School Administrator Job Outlook

Employment of elementary, middle, and high school principals is projected to grow by 10 percent from 2010 to 2020, about as fast as the average for all occupations. Growth is expected due to increases in enrollment. However, employment growth will vary by region.

From 2010 to 2020, the number of students is projected to increase. As student enrollment grows, the number of schools and principals needed to accommodate these students will rise. As a result, demand for principals is expected to grow.

Although overall student enrollment is expected to grow, there will be variation by region. Enrollment is projected to grow fastest in the South and West. In the Midwest, enrollment is expected to hold steady, and the Northeast is projected to have declines in enrollment. As a result, employment growth for principals is expected to be faster in the South and West than in the Midwest and Northeast.

However, despite expected increases in enrollment, employment growth for public school principals will depend on state and local government budgets. When state and local governments have budget deficits, they may lay off employees, including principals. As a result, employment growth of principals may be somewhat slowed by state and local government budget deficits.

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2012-13 Edition