How to become an education administrator, postsecondary

Plan, direct, or coordinate student instruction, administration, and services, as well as other research and educational activities, at postsecondary institutions, including universities, colleges, and junior and community colleges.

Steps to get there

Most employers expect most of these occupations require graduate school. for example, they may require a master's degree, and some require a ph.d., m.d., or j.d. (law degree)..Extensive skill, knowledge, and experience are needed for these occupations. Many require more than five years of experience. For example, surgeons must complete four years of college and an additional five to seven years of specialized medical training to be able to do their job.

What education administrators, postsecondary do

• Design or use assessments to monitor student learning outcomes.
• Recruit, hire, train, and terminate departmental personnel.
• Advise students on issues such as course selection, progress toward graduation, and career decisions.
• Plan, administer, and control budgets, maintain financial records, and produce financial reports.
• Establish operational policies and procedures and make any necessary modifications, based on analysis of operations, demographics, and other research information.
• Represent institutions at community and campus events, in meetings with other institution personnel, and during accreditation processes.

Skills that matter most

• Reading Comprehension
• Critical Thinking
• Active Listening
• Writing
• Speaking
• Monitoring
• Active Learning
• Learning Strategies

Is education administrator, postsecondary a good career?

On the numbers, this job pays above the typical job. Median pay is 105% above the all-occupation median. Whether it fits you depends on the work itself, the schooling you are willing to do and where you want to live.

Where it pays most

• New York $139,640
• New Jersey $131,570
• Massachusetts $128,970
• Delaware $128,570
• Wyoming $127,960

Education Administrators, Postsecondary salary by state and city

Sources: O*NET® 31.0 (CC BY 4.0, USDOL/ETA) and BLS Employment Projections 2025–35. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025.