Position
Salary

How much does a Elementary Principal make?

The average salary for a Elementary Principal is $104,109 per year in the US.

Elementary Principals play an important role in education. They lead and manage the day-to-day operations of elementary schools. This job comes with a good salary that reflects its importance. The average yearly salary for Elementary Principals is $104,109. This means they earn more than many other jobs in education and beyond.


Salaries for Elementary Principals can vary based on several factors. These include location, years of experience, and the school district's budget. The salary range for this position is broad. At the lower end, some principals earn around $40,000 a year. At the higher end, experienced principals can earn over $173,000 annually. This range shows that there is potential for growth in this career path.

View Elementary Principal jobs nearby

What are the highest paying cities for a Elementary Principal?

Elementary Principal jobs offer promising salaries in major cities. Los Angeles, CA, leads with the highest average salary at over $134,000. Following closely are Dallas, TX, and St. Louis, MO, where salaries also exceed $115,000. These cities provide not just high pay but also rich opportunities for professional growth. Washington, DC, and Denver, CO, also rank high, with average salaries above $100,000. Job seekers looking for a balance of compensation and career advancement should consider these locations.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Elementary Principal jobs, highlighting Los Angeles, CA with the highest at $134,787 and Kansas City, MO with the lowest at $93,724.
  1. Los Angeles, CA
    Average Salary: $134,787
    Los Angeles offers a vibrant school environment with diverse communities. As a leader, you'll work with passionate educators and families. Schools like LAUSD provide great opportunities for professional growth.
    Find Elementary Principal jobs in Los Angeles, CA


  2. Dallas, TX
    Average Salary: $115,868
    Dallas is known for its strong educational focus and supportive school districts. Working here, you’ll find a collaborative atmosphere with dedicated staff and students. Key districts include Dallas ISD and charter schools.
    Find Elementary Principal jobs in Dallas, TX


  3. St. Louis, MO
    Average Salary: $115,051
    St. Louis provides a unique blend of urban and suburban school settings. Schools here emphasize innovation and community engagement. You’ll collaborate with diverse groups to enhance educational outcomes.
    Find Elementary Principal jobs in St. Louis, MO


  4. Washington, DC
    Average Salary: $113,897
    In Washington, DC, schools benefit from a rich cultural environment and diverse student population. Leadership roles here involve working closely with policymakers and educational organizations. Prominent schools include DCPS and charter schools.
    Find Elementary Principal jobs in Washington, DC


  5. Savannah, GA
    Average Salary: $106,320
    Savannah offers a charming environment with a focus on nurturing young minds. Schools here emphasize a strong sense of community. You’ll work with dedicated educators and families to support student success.
    Find Elementary Principal jobs in Savannah, GA


  6. Denver, CO
    Average Salary: $102,510
    Denver provides a dynamic educational landscape with innovative programs. Schools here are committed to student success and professional development. You’ll find opportunities to work with diverse school districts and charter schools.
    Find Elementary Principal jobs in Denver, CO


  7. Philadelphia, PA
    Average Salary: $98,908
    Philadelphia's schools offer a mix of urban and suburban settings. Leaders here focus on enhancing student achievement and school culture. Collaboration with educators and families is key. Districts like Philadelphia Public Schools provide robust opportunities.
    Find Elementary Principal jobs in Philadelphia, PA


  8. Nashville, TN
    Average Salary: $97,258
    Nashville is a growing city with a strong commitment to education. Schools here emphasize creativity and innovation. You’ll work in a supportive environment with dedicated educators and community leaders.
    Find Elementary Principal jobs in Nashville, TN


  9. Chicago, IL
    Average Salary: $95,789
    Chicago's schools offer diverse opportunities for leadership and growth. With a rich history of education, you’ll find innovative programs and dedicated staff. CPS and charter schools provide various avenues for professional development.
    Find Elementary Principal jobs in Chicago, IL


  10. Kansas City, MO
    Average Salary: $93,724
    Kansas City provides a supportive and collaborative environment for school leaders. Schools here focus on student success and community involvement. You’ll work with dedicated educators and families to enhance educational outcomes.
    Find Elementary Principal jobs in Kansas City, MO

What are the best companies a Elementary Principal can work for?

Job seekers who want to become an Elementary Principal can find top salaries with school districts. The Los Angeles Unified School District offers an average salary of $142,612, the highest among the top companies. Dallas Independent School District also pays well, with an average salary of $117,833 for Elementary Principals. Choosing a well-known company like YES Prep Public Schools can provide a good salary of $92,300. Other companies like Marklund and ACCEL Schools offer salaries of $90,000 and $82,059, respectively. These schools are great options for those looking to lead and make a difference in education.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Elementary Principal jobs, highlighting Los Angeles Unified School District with the highest at $142,612 and ACCEL Schools with the lowest at $82,059.
  1. Los Angeles Unified School District
    Average Salary: $142,612
    Los Angeles Unified School District offers rewarding positions for Elementary Principals. They operate in one of the largest school districts in the country, spanning across Los Angeles County. These roles emphasize leadership and innovation in education.


  2. Dallas Independent School District
    Average Salary: $117,833
    Dallas Independent School District provides excellent opportunities for Elementary Principals. They serve a diverse student population in the Dallas area. This role involves managing school operations and fostering a positive learning environment.


  3. YES Prep Public Schools
    Average Salary: $92,300
    YES Prep Public Schools offers competitive salaries for Elementary Principals. They focus on academic excellence and student success in the Houston area. These positions require strong leadership and a commitment to educational excellence.


  4. Marklund
    Average Salary: $90,000
    Marklund offers rewarding Elementary Principal positions. They are dedicated to providing high-quality education. They operate across multiple states, offering diverse experiences for principals. This role emphasizes innovative teaching practices and student development.


  5. ACCEL Schools
    Average Salary: $82,059
    ACCEL Schools provides valuable opportunities for Elementary Principals. They focus on empowering students through personalized learning. They operate in several states, offering growth and development. These roles involve managing school programs and supporting staff.

How to earn more as a Elementary Principal?

Becoming an Elementary Principal offers a rewarding career in education. To increase earning potential in this role, one must focus on several key factors. Gaining advanced certifications can enhance leadership skills and make a candidate more attractive to school districts. Participating in professional development courses can also broaden knowledge and demonstrate a commitment to education.

Experience is a crucial factor in salary negotiations. Working in various educational settings can provide diverse experiences that are valuable to any school. Engaging in leadership roles in other areas of education, such as curriculum development or teacher training, can also improve earning potential. Networking within the education community can lead to better job opportunities and higher salaries. Advocating for fair pay and staying informed about industry trends can also aid in salary negotiations.

A strong record of school improvement can significantly impact earnings. Demonstrating the ability to enhance student performance and create a positive school culture can make an Elementary Principal more valuable. Below are five factors that can help increase earnings:

  1. Advanced certifications
  2. Professional development
  3. Experience in various educational roles
  4. Strong networking skills
  5. Commitment to school improvement

Currently 286 Elementary Principal job openings, nationwide.

How's the job market for a Elementary Principal in the US?

Learn what a Elementary Principal does, how to become one, and understand the job outlook. Get simple steps to start your career as a Elementary Principal today.
Position
Overview
Elementary Principal
286 Job Openings