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Secondary school principal vs elementary school principal

The differences between secondary 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 secondary school principal and an elementary school principal. Additionally, a secondary school principal has an average salary of $92,688, which is higher than the $92,372 average annual salary of an elementary school principal.

The top three skills for a secondary school principal include curriculum development, student achievement and staff development. The most important skills for an elementary school principal are professional development, student achievement, and school administration.

Secondary school principal vs elementary school principal overview

Secondary School PrincipalElementary School Principal
Yearly salary$92,688$92,372
Hourly rate$44.56$44.41
Growth rate5%5%
Number of jobs58,24561,347
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 50%Bachelor's Degree, 48%
Average age4747
Years of experience44

Secondary school principal vs elementary school principal salary

Secondary school principals and elementary school principals have different pay scales, as shown below.

Secondary School PrincipalElementary School Principal
Average salary$92,688$92,372
Salary rangeBetween $63,000 And $134,000Between $65,000 And $129,000
Highest paying CityMenlo Park, CARidgefield, CT
Highest paying stateNew JerseyConnecticut
Best paying companyJefferson County Public SchoolRobbinsdale Area Schools
Best paying industryEducationEducation

Differences between secondary school principal and elementary school principal education

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

Secondary School PrincipalElementary School Principal
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 50%Bachelor's Degree, 48%
Most common majorEducational LeadershipEducational Leadership
Most common collegeUniversity of PennsylvaniaUniversity of Pennsylvania

Secondary school principal vs elementary school principal demographics

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

Secondary School PrincipalElementary School Principal
Average age4747
Gender ratioMale, 70.8% Female, 29.2%Male, 42.8% Female, 57.2%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 11.6% Unknown, 4.0% Hispanic or Latino, 13.9% Asian, 4.3% White, 65.5% 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 secondary school principal and elementary school principal duties and responsibilities

Secondary school principal example responsibilities.

  • Lead the NCA steering committee to assist with the school improvement process.
  • Provide oversight of significant curriculum changes design to better meet the needs of the diverse student body.
  • Develop academic curriculum, prepare budget, execute in-service teacher training, oversight for discipline and athletic programs.
  • 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.

Secondary school principal vs elementary school principal skills

Common secondary school principal skills
  • Curriculum Development, 11%
  • Student Achievement, 11%
  • Staff Development, 9%
  • School Administration, 9%
  • Instructional Program, 8%
  • Classroom Observations, 7%
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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