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K-12 school principal vs middle school principal

The differences between k-12 school principals and middle 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 a middle school principal. Additionally, a middle school principal has an average salary of $92,607, 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 middle school principal are professional growth, instructional program, and student achievement.

K-12 school principal vs middle school principal overview

K-12 School PrincipalMiddle School Principal
Yearly salary$67,099$92,607
Hourly rate$32.26$44.52
Growth rate5%5%
Number of jobs59,72959,247
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 49%Bachelor's Degree, 50%
Average age4747
Years of experience44

K-12 school principal vs middle school principal salary

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

K-12 School PrincipalMiddle School Principal
Average salary$67,099$92,607
Salary rangeBetween $34,000 And $131,000Between $62,000 And $137,000
Highest paying City-Oakland, CA
Highest paying state-Connecticut
Best paying company-Paulding County High School
Best paying industry-Education

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

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

K-12 School PrincipalMiddle School Principal
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 49%Bachelor's Degree, 50%
Most common majorEducationEducational Leadership
Most common collegeUniversity of PennsylvaniaUniversity of Pennsylvania

K-12 school principal vs middle school principal demographics

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

K-12 School PrincipalMiddle School Principal
Average age4747
Gender ratioMale, 63.7% Female, 36.3%Male, 56.4% Female, 43.6%
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, 11.7% Unknown, 4.0% Hispanic or Latino, 13.9% Asian, 4.3% White, 65.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7%
LGBT Percentage16%16%

Differences between k-12 school principal and middle 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.

Middle 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.
  • Collaborate with special education teachers and direct all IEP conferences.
  • Support CTSO participation and advocate for the increase of more organizations on campus by building partnerships within the community.

K-12 school principal vs middle school principal skills

Common k-12 school principal skills
  • Curriculum Development, 39%
  • Professional Development, 19%
  • Mathematics, 16%
  • Instructional Leadership, 14%
  • Staff Development, 12%
Common middle school principal skills
  • Professional Growth, 6%
  • Instructional Program, 6%
  • Student Achievement, 5%
  • Curriculum Development, 5%
  • Staff Development, 5%
  • School Administration, 5%

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Updated January 8, 2025

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