The next administration is expected to make about 150 political appointments in the Department of Education. Nominations to the following 16 top positions must be confirmed by the Senate.
| Position | Current Officeholder | Current Salary |
| Secretary of Education | Richard W. Riley | $157,000 |
| Deputy Secretary of Education | Frank S. Holleman III | $141,300 |
| Undersecretary of Education | vacant | $122,400 |
| Inspector General* | Lorraine P. Lewis | $122,400 |
| General Counsel | Judith A. Winston | $122,400 |
| Chief Financial Officer | Thomas P. Skelly (acting) | $122,400 |
| Commissioner of Education Statistics** | Gary W. Phillips (acting) | $122,400 |
| Assistant Secretary for Elementary and Secondary Education | Michael Cohen | $122,400 |
| Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights | Norma V. Cantu | $122,400 |
| Assistant Secretary for Legislation and Congressional Affairs | Scott S. Fleming | $122,400 |
| Assistant Secretary for Intergovernmental and Interagency Affairs | G. Mario Moreno | $122,400 |
| Assistant Secretary for Postsecondary Education | A. Lee Fritschler | $122,400 |
| Assistant Secretary for Educational Research and Improvement | C. Kent McGuire | $122,400 |
| Assistant Secretary for Vocational and Adult Education | Patricia W. McNeil | $122,400 |
| Assistant Secretary for Special Education and Rehabilitative Services | Judith E. Heumann | $122,400 |
| Commissioner, Rehabilitation Services Administration | Fredric K. Schroeder | $114,500 |
SOURCE: Senate Committee on Governmental Affairs.
