Principal Salaries

Position

Salary

How much does a Principal make?

The average salary for a Principal is $109,211 per year in the US.

Graph depicting the yearly salary distribution for Principal positions, showing an average salary of $109,211 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.

Graph depicting the monthly salary distribution for Principal positions, showing an average salary of $109,211 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.

Graph depicting the weekly salary distribution for Principal positions, showing an average salary of $109,211 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.

Graph depicting the hourly salary distribution for Principal positions, showing an average salary of $109,211 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.

Principal roles often offer attractive salary packages. The average yearly salary for a Principal position is around $109,211. This number can vary based on experience, industry, and location. For those new to the role, salaries might start lower, around $36,000. As professionals gain more experience, salaries can increase significantly, with some Principals earning over $250,000 a year.

Factors influencing Principal salaries include the industry, company size, and geographic region. For example, Principals working in technology or finance often command higher salaries. Large corporations and tech startups may offer competitive pay to attract top talent. In addition, certain cities with a high cost of living, such as San Francisco or New York, tend to offer higher salaries. Seeking roles in these areas can boost earning potential.

What are the highest paying cities for a Principal?

Principals in San Francisco earn the highest salaries, averaging around $206,248 annually. This high pay reflects the city's competitive job market and strong demand for qualified professionals. Boulder, Seattle, and Boston also offer attractive compensation packages, with average salaries around $203,294, $189,034, and $170,819 respectively. Other cities like Fresno, Atlanta, Madison, Chicago, Los Angeles, and San Jose provide competitive salaries, making them attractive locations for principal positions. For job seekers, these cities present numerous opportunities with strong earning potential.

Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Principal jobs, highlighting San Francisco, CA with the highest at $206,248 and San Jose, CA with the lowest at $146,223.

San Francisco, CA
Average Salary: $206,248
In San Francisco, tech companies drive the job market for senior roles. Many opportunities come from startups and established tech giants. The fast-paced environment suits those who thrive in innovation.
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Boulder, CO
Average Salary: $203,294
Boulder offers a unique blend of outdoor activities and tech job opportunities. Companies in Boulder focus on renewable energy and research. The cost of living is high, but the lifestyle is rewarding.
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Seattle, WA
Average Salary: $189,034
Seattle is known for its tech scene, led by companies like Amazon and Microsoft. The city offers a mix of urban and natural settings. Those in senior roles often enjoy a good work-life balance.
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Boston, MA
Average Salary: $170,819
Boston's job market for senior roles is rich in education and healthcare. The city's historical charm meets modern tech needs. Companies in finance and biotech offer dynamic career paths.
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Fresno, CA
Average Salary: $162,608
Fresno provides a more affordable cost of living compared to other tech hubs. Agriculture and healthcare are major employers. Senior roles here offer stability and community focus.
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Atlanta, GA
Average Salary: $152,624
Atlanta has a growing tech scene and strong sectors in logistics and healthcare. Companies like Coca-Cola and Delta Airlines offer stable careers. The city balances growth with Southern charm.
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Madison, WI
Average Salary: $152,288
Madison is a hub for education and research. The University of Wisconsin creates many job opportunities. Those in senior roles often enjoy a collaborative work environment.
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Chicago, IL
Average Salary: $148,697
Chicago's diverse job market includes finance, manufacturing, and technology. Senior roles often come with significant responsibilities. The city's rich culture adds to the professional experience.
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Los Angeles, CA
Average Salary: $148,472
Los Angeles offers a vibrant mix of entertainment, tech, and healthcare jobs. The city's dynamic lifestyle suits those who enjoy a busy work environment. Senior roles here often come with creative challenges.
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San Jose, CA
Average Salary: $146,223
San Jose is the heart of Silicon Valley, offering numerous tech opportunities. Companies like Google and Intel attract top talent. Senior roles here are fast-paced and innovative.
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What are the best companies a Principal can work for?

Principal jobs at HNTB Corporation offer some of the highest salaries, with an average of $266,388 per year. Intuit and Boston Consulting Group also pay well, with average salaries around $236,818 and $230,000, respectively. Amazon Web Services, Amazon.com, and NOVOGRADAC & COMPANY provide strong compensation, ranging from $218,939 to $215,000 annually. Pursuing a principal role at these top companies can lead to significant financial rewards. Google, Options Clearing Corporation, The Cigna Group, and Pacific Gas and Electric follow closely behind, offering average salaries that range from $213,511 to $190,273. These firms recognize the value of their principal employees, providing competitive packages.

Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Principal jobs, highlighting HNTB Corporation with the highest at $266,388 and Pacific Gas and Electric with the lowest at $190,273.

HNTB Corporation
Average Salary: $266,388
HNTB Corporation offers rewarding Principal jobs with a focus on infrastructure and urban planning. They operate across the United States, with major hubs in cities like Los Angeles and New York.
Intuit
Average Salary: $236,818
At Intuit, Principal jobs focus on software development and financial services. The company operates globally with key locations in Mountain View, California, and several international offices.
Boston Consulting Group
Average Salary: $230,000
Boston Consulting Group provides Principal roles that emphasize strategic consulting. They have offices in many cities worldwide, including Boston, New York, and London.
Amazon Web Services
Average Salary: $218,939
Amazon Web Services offers Principal positions in cloud computing and technology solutions. The company operates in many countries, with major offices in Seattle, New York, and Tokyo.
Amazon.com
Average Salary: $215,030
Amazon.com provides Principal roles in e-commerce and technology. They have offices in many cities around the world, including Seattle, New York, and London.
NOVOGRADAC & COMPANY
Average Salary: $215,000
NOVOGRADAC & COMPANY offers Principal jobs in financial consulting. The company operates in several locations across the United States, with key offices in New York and San Francisco.
Google
Average Salary: $213,511
Google provides Principal positions in technology and innovation. They have offices in many cities worldwide, including Mountain View, New York, and London.
Options Clearing Corporation
Average Salary: $200,014
Options Clearing Corporation offers Principal jobs in financial services. The company operates primarily in the United States, with major offices in Chicago and New York.
The Cigna Group
Average Salary: $196,808
The Cigna Group provides Principal roles in healthcare and insurance. They have offices in many cities around the world, including Bloomfield, Connecticut, and several international locations.
Pacific Gas and Electric
Average Salary: $190,273
Pacific Gas and Electric offers Principal jobs in energy and utility services. The company operates in California, with major offices in San Francisco and Sacramento.

How to earn more as a Principal?

A Principal can increase their earnings through several strategic steps. Focusing on professional development is key. Attending workshops, earning certifications, and completing advanced degrees can open new job opportunities and lead to higher positions.

Networking plays a crucial role. Building a strong network of industry contacts can provide insider information about job openings and salary expectations. Engaging in professional organizations and attending conferences can expand one’s professional circle. Securing endorsements from respected colleagues can also boost a Principal’s credibility and market value.

Here are five key factors to consider for increasing earnings:

Education and Certifications: Obtain advanced degrees or specialized certifications.
Experience: Gain more years of experience and take on complex projects.
Networking: Build and maintain a professional network of industry contacts.
Specialization: Focus on a niche area to become a sought-after expert.
Skill Development: Continuously update skills to stay current with industry trends.

How much does a Principal make?

What are the highest paying cities for a Principal?

What are the best companies a Principal can work for?

How to earn more as a Principal?

Currently 1,079 Principal job openings, nationwide.

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

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