Career comparison
Instructional Coordinator vs. School Principal
Side-by-side pay, training, growth and day-to-day duties to help you choose between two related careers.
School principals earn more at the median ($105,870 vs. $77,440), while school principals usually get to work faster (5+ years of teaching plus a master’s of training). Instructional coordinators improve teaching and learning by developing curriculum and coaching teachers. School principals lead a school’s teachers, students and families toward strong learning.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
| Instructional Coordinator | School Principal | |
|---|---|---|
| Median pay | $77,440 ($37.23/hr) | $105,870 |
| Pay range (10th–90th) | $47,980 – $121,670 | $76,280 – $167,770 |
| Job growth, 2025–35 | +1.6% (slower than average) | -0.3% (little or no change) |
| Openings per year | 23,100 | 20,600 |
| Typical entry education | Master's degree | Master's degree |
| Training time | Master’s plus 5+ years of teaching | 5+ years of teaching plus a master’s |
| Key credential | State administrator or curriculum license | State administrator license |
| Work setting | Coordinators work in school district offices and schools, visiting classrooms and leading meetings.. | Principals work in school buildings, moving between offices, classrooms, hallways and events.. |
What each job does
Instructional Coordinator
- Develop and revise curriculum
- Select instructional materials and technology
- Coach and mentor teachers
- Lead professional development
- Analyze student achievement data
School Principal
- Lead the school’s instructional program
- Observe and evaluate teachers
- Manage budgets and staffing
- Handle student discipline
- Keep the school safe
How they’re similar
Both careers involve working with people, teamwork, helping others, and high-pay. Both are part of the education & childcare field, so many skills transfer between them.
Which should you choose?
Choose instructional coordinator if…
- I loved teaching and want bigger impact
- I like data
- I enjoy coaching adults
Choose school principal if…
- I’m an experienced teacher
- I want to lead adults
- I stay calm in conflict
Still torn? Take the Instructional Coordinator fit quiz and the School Principal fit quiz, or the full Career Match Quiz.
Quick comparisons
Which pays more, instructional coordinator or school principal?
School Principals earn more at the median: $105,870 versus $77,440 for instructional coordinators, based on BLS May 2025 data.
Which takes less time to train for?
School Principals typically train faster (5+ years of teaching plus a master’s) than instructional coordinators (Master’s plus 5+ years of teaching).
Which career has better job growth?
BLS projects instructional coordinators to grow +1.6% from 2025–35, compared with -0.3% for school principals.