How to become a school principal or administrator of elementary and secondary education
Official title: School principals and administrators of elementary and secondary education
Also called: Principal, School principal, Assistant principal, High school principal, School superintendent, School vice-principal, Native school principal, Private school principal, Business college principal, Community school principal, School board administrator, Secondary school principal
School principals plan, organize, direct, control and evaluate the activities of teachers and other staff of an elementary or secondary school. They are employed by public and private schools. Administrators of elementary and secondary education plan, organize, direct, control and evaluate the academic affairs of a school system. They are employed by school boards.
Main tasks
- School principals
- Plan, organize, direct, control and evaluate, through department heads or supervisors, the activities of teachers and support staff
- Review programs to ensure conformance to school board or provincial standards and develop programs within limits of authority
- Coordinate teaching activities of the institution by making personnel assignments, determining class size and preparing timetables
- Organize and maintain procedures for the keeping of records
- Prepare and administer institution or program budget
- Direct and coordinate school maintenance services and the use of school facilities
- May recruit and hire teachers and other staff
How to become one
A bachelor's degree in education is required. A master's degree in education may be required. Several years of experience as a senior teacher or department head are required. A teacher's certificate for the province of employment is required. School principals may require a principal's certificate. Administrators of elementary and secondary education may require a supervisory officer certificate.
Ways in
- University: Education & Teaching degrees, Offered by 16 universities in Canada
Pay · Outlook
- Median pay: $107,816 a year The middle half earn $91,884 to $121,875.
- About 39,500 people worked in this job in 2023, and about 40,800 are projected by 2033. (+3.3%)
- Projected labour market to 2033: balance.
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Questions people ask
How do I become a school principal or administrator of elementary and secondary education?
A bachelor's degree in education is required. A master's degree in education may be required. Several years of experience as a senior teacher or department head are required. A teacher's certificate for the province of employment is required. School principals may require a principal's certificate. Administrators of elementary and secondary education may require a supervisory officer certificate.
How much does a school principal or administrator of elementary and secondary education earn in Canada?
Median full-time pay is $107,816 a year (Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank)). The middle half earn $91,884 to $121,875.
Is a school principal or administrator of elementary and secondary education a growing career in Canada?
Yes. Employment is projected to grow 3% by 2033, from about 39,500 to about 40,800 people (Employment and Social Development Canada).
Do you need a degree to become a school principal or administrator of elementary and secondary education?
Usually. 96% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher.
Sources
- Statistics Canada: Census 2021: employment by occupation, gender and education (98-10-0449) (2021 Census), Statistics Canada Open Licence, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Statistics Canada: National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 (Version 1.0), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Employment and Social Development Canada: Canadian Occupational Projection System (COPS) (2024 to 2033), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank): Wages by occupation (2025 (revised 2025-11-19)), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
Updated 2026-10-03