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Vice principal vs elementary school principal

The differences between vice 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 vice principal and an elementary school principal. Additionally, an elementary school principal has an average salary of $92,372, which is higher than the $88,764 average annual salary of a vice principal.

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

Vice principal vs elementary school principal overview

Vice PrincipalElementary School Principal
Yearly salary$88,764$92,372
Hourly rate$42.67$44.41
Growth rate5%5%
Number of jobs67,97461,347
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 50%Bachelor's Degree, 48%
Average age4747
Years of experience44

What does a vice principal do?

A vice-principal works as an assistant educational administrator whose primary responsibility is to assist the school's principal with daily school administrative tasks, such as certifying and hiring teachers and school staff. In addition to these tasks, a vice-principal conducts parent interviews and serves as mentors and counselors to students. The qualifications to become a vice principal include possessing strong leadership, decision-making, and organizational skills and obtaining a master's or doctoral degree in education.

What does an elementary school principal do?

An Elementary School Principal is responsible for managing public and private schools from kindergarten to middle school. They implement elementary curriculums, set performance goals, prepare budget reports, and perform other duties, as necessary.

Vice principal vs elementary school principal salary

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

Vice PrincipalElementary School Principal
Average salary$88,764$92,372
Salary rangeBetween $64,000 And $121,000Between $65,000 And $129,000
Highest paying CityPaterson, NJRidgefield, CT
Highest paying stateNew JerseyConnecticut
Best paying companyPrinceton Public SchoolsRobbinsdale Area Schools
Best paying industryEducationEducation

Differences between vice principal and elementary school principal education

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

Vice 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

Vice principal vs elementary school principal demographics

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

Vice PrincipalElementary School Principal
Average age4747
Gender ratioMale, 50.3% Female, 49.7%Male, 42.8% Female, 57.2%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 10.9% Unknown, 4.0% Hispanic or Latino, 14.5% Asian, 4.4% 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 vice principal and elementary school principal duties and responsibilities

Vice principal example responsibilities.

  • Lead the NCA steering committee to assist with the school improvement process.
  • Educate students in economics, mathematics and social studies.
  • Design and facilitate dynamic and effective staff development programs for language arts, mathematics, discipline, and character education.
  • Serve as facilitator for IEP meetings and provide training and direction for ESE students.
  • Conduct IEP when necessary both with and without parents when age of student are appropriate.
  • Establish and maintain relationships with colleges, community organizations, and other schools to coordinate educational services.
  • Show more

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.

Vice principal vs elementary school principal skills

Common vice principal skills
  • Curriculum Development, 12%
  • Vice-Principal, 11%
  • Classroom Management, 10%
  • Professional Development, 10%
  • Mathematics, 4%
  • Staff Development, 3%
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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