How to become education administrators, postsecondaryeducation, training, experience and the steps to enter

United States Management & Consulting Confidence ★★★★★

Median annual pay

$104,590

25th–75th pct. $80,870–$144,370

Top pay (est.)

$280,300

Top 10% $215,620

Pay in 5 years

$118,500est.

2031

Pay in 10 years

$134,300est.

$115,500–$155,900

Outlook score

52/100

★★★☆☆ Average

AI replacement risk

62%

High

Job growth (10 yr)

+1.8%

14K openings / yr

How to become education administrators, postsecondary

Typical education

Master's degree

BLS

Related experience

Less than 5 years

On-the-job training

None

A step-by-step guide for this occupation is being prepared. The education, training and experience data above show the typical path.

Skills, education and requirements for Education Administrators, Postsecondary

Key skills

Reading Comprehension

4.6

Writing

4.2

Active Listening

4.2

Speaking

4.2

Critical Thinking

4.2

Monitoring

4.2

Coordination

4.0

Social Perceptiveness

4.0

O*NET skill level ratings (0–7).

Key knowledge areas

Education and Training

5.5

English Language

5.2

Customer and Personal Service

5.2

Administrative

4.4

Personnel and Human Resources

4.3

Administration and Management

4.3

Computers and Electronics

4.1

Mathematics

4.0

What the work involves

Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkCommunicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesEstablishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsMaking Decisions and Solving ProblemsUpdating and Using Relevant KnowledgeIdentifying Objects, Actions, and EventsCoaching and Developing OthersResolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others

Important abilities

Oral ExpressionOral ComprehensionWritten ExpressionWritten ComprehensionSpeech ClarityInductive Reasoning

Education of workers

Master's degree

48%

Doctoral degree

37%

Bachelor's degree

Post-doctoral training

Training before entry

None / short demo

33%

1–2 years

15%

6–12 months

14%

1–3 months

13%

3–6 months

13%

2–4 years

10%

Up to 1 month

Related work experience

4–6 years

34%

Over 10 years

26%

6–8 years

18%

2–4 years

8–10 years

1–2 years

Job Zone 5 — extensive preparation needed (O*NET)

Difficulty of entry: ★★★★☆ Demanding (from education, training, experience and Job Zone)

Career path and how to earn more as education administrators, postsecondary

Career-path guidance is being prepared. Pay by percentile is shown in the Pay section.

Related occupations

	Occupation	Pay	Outlook	AI risk
1	General and Operations Managers Plan, direct, or coordinate the operations of public or private sector organizations, overseeing multiple departments or locations.	$105,770	62/100	54%
2	Business Operations Specialists, All Other All business operations specialists not listed separately.	$83,050	65/100	30%
3	Project Management Specialists Analyze and coordinate the schedule, timeline, procurement, staffing, and budget of a product or service on a per project basis.	$102,320	57/100	70%
4	Human Resources Specialists Recruit, screen, interview, or place individuals within an organization.	$75,940	59/100	61%
5	Management Analysts Conduct organizational studies and evaluations, design systems and procedures, conduct work simplification and measurement studies, and prepare operations and procedures manuals to assist management in operating more efficiently and effectively.	$101,860	69/100	66%
6	Financial Managers Plan, direct, or coordinate accounting, investing, banking, insurance, securities, and other financial activities of a branch, office, or department of an establishment.	$166,570	65/100	65%

Pay and employment figures are national statistics. Projected pay, outlook scores and AI replacement risk are estimates from the Shigoto Zukan model, not guarantees. To request a correction, use the contact form. How to read the data

Sources: BLS OEWS May 2025; BLS Employment Projections 2025–35; O*NET 31.0 Database by USDOL/ETA (CC BY 4.0), modified by Shigoto Zukan. Pay ranges, projections and scores are Shigoto Zukan estimates.