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College Administrator

$103,960
median pay per year
full range coming in the next data update

What the job actually is

Manage a college's academics, admissions, or student services, set policy, and oversee staff and budgets.

Where you work

Colleges and universities

The hours

Weekday hours, plus campus events

By the numbers

May 2024–25 BLS wage data · 2024–34 BLS employment projections.

Median pay
$103,960
per year
What most earn
range coming soon
Openings a year
~15,100
projected, 2024–34
Outlook to 2034
+2%
About average
Working in the U.S.
226,600
people, nationwide

Openings a year counts new jobs plus the ones that open when people retire or move on — a truer picture of your odds than growth alone.

“Median” means half earn more and half earn less. Your city, employer, and years on the job move it a lot — that is what the 10th-to-90th range shows.

How you get in

Typical starting education

Master's degree

Training path: Master's degree.

License or certification

No license required to start in most places.

What it takes

AdministrationBudgetingCommunicationLeadership

The honest take

Running the business of higher ed — admissions, student life, or a department — usually after years on campus.

Standard Occupational Classification 11-9033. Pay, employment, and outlook from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OEWS wage survey and 2024–34 employment projections). See something off? Tell us.