HOUSTON – When it comes to pay, some Texas school superintendents are earning more than you might expect — even more than Governor Greg Abbott or President Donald Trump.
According to the Texas Education Agency’s 2025‑26 superintendent salary data, several superintendents in the state’s largest school districts are making base salaries above $350,000 — with some surpassing $460,000.
For context, Governor Abbott earns $153,750 annually, while the U.S. President earns $400,000 a year.
In Harris County, for example, Houston ISD Superintendent Mike Miles is earning a base salary of around $462,000, while Fort Bend ISD Superintendent Marc Smith is making $438,700.
Across the state, at least 16 superintendents now have total compensation above $400,000 for the 2025‑26 school year.
Experts say these salaries reflect the size and complexity of Texas’s largest school districts, which manage tens of thousands of students and multi-billion-dollar budgets.
Still, some residents and parents question whether school leaders should be making more than elected officials who oversee entire state governments.
Compensation packages are decided by elected school board trustees, except in cases like Houston ISD. Under a state takeover, the state-appointed Board of Managers decides and approves compensation and contracts.
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