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Lake County Gazette

Tuesday, July 1, 2025

Analysis: Zion-Benton Township High School District 126 administrators rank 191st highest in state for average salary in 2024

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Dr. Jesse J. Rodriguez Superintendent of Schools | Zion-Benton Township High School District 126

Dr. Jesse J. Rodriguez Superintendent of Schools | Zion-Benton Township High School District 126

Administrators in Zion-Benton Township High School District 126 earn an average of $127,031 per year, ranking 191st highest in the state, according to the Illinois State Board of Education.

The average salary in the district in 2024 was 0.7% higher than in 2023 and 2.1% more than in 2022. District administrators made 6.4% more than the state average of $119,384.

Administrator salaries depend on the district’s size, location, and resources, as well as the individual’s level of experience and education, according to the Illinois State Board of Education report.

In Illinois, school administrators are educational leaders who oversee the management and operations of schools and districts. This includes roles such as superintendents, assistant superintendents, principals, assistant principals, directors of special education, and chief school business officials. 

These positions require a Professional Educator License (PEL) endorsed in an administrative field, which involves meeting specific educational and experiential criteria set by the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE).

Zion-Benton Township High School District 126 enrolled 2,508 students in the 2023-24 school year. This means there was an average of 104 students for every administrator, compared to the statewide ratio of 135 to 1.

Zion-Benton Township High School District 126 roughly covers schools within Lake County and has a main office in Zion.

District information was gathered from the Illinois Report Card.

The Illinois Educator Shortage Survey found more than 3,800 unfilled teaching positions in the 2024-25 school year, down 5.6% from the previous year. 

The survey also reported nearly 200 vacant administrator roles, a notable increase of 16.7%. Despite the rise, only about one-third of educational leaders said administrator shortages were a problem.

Administrator Average Salary Comparison Over 10 Years: Zion-Benton Township High School District 126 vs. Illinois

2015201620172018201920202021202220232024050,000100,000150,000DistrictState

Zion-Benton Township High School District 126 Administrator Salaries, 10-Year Trend
State RankYearAverage salaryStudent-to-administrator ratio
1912024$127,031104-to-1
1752023$126,131101-to-1
1732022$124,392119-to-1
1282021$128,790131-to-1
1782020$119,922120-to-1
1982019$116,427137-to-1
2052018$111,809138-to-1
2342017$108,961145-to-1
2362016$106,620142-to-1
2522015$103,781140-to-1