AASA Releases 2021-22 Superintendent Salary Study

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:
James Minichello
703-774-6953 
jminichello@aasa.org

Alexandria, Va. – March 9, 2022 –AASA, The School Superintendents Association, is pleased to release its 10th annual superintendent salary study to gauge school district leadership compensation and benefits.

The report, 2021-22 AASA Superintendent Salary & Benefits Study, was released in two versions: a full version for AASA members and an abridged version for wider circulation. The current study is based on nearly 1,800 responses.

“This report is a longstanding resource that serves as one of the few reliable and comprehensive data sources on the working conditions of school system leaders in the nation,” said Daniel A. Domenech, AASA executive director. “It is now more important than ever, given the significant school staff turnover we are seeing across the country, to determine what it means for superintendents.”

"Being part of AASA enables superintendents to share and collaborate with colleagues across the country,” said Paul Imhoff, superintendent, Upper Arlington (Ohio) Schools and 2021-22 AASA president. “This report provides school leaders with another resource to learn from the experiences of their peers."

Major findings include:

• Superintendents are getting younger. In 2022, more than four out of 10 (42.5%) were between 30 and 50 years of age compared to 35.1% in 2012. Only 10.3% of superintendents were more than 60 years of age in 2022 compared to 19.4% in 2012.
• A superintendent’s median salary ranged from $105,000 to $228,541, depending on district enrollment (size).
• As in previous years, there is a difference in salaries by gender, with males reporting higher base salaries. Female superintendents earn approximately 96% of what male superintendents earn.
• In terms of longevity, nearly half (46%) of respondents have five years or fewer experience as a superintendent.
• Nearly 43% of respondents hold a doctorate in education (Ed.D.), followed by 38% with a master’s degree and 9.4% hold a doctoral research degree (Ph.D.) Where numbers are sufficient, a higher percentage of female superintendents hold an Ed.D. (48%), compared to males (41%).

Click here to access a copy of the 2021-22 AASA Superintendent Salary & Benefits Study. AASA members can access the full, member-only version through my.AASA.org.

For specific questions about the report, Tara Thomas, AASA policy analyst, at tthomas@aasa.org. 

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About AASA
AASA, The School Superintendents Association, founded in 1865, is the professional organization for more than 13,000 educational leaders in the United States and throughout the world. AASA’s mission is to support and develop effective school system leaders who are dedicated to equitable access for all students to the highest quality public education. For more information, visit www.aasa.org.