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K-12 school principal vs elementary school principal

The differences between k-12 school 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 a k-12 school principal and an elementary school principal. Additionally, an elementary school principal has an average salary of $92,372, which is higher than the $67,099 average annual salary of a k-12 school principal.

The top three skills for a k-12 school principal include curriculum development, professional development and mathematics. The most important skills for an elementary school principal are professional development, student achievement, and school administration.

K-12 school principal vs elementary school principal overview

K-12 School PrincipalElementary School Principal
Yearly salary$67,099$92,372
Hourly rate$32.26$44.41
Growth rate5%5%
Number of jobs59,72961,347
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 49%Bachelor's Degree, 48%
Average age4747
Years of experience44

K-12 school principal vs elementary school principal salary

K-12 school principals and elementary school principals have different pay scales, as shown below.

K-12 School PrincipalElementary School Principal
Average salary$67,099$92,372
Salary rangeBetween $34,000 And $131,000Between $65,000 And $129,000
Highest paying City-Ridgefield, CT
Highest paying state-Connecticut
Best paying company-Robbinsdale Area Schools
Best paying industry-Education

Differences between k-12 school principal and elementary school principal education

There are a few differences between a k-12 school principal and an elementary school principal in terms of educational background:

K-12 School PrincipalElementary School Principal
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 49%Bachelor's Degree, 48%
Most common majorEducationEducational Leadership
Most common collegeUniversity of PennsylvaniaUniversity of Pennsylvania

K-12 school principal vs elementary school principal demographics

Here are the differences between k-12 school principals' and elementary school principals' demographics:

K-12 School PrincipalElementary School Principal
Average age4747
Gender ratioMale, 63.7% Female, 36.3%Male, 42.8% Female, 57.2%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 9.2% Unknown, 4.1% Hispanic or Latino, 9.9% Asian, 5.0% White, 71.0% 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 k-12 school principal and elementary school principal duties and responsibilities

K-12 school principal example responsibilities.

  • Lead the NCA steering committee to assist with the school improvement process.
  • Establish and maintain relationships with colleges, community organizations, and other schools to coordinate educational services.
  • Establish and maintain relationships with colleges, community organizations, and other schools to coordinate educational services.

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.

K-12 school principal vs elementary school principal skills

Common k-12 school principal skills
  • Curriculum Development, 39%
  • Professional Development, 19%
  • Mathematics, 16%
  • Instructional Leadership, 14%
  • Staff Development, 12%
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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Updated January 8, 2025

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