Are you interested in shaping the future of education? With a Master’s in Educational Leadership, you can transform school communities, develop education policy, or unlock the potential of training and development. 

How do you know if a Master’s in Educational Leadership is the right choice for you? Discover the various career paths you can pursue, average salaries, and whether this degree is a good match for your personal goals. 

What Can You Do with a Master's in Educational Leadership?

Taking a step into leadership is a common path for teachers and educators looking to move out of the classroom. It can also be a beneficial career move for committed educators looking to grow their knowledge and continue working directly with students. 

If you’re wondering, “What can I do with an educational leadership degree?” on a practical level, here are some common career paths to consider:

K-12 Education
Leadership roles in elementary, middle, and high schools include principals, assistant principals, and department heads. Other positions in this space include lead teachers, instructional coaches, and curriculum coordinators. 

Higher Education
Opportunities in colleges and universities include deans, university registrars, academic advisors, and student affairs roles. 

Education Administration
If you want to step out of the classroom, you may consider an administrative position within district offices. Additional areas include educational nonprofit organizations and governmental agencies focusing on education policy.

Corporate Education
Companies often hire education experts to lead training and development programs and corporate education departments.

Some graduates also step into a career as an educational consultant or entrepreneur. The job possibilities are varied and depend on your goals, skills, and passion. 

What You’ll Learn in a Master’s in Educational Leadership Program

Master’s in Educational Leadership programs often feature areas of focus that influence coursework and studies. For example, you might specialize in becoming a principal or focus on administration and policy. Yet other programs offer specializations in special education or the K-12 area specifically. 

A Master’s in Educational Leadership focuses on key skills such as:

  • Leadership in education spaces. Candidates will learn how to lead teachers, students, and parents in educational communities. 
  • Strategic planning and decision-making. In coursework, candidates will learn how to manage organizations, plan budgets, and evaluate curriculum. Additionally, students will learn how to evaluate school performance and implement plans for improvement. 
  • Manage discipline. Educational leaders, especially principals and deans, must learn skills for intervening and managing discipline issues. 
  • Educational policy knowledge. Candidates will also learn to create, evaluate, and put policies into practice. 



Master’s in Educational Leadership Salary Expectations

How much can you earn after obtaining your Master’s in Educational Leadership? In the educational administrator field, a master’s degree often leads to a significant pay raise—professionals with this advanced degree make 44% more than those with only a bachelor’s.

Salaries vary depending on specific roles. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics offers helpful statistics outlining average wages for a range of job titles.

In the K-12 setting, elementary, middle, and high school principals earn an average of $103,460 per year. Comparatively, elementary school teachers earn an average of $63,670 per year. Instructional coordinators also often work in the K-12 space and typically earn about $74,620 per year. In colleges and universities, postsecondary education administrators earn an average of $102,610 per year. 

In general, public schools pay higher salaries than private schools. Another key factor that impacts pay is location. Higher cost of living and population areas generally offer higher salaries than lower population areas. 

As you advance in your career and gain experience, you can expect your salary to grow. Additionally, you can make strategic job changes to enhance your salary. For example, if you start as an administrator at a district office, you may be able to get hired as a principal later. 

Job Outlook and Career Growth for Careers in Educational Leadership

The job market for educational leaders is steady, with modest growth in some areas and mild declines in others. That said, a steady number of job openings can be expected as administrators retire or change positions. 

Specifically, elementary, middle, and high school principals can expect a -1% change in employment between 2023 and 2033, according to the BLS. Postsecondary education administrator employment is projected to grow by 3% from 2023 to 2033. Employment of instructional coordinators shows no change in growth for the same period. 

When considering careers in educational leadership, hopeful master's candidates should consider their local job market as well. Some areas may show areas of greater growth than others. 

Is a Master's in Educational Leadership Worth It?

Many teachers, including myself, get into teaching because they're passionate about helping their students achieve their full potential. Over the long term, investing in a master’s degree can pay off not only monetarily but also in fulfilling your life’s goals as an educator who helps build a better future. 

Achieving a Master’s in Educational Leadership can open the door to higher-paying roles and also help you advance your career. Today, there are many online programs that offer flexibility for working teachers. Plus, most programs offer financial assistance or scholarships. Flexibility and accommodations can help ensure the benefits outweigh the costs. 

Additionally, consider your personal fulfillment. Job opportunities that will become possible with a Master’s in Educational Leadership can help you achieve your goals. Enhancing public education and having a positive impact on your community are true possibilities in educational leadership positions. 

Explore Careers in Educational Leadership 

Are you ready to take your career as an educator to the next level? Explore potential career paths in education by taking our quiz.