 11% |
| 15 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 216 | 11% |
| 16 | Pennsylvania | 12,805,537 | 1,337 | 10% |
| 17 | Kansas | 2,913,123 | 297 | 10% |
| 18 | Delaware | 961,939 | 101 | 10% |
| 19 | Alaska | 739,795 | 76 | 10% |
| 20 | Nevada | 2,998,039 | 278 | 9% |
Most common cities for high school assistant principals
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Spring | 1 | 2% | $59,629 |
| 2 | Wheaton | 1 | 2% | $96,058 |
High School Assistant Principal job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of high school assistant principal experts
Marymount University
Northwestern State University of Louisiana
Ohio University
Florida Gulf Coast University
Presbyterian College
What High School Assistant Principal skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Linda Vogel Ph.D.: The easy answer is to apply to a school/district in a higher SES urban area. However, small, rural schools are in desperate need of effective teachers and also for effective school and district leaders. Few educators who remain in the classroom or who take on leadership roles are motivated primarily by the financial rewards, so one needs to understand what motivates them and what contexts they feel most comfortable and fulfilled.
What will help High School Assistant Principals increase their earning potential?
Linda Vogel Ph.D.: The ability to support diverse student needs is paramount now and will likely only increase in the future. Also, the ability to look at challenges with flexibility. This may include hybrid/blended/virtual learning options to meet student needs. Partnerships with community agencies and businesses will also likely be an increasing strength in the future as education options become more competitive.
What general advice would you give to a High School 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 High School 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 High School 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 a High School 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 High School 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 High School 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 a High School Assistant Principal?
Larry Arant MSRS, RT(R)(CT)(MR): Stay teachable, network, embrace diversity and inclusion, develop strong communication skills.
Vernon Smith
What general advice would you give to a High School 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 will help High School 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 a High School 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 High School 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 High School 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 High School Assistant Principal skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Russell Sabella Ph.D.: Cultural Competency: The ability to understand and appreciate diverse cultures, backgrounds,
and experiences will continue to be crucial as our student populations become even more
diverse. School counselors will need to be able to provide culturally responsive services that
meet the unique needs of all students more than ever.
Technology Integration: Technology is integrated into all aspects of our lives, and school
counseling is no exception. School counselors will need to be comfortable using emerging
technology to deliver services, manage data, and communicate with students and families.
Technological developments such as augmented, virtual, and mixed reality, robotics, and
artificial intelligence will bring both new opportunities and challenges to all careers and
professions, including everyone involved in education.
Leadership: Continually developing your leadership skills will be necessary to navigate
organizational challenges, drive positive change, anticipate future needs, manage resources,
and advocate for the school counseling profession, especially in a chaotic world.
Social-emotional learning (SEL): As the focus on mental health and well-being
grows, counselors increasingly play a key role in teaching SEL skills to students.
What will help High School Assistant Principals increase their earning potential?
Rolf Straubhaar: People love the meaning being a school leader brings to their lives, as on a day-to-day basis you are making a direct impact on the lives and futures of children. They dislike having to deal with unnecessary and distracting political fights that do nothing to improve the lives of children.
Dr. Patricia L. Jones Ed.D.
ChairPresbyterian College
Education Department
What type of skills will young High School Assistant Principals need?
Dr. Patricia L. Jones Ed.D.: Graduates need good writing and communication skills in the workforce. They also need skills for working well with people and helping to solve problems that arise. They also need a strong work ethic. Absences in the workforce continue to rise, and our graduates need to have a strong work ethic to compete and keep a job.
What experience really stands out on High School Assistant Principal resumes?
Dr. Patricia L. Jones Ed.D.: What always seems to stand out is their community service and engagement beyond academics. Also, if they have done some sort of an internship in their field, this gives them a hiring advantage.