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$66.5K

$102.7K

$155K

How much do department chairperson jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for department chairperson in the United States is $102,706.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $73,500.00 and $135,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Department Chairperson vs Department Head?

AspectDepartment ChairpersonDepartment Head
CredentialsTypically requires advanced degrees in the field, teaching experience, and leadership skillsSimilar credentials, often with academic or professional qualifications in the same field
Work EnvironmentAcademic institutions, universities, collegesEducational institutions, research centers, or organizations
Employer & IndustryUniversities and colleges in education and academiaEducational institutions or organizations overseeing departments
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

The main difference between a Department Chairperson and a Department Head lies in their roles within academic institutions. The Department Chairperson typically focuses on faculty management, curriculum oversight, and academic leadership, whereas the Department Head may have a broader administrative or operational role. Both positions require similar credentials and are found in educational settings, but their specific responsibilities and titles can vary by institution.

What are department chairpersons?

Department chairpersons are faculty members who lead and manage an academic department within a school, college, or university. They are responsible for overseeing faculty, coordinating curriculum development, managing budgets, and representing the department in administrative meetings. Department chairpersons also address student and faculty concerns, facilitate communication between administration and staff, and help set academic goals and policies for their departments.

How does a Department Chairperson typically balance administrative duties with supporting faculty and students?

Department Chairpersons are responsible for both administrative management and fostering a supportive environment for faculty and students. This balance often involves overseeing department budgets, scheduling courses, and ensuring compliance with institutional policies, while also mentoring faculty, facilitating professional development, and addressing student concerns. Strong organizational and communication skills are essential to juggle these responsibilities effectively. Chairs regularly collaborate with other academic leaders and participate in university committees, making teamwork a key aspect of the role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Department Chairperson, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Department Chairperson, you need leadership experience, expertise in your academic discipline, and typically a doctoral degree or equivalent terminal degree. Familiarity with academic management systems, budgeting tools, and accreditation processes is often required. Strong communication, conflict resolution, and organizational skills help foster collaboration and support faculty and student success. These skills are critical for effectively managing departmental operations, advancing academic goals, and ensuring a positive departmental culture.

Who is higher, dean or chair?

In academic institutions, a dean is generally higher than a department chairperson. The dean oversees multiple departments within a college or school, while the chair manages a specific department. The dean typically has broader administrative responsibilities and authority over faculty and staff across departments.

How hard is being a department chair?

Being a department chair involves significant responsibilities, including managing faculty, overseeing budgets, and setting strategic goals, which can be demanding and require strong leadership and organizational skills. The role often involves long hours, conflict resolution, and balancing administrative duties with academic priorities.

How do you become a department chair?

To become a department chair, individuals typically need extensive experience in their academic or professional field, often requiring a master's degree or higher, along with demonstrated leadership skills. Candidates usually advance through ranks such as faculty or senior staff, gain administrative experience, and are selected based on their expertise, communication skills, and ability to manage departmental responsibilities.

What does a department chairperson do?

A department chairperson oversees academic departments within an educational institution, managing faculty, developing curriculum, and ensuring departmental goals are met. They handle administrative tasks, coordinate schedules, and often participate in budgeting and policy development to support effective department functioning.
More about Department Chairperson jobs
Who are the top companies hiring for Department Chairperson jobs? The top employers for Department Chairperson jobs are:
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Department Chairperson jobs near you
Infographic showing various Department Chairperson job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 17% Internship, 9% Full Time, 4% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 68% Nights, and 1% Summer. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $102,706 per year, or $49.4 per hour.

History Department Chairperson

Pawtucket School Department

Pawtucket, RI • On-site

$48K - $65K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 24 days ago

Job description

Position Type:
High School Teaching/Social Studies - History
Date Posted:
1/18/2024
Location:
Charles E. Shea High School
Date Available:
02/01/2024The Department Chairperson is responsible for overseeing the respective department's function and efficiency, coordinating and leading department meetings, and completing required paperwork such as budget and course descriptions.
In addition, the Department Chair will work closely with the principals, guidance, special education, ILT and teachers in their departments, central office personnel, and parents.
EXEMPLARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Works as an educational support and maintains a classroom that reflects a high quality of instruction and serves as a model for other teachers.
Serves as curriculum expert in the department and keeps abreast of related instructional innovations, materials, and teaching techniques.
Plans, organizes, and facilitates common planning time meetings regularly and shares results with the building principals and /or central administration.
Oversees the implementation of the department's curriculum through the CPT process and data analysis.
Coordinates staff development efforts to promote instructional expertise within the department through CPT, leadership team, and/or faculty meetings.
Works with central office and teachers to assess, evaluate, and make recommendations to modify the department's curriculum program.
Works with teachers to monitor the department's academic standards in implementing standards-based curriculum units, grading, homework, and assessment.
Mentors and supports teachers in classroom management strategies, lesson planning, and research-based instructional strategies.
Works with administration at the building and central office to support substitute teachers by ensuring classroom materials and class lists are available and maintaining a check on their classroom effectiveness. Advocates for professional development on and access to student information systems and timely Chromebooks for long-term substitutes.
Attends school and district level meetings, such as ILT meetings and district initiatives, submits reports, and completes other related activities required by the administration.
Assists in the building of class schedules.
Prepares a departmental budget in accordance with directives and timelines established by the principals and/or central office.
Completes an updated inventory of textbooks, departmental equipment, and instructional supplies on standard forms.
Makes written requests to the principal for the repair and maintenance of departmental equipment and classrooms.
Suggests books, magazines, audiovisual material, and other instructional resources be purchased for the department and school library.
Collaborates with guidance counselors by suggesting appropriate courses for students.
Serves as a communication link between the school administration and the teachers in the department.
Serves as a communication link with the middle schools and other high schools to align and increase vertical articulation as facilitated by the central office.
Performs other duties as assigned by the building principal/assistant principal as related to the content area.
KNOWLEDGEABLE IN:
Curriculum, Assessment, and Instruction
Content Area State Standards
Current Instructional Techniques
Classroom Management Techniques
ESSA
RTI (Response to intervention)
Cultural competency
Technology and the Student Information System
The related laws of Rhode Island, the BEP, and the policies, regulations, and procedures of the Pawtucket School Department and the Rhode Island Department of Education.
SKILLED AT:
Public speaking; writing; listening; problem-solving; dispute resolution and providing direction
Ability to communicate with other professionals in a respectful and productive manner
Respectful, sensitive, and professional communication with family and community
Ability to work as a team with building faculty and district staff
Excellence in problem solving and organization skills
Timely in the completion of tasks and paperwork requirements
Creative in solutions to problems and in the development of service models to meet the needs of students
Complete requirements of the job in a fast-paced environment
Research and data analysis
Use of technology
Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work
LICENSES/CERTIFICATE:
Valid RI Teaching License in the area and grade level required
Minimum three years of teaching experience at the high school level
Experience in a leadership role

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