Education Administrators, Postsecondary
O*NET 11-9033.00 · SOC 11-9033
Education Administrator is a solid career choice. Median pay is $105k a year with +1.8% projected growth through 2035 (slower than average) and about 14,500 openings a year. AI exposure: Moderate.
Bureau of Labor Statistics projections 2025–2035 · Data updated 2026-07-27
What You'd Actually Do
- →Oversee academic department budgets and faculty hiring decisions
- →Review and approve new degree programs and curriculum changes
- →Meet with department chairs to address enrollment and staffing issues
- →Ensure campus programs comply with accreditation standards and requirements
- →Coordinate with student services to support retention and graduation rates
Education & How to Get In
Education Administrator roles typically require a master's degree, doctorate, or professional degree. This is a long-term investment, expect 6–10 years of post-secondary education, but the depth of expertise commands strong compensation and career stability.
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Work Environment
People-facing, clinics, schools, or client sites
Collaborative, frequent interaction with teams, clients, or patients
A Day in the Life
While every role varies by employer and specialization, a typical day as an Education Administrator involves a mix of core responsibilities:
Personality Fit (RIASEC)
Who Thrives as Education Administrator?
Based on the interests and work style this role actually demands, these personality types tend to fit it best. Salary and growth tell you if a career is worth entering; personality fit tells you whether you'll still want it in five years.
Not sure which you are? Take the 7-minute quiz →
See Open Education Administrator Roles
Browse live openings to get a feel for requirements and pay in your area.
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Job Outlook
Employment of Education Administrators, Postsecondary is projected to grow 1.8% from 2025 to 2035, slower than average for all occupations.
Will AI Replace This Job?
- ·45% social/interpersonal tasks, hard for AI to replace
- ·27% creative/strategic tasks, AI augments, doesn't replace
Scored from the mix of routine, creative, physical and social tasks the role involves, adjusted for sector and projected growth. An estimate, not a forecast.
Common Questions
How much does an Education Administrator make?
The median Education Administrator earns $105k a year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' May 2025 wage data. Half earn more than that and half earn less, and pay varies considerably by state, industry and experience.
Will AI replace Education Administrator jobs?
Our model puts Education Administrator at 29 out of 100 for automation exposure, which is moderate, likely AI-complementary. The main drivers: 45% social/interpersonal tasks, hard for AI to replace; 27% creative/strategic tasks, AI augments, doesn't replace.
Is Education Administrator a growing field?
Employment is projected to grow 1.8% between 2025 and 2035, which is slower than average. That works out to roughly 14,500 openings a year, counting both new positions and people leaving the occupation.
What degree do you need to be an Education Administrator?
Education Administrator roles generally require a master's, doctorate or professional degree, so plan for graduate study rather than a bachelor's alone.
How long does it take to become an Education Administrator?
Typically six to ten years, typically a master's, doctorate or professional degree. O*NET classes this role as Job Zone 5 of 5, which describes how much preparation people in it usually have.
Is an Education Administrator career right for you?
Your personality, values, and strengths matter as much as the job market. Take the quiz to see your personalized Future-Fit Score for this career and hundreds more.
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