Explore jobs
Find specific jobs
Explore careers
Explore professions
Best companies
Explore companies
Job outlook for university administrators in the United States
Are university administrator jobs in demand?
University administrator job and salary trends over time
University administrator jobs over time
University administrator job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 135 | 0.00% |
| 2020 | 122 | 0.00% |
| 2019 | 126 | 0.00% |
| 2018 | 124 | 0.00% |
| 2017 | 123 | 0.00% |
Average university administrator salary over time
University administrator salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $39,398 | $18.94 | +2.2% |
| 2024 | $38,554 | $18.54 | +1.1% |
| 2023 | $38,122 | $18.33 | +2.1% |
| 2022 | $37,321 | $17.94 | +1.8% |
| 2021 | $36,675 | $17.63 | +2.5% |
University administrator jobs by state
Most common states for university administrators
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Colorado | 5,607,154 | 737 | 13% |
| 2 | Alaska | 739,795 | 97 | 13% |
| 3 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 854 | 12% |
| 4 | Utah | 3,101,833 | 349 | 11% |
| 5 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 153 | 11% |
| 6 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 83 | 11% |
| 7 | Vermont | 623,657 | 69 | 11% |
| 8 | Washington | 7,405,743 | 644 | 9% |
| 9 | Arizona | 7,016,270 | 616 | 9% |
| 10 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 504 | 9% |
| 11 | Oregon | 4,142,776 | 387 | 9% |
| 12 | New Mexico | 2,088,070 | 182 | 9% |
| 13 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 164 | 9% |
| 14 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 95 | 9% |
| 15 | Delaware | 961,939 | 84 | 9% |
| 16 | Wyoming | 579,315 | 51 | 9% |
| 17 | Alabama | 4,874,747 | 395 | 8% |
| 18 | Kansas | 2,913,123 | 229 | 8% |
| 19 | Idaho | 1,716,943 | 137 | 8% |
| 20 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 87 | 8% |
Most common cities for university administrators
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Washington | 1 | 0% | $42,537 |
University Administrator job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of university administrator experts
University of Nebraska - Omaha
Wesleyan College
Tarleton State University
University of Illinois at Chicago
Springfield College
University of Hawai'i West O'ahu
DePaul University
Virginia Commonwealth University
International Association of Administrative Professionals
What general advice would you give to a University Administrator?
Dr. Joseph Oluwole: The ability to build and sustain relationships with staff for climate and culture and with parents for family and community relations, all to support the holistic success of students.
What will help University Administrators increase their earning potential?
Dr. Joseph Oluwole: My general advice is to seek out administrator and professor mentors who can provide a sounding board and encouragement through the emotional roller coaster that administration can be. I cannot overstate the importance of supportive mentors to the success of a new graduate beginning as an administrator. Even the State of New Jersey, for instance, recognizes the importance of mentoring and created a formal program for new assistant principals and principals to seek support from experienced mentors under the state's New Jersey Leaders to Leaders (NJL2L) program.
What University Administrator skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Janice Garnett Ed.D.: New leaders must balance their vision with the realities and priorities of the school and/or school district. In other words, begin by developing an entry plan to learn and understand existing budget(s), staffing, community, and other priority needs of the school and/or district. Include in the plan how you will focus on relationships to build trust and rapport with all stakeholders. A communication plan with transparent messages and ample active listening will be key. The educational landscape constantly evolves, calling for continuous learning through professional development, networking, and mentorship.
What general advice would you give to a University Administrator?
Virginia Wilcox: Go into this knowing every single person you encounter was once in your shoes...new, confused, anxious, worried, etc.
The quickest way to make a friend is to ask for help. Everyone (even the most hardened) likes feeling needed and/or appreciated.
So...even if it's as minor as asking for advice on what color to use on the bulletin board or as major as asking for ideas on how to engage an unruly student...
ASK someone not only will you get the assistance you need, you will make their day...AND...you may find that you've made an invaluable step toward a new friendship.
Dr. Jacqueline Abernathy
Assistant ProfessorTarleton State University
Public Administration
What general advice would you give to a University Administrator?
Dr. Jacqueline Abernathy: My advice to graduates would be this: do not sell yourself short by taking a job at a lower level than you have to or a job that does not fully utilize your education. Otherwise, why did you spend the time and money, and effort to get your degree? I think many graduates assume that having a degree in a job where it is not required (but preferred) makes them more valuable as employees. I think the opposite is true. I think it devalues their worth to an organization and just makes them cheaper and more replaceable, especially when employers know that they can pay someone less to do the same job if they run into a budget crunch.
