How to Become an Education Administration: Career Advice & Information
Overview & Salaries
Overview
Education administrators keep colleges, universities and other schools running. They support professors by administering faculties and departments, and students by running student services, admissions, accommodation, and other areas. While administration may not sound dynamic, in fact it can lead to all kinds of jobs, from executive positions at universities to policy roles in government.
Salary
Annual salaries for education administrators will vary depending on your experience, education level, and expertise. In 2013, the average annual salary for education administrators working in the U.S. was $100,600 per year.
For more information on what parts of the country have the most opportunity for education administrators, click through to our Best Places to Work tab for information on the number of people employed and the average salary in each state.
Discover the Best Cities and States to Work in Education Administration
California employs the greatest number of education administrators, with 13,160 currently working in the field, and making an average annual wage of $104,170. Pennsylvania offers the highest yearly salary—education administrators make an average of $114,270 in 5,790 positions statewide.
The metro areas employing the most education administrators are:
- New York-White Plains (5,780)
- Boston-Cambridge (5,190)
- Chicago-Joliet (5,070)
The metro areas employing the highest concentration of education administrators are:
- Champaign-Urbana, IL (12.12 per thousand jobs)
- College Station-Bryan, TX (5.82 per thousand jobs)
The metro areas employing the best-paid education administrators are:
- Augusta-Richmond County GA-SC (average salary $174,430)
- Edison-New Brunswick NJ (average salary $159,300)
Employment and Salary Information for Education Administration
Use our interactive map below to find out which areas of the United States are currently experiencing the greatest amount of growth and job availability for graduates looking for a careers as education administrators. The associated information has been gathered from Bureau of Labor statistics, representing data collected in 2012.
Employment and Information Data for Education Administration
Why Become An Education Administrator?
Being an education administrator can be rewarding both personally and professionally. Here are just a few of the reasons why:
- The field is growing. The projected growth rate for education administrators is 15% over the next decade—faster than the average rate of jobs nationwide. Education in general is a growth industry.
- Help people achieve their dreams. An educational institution helps people achieve the careers and goals they’re pursuing. Helping an institution run smoothly helps to make that happen.
- Pays very well. The average pay for all college administrators is six figures. Even technical and trade schools, which pay less, still pay an average of $79,630 to their administrators.
- Variety of work available. You could be helping a college admissions department recruit the best possible students. Or helping to plan multicultural events on campus. Or ensuring academic records are perfectly documented. Chances are something in the field will appeal to you.
Education Administrator: What You Need To Know
There are many different kinds of positions in education administration, but there are certain skills they all have in common. A basic working knowledge of these skill sets will help to set you apart from other candidates.
- Organizational Skills
- Critical Thinking
- Understanding of Institutions and Procedures
- Communications Skills
- Attention to Detail
Feel like you’ve got a lot to learn? Get more information about education administration careers, degrees, and applicable courses from one of the schools below.
Why Become An Education Administrator?
Being an education administrator can be rewarding both personally and professionally. Here are just a few of the reasons why:
- The field is growing. The projected growth rate for education administrators is 15% over the next decade—faster than the average rate of jobs nationwide. Education in general is a growth industry.
- Help people achieve their dreams. An educational institution helps people achieve the careers and goals they’re pursuing. Helping an institution run smoothly helps to make that happen.
- Pays very well. The average pay for all college administrators is six figures. Even technical and trade schools, which pay less, still pay an average of $79,630 to their administrators.
- Variety of work available. You could be helping a college admissions department recruit the best possible students. Or helping to plan multicultural events on campus. Or ensuring academic records are perfectly documented. Chances are something in the field will appeal to you.