Salary Expectations for Ed.D. in K‑12 Leadership: From Principal to Superintendent

The earning potential of senior leadership roles, such as those of a Principal or Superintendent, can significantly increase after completing an Ed.D. degree in K-12 Leadership. The average annual salary of an elementary school Principal after an Ed.D. may be approximately USD 94,957 per annum, while that of a School Superintendent may be around USD 153,044 after course completion.

This blog takes a closer look at the average Ed.D. salary of professionals after completing the degree in the subject of K-12 leadership. We explore the earning potential of various roles, from elementary school Principals to more senior positions, such as Superintendents.

(The figures above are indicative and may vary for different professionals, depending on factors such as location, experience, and the specific district or school.) 

Source: Payscale

Also read: How much can secondary teachers with online degrees earn? Salary expectations for 2025

Ed.D. Salary Ranges by Role in K–12 Leadership (H2)

The salary range for senior professionals in K-12 leadership positions, who have also completed an Ed.D., is between USD 60,000 and USD 218,000 per annum.

The table below highlights the average K-12 salary ranges for various roles to give you a broader understanding of their earning potential after completing an Ed.D.

Job Role (Senior Leadership in K-12)	Average Annual Salary (Approx.)
Chief Academic Officer	USD 100,000 – USD 200,000
K-12 School Principal	USD 98,000 – USD 152,000
Superintendent	USD 71,000 – USD 100,000
Director of Curriculum & Instruction	USD 61,000 USD 100,000
Assistant Superintendent	USD 57,000 – USD 97,000

(These figures are indicative and should be used only as a reference.)

Sources: Payscale, Glassdoor

1. Chief Academic Officer
2. K-12 School Principal
3. Superintendent
4. Director of Curriculum & Instruction
5. Assistant Superintendent

1. Chief Academic Officer

A Chief Academic Officer (CAO) in the K-12 industry is responsible for the following:

• Overseeing the overall strategy and vision of a study institution
• Taking care of faculty development, ensuring a high-quality curriculum, and contributing to the overall success of the students
• Hiring, development, and performance evaluation of the teaching faculty
• Designing and executing academic courses to meet the future workforce requirements

2. K-12 School Principal

K-12 School Principals are also called head administrators and are responsible for handling the operational and academic functions of a school.

• They aim to provide an effective, safe, and interactive learning environment for the students.
• School Principals are responsible for staffing, budgeting, scheduling, and implementing school policies.
• They ensure high-quality teaching, effective curriculum development, and excellent academic performance.

3. Superintendent

Superintendents are senior leaders responsible for administration, overseeing school operations, and designing the overall strategy in education or public services. Their primary functions include:

• Adherence to long-term school goals
• Ensuring that all regulations, policies, and standards are strictly adhered to
• Handling the everyday operations of the school and leading teams toward the achievement of common organizational goals

4. Director of Curriculum & Instruction

The Director ensures that all planned academic programs take shape and the curriculum goals are aligned with overall student success. They are entirely responsible for:

• Providing high-quality teaching that complies with institutional standards
• Supporting educators in their goals, providing the required resources for their professional development to improve the effectiveness of teaching
• Designing, assessing, and updating study materials to meet the overall standards of education

5. Assistant Superintendent

They play an essential leadership role in supporting the operational goals of an institution or school district. They also work closely with the school Superintendent to:

• Ensure smooth working of all departments
• Manage resources and budgets, ensuring adherence to institutional or state policies
• Oversee the overall development of the staff, academic courses, and student services to ensure that they meet high standards of education

Also read: Choosing between Elementary and Middle School teaching: Pros, cons, and career insights.

Factors Influencing Ed.D. Salaries in K-12 Education

The table above presents a striking contrast in the K-12 teacher salary figures for various senior and leadership roles. This variation is often due to multiple factors, such as the experience of the professional, the role applied for, the location of the role, and the average cost of living at the location.

• Total years of work experience: Leadership roles generally demand considerably higher pay.  This is why senior positions, such as those of a school Principal or Superintendent, may command relatively higher pay packages than an Assistant Superintendent, for example.
• Location of employment: The salary of K-12 professionals, even after completing an Ed.D., is likely to vary depending on the cost of living in the area where they work. Central metropolitan districts are generally more expensive than small towns or rural districts.
• Type of institution: The salary in K-12 careers generally aligns directly with the institution offering it. Public educational institutions may not be able to offer as high pay packages as private organizations.

Advance Your Leadership Career with Edgewood’s Online Ed.D. Program

Take a big leap toward a successful career in education with Edgewood University’s Doctor of Education in K-12 Educational Leadership Online program. The course is designed to equip aspiring leaders in the field of Education with the required skills in teaching, research, and leadership.

• Duration: 42-48 months
• Tuition fee (approx): USD 58,968 per program

FAQs on Salary Expectations for Ed.D. in K‑12 Leadership

Q: What is the average salary for someone with an Ed.D. in K–12 leadership?
Ans: The average annual salary of qualified Ed.D. professionals in K-12 leadership roles is estimated at USD 87,000 per annum. However, this is subject to variation depending on various factors.

Source: Payscale

Q: What roles beyond school leadership are open with an Ed.D.?
Ans: Eligible graduates can also apply for roles as Instructional Coordinator, Chief Learning Officer, and Education Consultant, among many others.

Q: How does school district size impact the potential salary for an Ed.D.?
Ans: Larger school districts receive less funding per student, which further reduces the earning potential of teachers compared to smaller, wealthier school districts.

Q: Can an Ed.D. help move from classroom teaching to administration?
Ans: Yes, a Doctorate in Education can help professionals progress from classroom teaching roles to more administrative roles, as they gain the desired leadership skills, expertise, and credibility required for such roles.

Q: How does Edgewood’s Ed.D. prepare me for executive-level roles?
Ans: Edgewood University’s Ed.D. degree program helps aspiring professionals prepare for assuming executive-level roles in educational institutions. The course focuses on developing leadership, management, and strategic thinking skills in learners.