If having a degree is considered a plus for a job rather than a necessity, it actually makes their degree less valuable as a perk than if it were a requirement. If a degree is necessary to do a job, then the time, effort, and expense obtaining it was worthwhile because it was necessary to do that job, and also, the employer knows that they have to compensate employees for those costs. There is nothing wrong with working your way up, paying your dues, etc. but starting at a lower rung just makes a longer, harder climb to the top. They may have upward mobility more than somebody without a degree, but they will be compensated less than they are worthwhile waiting for something better to manifest. I would exhort graduates to start as high as they can and not settle for underemployment. Find a job where your knowledge, skills, and abilities are put to complete use, and the degree you earned to get those assets is not wasted or unfairly compensated.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on University Administrators?
James R. Thompson Ph.D.: The coronavirus pandemic has made apparent the vital role the government plays in addressing society's larger problems. It will attract new people to the field of public administration and strengthen the commitment of those already in the field to their careers.
What general advice would you give to a University Administrator?
Eileen Cyr Ed.D.: Use every resource at their disposal to increase their understanding of SEL and FACE. Build a resume that provides evidence of their ability to thrive in both a virtual and face to face classroom. Be prepared to engage with online platforms like Zoom, Nearpod, Jamboard, Padlet, and google slides.
Breathe - the airline advice of putting on your oxygen mask before assisting others is 100% applicable to today's teachers.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the University Administrator job market given the pandemic?
Eileen Cyr Ed.D.: The pandemic's financial ramifications will impact state and district budgets, and schools will likely be required to do more with fewer resources. This could potentially trickle down to personnel cuts. Even with this possibility, I believe that there will be an abundance of job opportunities related to early retirement and the predicted exodus from the profession.
In one form or another, virtual teaching is here to stay. I live in New England and believe that we will never have another "snow day." Teachers will need to provide lesson plans that can be carried out both in person and virtually. I believe that it is likely that students who are out sick due to minor illness will be required to attend virtually.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on University Administrators?
Dr. Mary F. Heller: Based on recent conversations with undergraduate teacher candidates and alumni, follow are examples of the impact they have felt teaching and learning during the Pandemic:
The Pandemic has ...
-Heightened their awareness of the inequities (e.g., access to technology, hardware, software, the Internet, etc.) among students and their families of all cultures in Hawaii.
Reminded them daily of the importance of being flexible in meeting our diverse student populations' needs, Pre-K-12.
-Instilled a sense of gratitude for the positive, caring attitudes and support of peers, mentors, and university professors, as everyone strives to succeed under these difficult circumstances.
What skills stand out on University Administrator resumes?
Dr. Anna Frank: First, a degree from a highly respected university. Our graduates have been highly sought after. Experience working with a variety of individuals in a variety of settings is significant. Future professionals must then be committed to social justice, how are explicit in supporting the health and recreational needs of ALL individuals, not just those who can purchase a Peloton.
What general advice would you give to a University Administrator?
Dr. Richard Huff Ph.D.: I believe opportunities for employment will begin to open up with a transition in the federal government over the next year or two. While local government and nonprofits will continue to offer opportunities for MPA graduates, I believe the federal government will have urgent needs for talent, given its aging workforce, retirements, and its neglect over the past four years.
I advise graduates to begin considering federal careers, but for whatever sector they choose to shift from micro concerns about management, behavior and work outcomes, and organization structure and operations, and begin to look toward the macro or "big picture." A macro view concerns changes brought on by external environmental forces, which shape our institutions over time. With so many external forces at work today, such as a global pandemic, technological change, ongoing climate change, political trends, and social upheavals, the involvement of public administrators is critical to maintaining our institutions and steadying government response. I encourage students to think critically but also to think big and pursue their passions. Public service is a noble calling. Set your sights high and pursue opportunities that match them.
How would you rate the starting salaries for University Administrators, as well as the prospects for salary advancement?
Dr. Richard Huff Ph.D.: While MPA students are not drawn to public service by high salaries, it is reasonable to expect remuneration, which respects their credentials and experience. Many students are mid-level careerists and are likely to remain in their jobs where an advanced degree may improve their opportunities for advancement, and others may be looking for a career change. Also, a cohort of students moving from undergraduate to graduate degrees with internships is common.
These groups likely present varying degrees of salary requirements and qualifications. In the federal service, an MPA qualifies as one at the GS-9 entry-level. The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) publishes salary tables at Link The beginning salary varies by location from $53K to $61K, with the higher amount near large metropolitan areas. Higher salaries are common in overseas areas. Progression is based on performance with opportunities to achieve salaries of $150K and over at the executive levels. Overall, beginning salaries for the MPA considering nonprofits and government agencies is estimated at $53K.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for University Administrators to find work opportunities?
Veronica Cochran: I would urge graduates to not simply focus on locations or organizations with the highest salary or most job or promotion opportunities. The key to remaining engaged and creating value is finding an organization that supports your core beliefs and values.
Second to that, I believe a support network is vital to one's professional development and success. That being said, I have had the opportunity to engage administrative professionals throughout the United States and across the globe. In particular, I came across larger networks in New York, D.C., Alabama, California, and Texas.
If they are looking for a place to start, I believe Zippia's list of Best States for an Administrative Assistant is a great starting point.