K-12 school principal vs high school assistant principal

The differences between k-12 school principals and high school assistant 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 a high school assistant principal. Additionally, a high school assistant principal has an average salary of $91,217, 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 a high school assistant principal are professional development, curriculum development, and professional growth.

K-12 school principal vs high school assistant principal overview

	K-12 School Principal	High School Assistant Principal
Yearly salary	$67,099	$91,217
Hourly rate	$32.26	$43.85
Growth rate	5%	5%
Number of jobs	59,729	63,376
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 49%	Bachelor's Degree, 52%
Average age	47	47
Years of experience	4	4

K-12 school principal vs high school assistant principal salary

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

	K-12 School Principal	High School Assistant Principal
Average salary	$67,099	$91,217
Salary range	Between $34,000 And $131,000	Between $61,000 And $136,000
Highest paying City	-	Novato, CA
Highest paying state	-	New Jersey
Best paying company	-	Sweetwater Union High School District
Best paying industry	-	Education

Differences between k-12 school principal and high school assistant principal education

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

	K-12 School Principal	High School Assistant Principal
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 49%	Bachelor's Degree, 52%
Most common major	Education	Educational Leadership
Most common college	University of Pennsylvania	University of Pennsylvania

K-12 school principal vs high school assistant principal demographics

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

	K-12 School Principal	High School Assistant Principal
Average age	47	47
Gender ratio	Male, 63.7% Female, 36.3%	Male, 67.4% Female, 32.6%
Race ratio	Black 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, 12.2% Unknown, 4.0% Hispanic or Latino, 14.1% Asian, 4.3% White, 64.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7%
LGBT Percentage	16%	16%

Differences between k-12 school principal and high school assistant 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.

High school assistant principal example responsibilities.

Facilitate teacher lead PBIS committee to implement effective school wide discipline campaigns and activities for students.
Co-Design kindergarten readiness program that will bring in-home and wrap around services to academically at-risk kindergarten students.
Provide effective oversight of the distribution and accuracy of report cards, course credits and transcripts.
Provide oversight for all content areas, with special focus on history, math, and special education.
Result in international interest in available ESL programs.

K-12 school principal vs high school assistant principal skills

Common k-12 school principal skills

Curriculum Development, 39%
Professional Development, 19%
Mathematics, 16%
Instructional Leadership, 14%
Staff Development, 12%

Common high school assistant principal skills

Professional Development, 9%
Curriculum Development, 7%
Professional Growth, 6%
Instructional Program, 6%
Support Services, 5%
Student Discipline, 5%

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K-12 School Principal
K-12 School Principal vs High School Assistant Principal

Updated January 8, 2025

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