How much do high school principals make?

High school principals typically earn more than elementary school principals, with average salaries ranging from $95,000 to $130,000+ depending on the district size and location. Large suburban and urban districts tend to pay the most.

How long does it take to become a principal?

It typically takes 8 to 12 years after your bachelor's degree: one to two years for a master's degree, three to five years of teaching experience, and two to five years as an assistant principal or other administrative role before becoming a principal.

Do principals work in the summer?

Yes, unlike teachers, principals typically work year-round on 11 or 12-month contracts. Summer duties include hiring staff, planning for the upcoming school year, attending meetings, and managing building projects. Principals receive higher salaries than teachers partly because of this extended work year.

Is being a principal stressful?

The principalship is widely considered one of the most stressful positions in education. Long hours, community expectations, accountability pressures, budget constraints, and the responsibility for student and staff welfare contribute to high stress levels and significant turnover.

Can principals make more than $150,000?

Yes, principals in large, well-funded districts, especially in high-cost areas, can earn over $150,000. Principals in states like California, New York, Connecticut, and New Jersey frequently earn in this range, particularly at the high school level.

School Principal Salary: How Much Do They Really Make?

EducationAbout as fast as average

School principals oversee the daily operations of elementary, middle, and high schools. They manage teachers and staff, set academic goals, develop budgets, ensure student safety, communicate with parents, and create a positive school culture. Principals are the instructional leaders who shape the educational experience for an entire school community.

Median Salary

$103,460

Salary Range

$63,120 – $158,290

Hourly Equivalent

$49.74/hr

Growth Rate

School Principal Salary by Experience Level

Entry Level (0-2 years)$74,491

$35.81/hr

Mid Career (3-6 years)$103,460

$49.74/hr

Senior (7-12 years)$129,325

$62.18/hr

Expert (13+ years)$150,017

$72.12/hr

School Principal Salary by State (Top 10)

Rank	State	Annual Salary	Hourly Rate
#1	California	$126,221	$60.68/hr
#2	New York	$123,117	$59.19/hr
#3	Washington	$120,014	$57.70/hr
#4	Massachusetts	$118,979	$57.20/hr
#5	New Jersey	$116,910	$56.21/hr
#6	Connecticut	$114,841	$55.21/hr
#7	Maryland	$112,771	$54.22/hr
#8	Alaska	$111,737	$53.72/hr
#9	Hawaii	$110,702	$53.22/hr
#10	Oregon	$108,633	$52.23/hr

School Principal Salary by City (Top 10 Metros)

Rank	City	Annual Salary	Hourly Rate
#1	San Francisco, CA	$142,775	$68.64/hr
#2	New York City, NY	$136,567	$65.66/hr
#3	San Jose, CA	$134,498	$64.66/hr
#4	Seattle, WA	$129,325	$62.18/hr
#5	Boston, MA	$126,221	$60.68/hr
#6	Washington D.C., DC	$124,152	$59.69/hr
#7	Los Angeles, CA	$122,083	$58.69/hr
#8	Denver, CO	$115,875	$55.71/hr
#9	Austin, TX	$113,806	$54.71/hr
#10	Chicago, IL	$111,737	$53.72/hr

How to Become a School Principal

To become a school principal, you typically need a master's degree in educational administration, educational leadership, or a related field. Most principal preparation programs require three or more years of teaching experience for admission. Programs include coursework in school law, finance, curriculum development, supervision, and organizational leadership.

Principal preparation programs include a supervised internship or practicum where you work alongside an experienced administrator. This hands-on experience is critical for developing the leadership, management, and decision-making skills needed to run a school effectively.

Each state requires principals to hold an administrator license or certification. Requirements typically include completing an approved preparation program, passing a state exam like the School Leaders Licensure Assessment (SLLA), and meeting experience requirements. Some states have tiered licensure systems with initial and professional levels.

Many principals gain administrative experience first as assistant principals, department chairs, or instructional coaches. These stepping-stone positions provide leadership experience and help build the skills needed for the principalship. Some principals eventually advance to district-level positions like superintendent, curriculum director, or other central office roles.

Job Outlook for School Principals

1% growth — About as fast as average

The job outlook for school principals shows about 1% growth from 2022 to 2032, with approximately 15,200 annual openings primarily from retirements and turnover. Principal turnover is a significant issue in education, with many principals leaving within five years due to the demanding nature of the role.

Principals in high-need urban and rural schools often find the most opportunities, as these positions tend to have higher turnover and are harder to fill. Districts in these areas may offer signing bonuses, relocation assistance, and higher salaries to attract qualified candidates.

Despite the challenges of the role, the principalship offers strong compensation, the ability to make a meaningful impact on student outcomes, and the satisfaction of leading a school community. Principals who demonstrate strong leadership and improved student achievement can advance to superintendent and other senior leadership positions.

Education & Certifications

Education Required

Master's Degree in Educational Administration or Leadership

Key Certifications

State Administrative License
Teaching License
CPR/First Aid