How to Become a College Administrator (Postsecondary)
Run the programs behind higher education: admissions, student services, academic operations, and research administration. It typically requires a master's degree, with a median salary of $104,590 per year and slower than average projected job growth.
Median pay
$104,590/yr
Job growth
1%
Openings / yr
15,100
Majors that lead here
Key skills
- Program Administration
- Policy
- Budgeting
- Critical Thinking
- Communication
Helpful certifications
- Graduate degree in higher education or related field
Is this career a fit?
Remote-friendly
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Work-life balance
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Stress level
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Satisfaction
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Related careers
- School Principal (K-12 Administrator)$105,870 median
- School Psychologist$95,990 median
- Instructional Coordinator$77,440 median
- Teacher (Secondary Education)$72,040 median
- Librarian$68,270 median
- Career and Technical Education Teacher$66,270 median
Frequently asked questions
How much does a College Administrator (Postsecondary) make?
The median pay for a College Administrator (Postsecondary) is $104,590 a year (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2025). Actual pay varies with experience, location, and employer.
What degree do you need to become a College Administrator (Postsecondary)?
The usual entry point is a master's degree. Common majors are Higher Education Administration, Educational Leadership, Public Administration, and Business Administration.
Is College Administrator (Postsecondary) a growing field?
The BLS projects slower than average demand for this role, about 1% over the decade, with roughly 15,100 U.S. openings a year.
What skills does a College Administrator (Postsecondary) use most?
Common skills for this role are Program Administration, Policy, Budgeting, Critical Thinking, and Communication.
Planning to become a College Administrator (Postsecondary)?
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Take the major quizSalary and job-growth figures: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and O*NET OnLine (median annual wages May 2025; employment projections 2024-2034). National figures; actual pay varies by location, employer, and experience.