How much does a Principal make?
Principals often earn a good salary, especially when they have a lot of experience. On average, principals make about $108,637 a year. This can change based on where they work and how much experience they have. Salaries can range from $35,000 to over $237,000.
Most principals find that their pay goes up as they gain more experience. For those in the top 25% of earners, the salary often starts at $127,045. The lowest 25% earn around $71,818 or less. This shows that hard work and dedication can lead to higher pay.
What are the highest paying cities for a Principal?
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San Francisco, CA
Average Salary: $198,792
Working in San Francisco offers a dynamic environment for professionals. Companies like Google and Salesforce drive innovation. The tech industry thrives here, making it ideal for leadership roles.
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Boulder, CO
Average Salary: $188,586
Boulder presents a vibrant scene for career growth. With companies such as Salesforce and Google, the tech field is robust. Outdoor activities enrich the lifestyle for those seeking balance.
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Seattle, WA
Average Salary: $173,018
Seattle is home to tech giants like Microsoft and Amazon. Professionals here enjoy a strong community and innovative projects. The city's vibrant culture makes it a great place to work and live.
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Boston, MA
Average Salary: $145,292
Boston's rich history blends with modern industry. Companies like Boston Scientific and Liberty Mutual offer diverse opportunities. The city's academic institutions add depth to the professional landscape.
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Los Angeles, CA
Average Salary: $140,664
Los Angeles offers a bustling career environment. With media and entertainment leaders like Disney and Warner Bros., it’s a hub for creativity. The city's diverse culture enriches professional experiences.
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Atlanta, GA
Average Salary: $135,860
Atlanta is a growing tech hub with companies like IBM and Cox Communications. The city’s expanding economy provides many leadership chances. Its southern charm adds to the welcoming atmosphere.
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San Diego, CA
Average Salary: $134,159
San Diego offers a mix of biotech and tech leadership roles. Companies such as Qualcomm and Scripps bring innovation. The city’s beautiful beaches and parks make it a desirable place to work.
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Chicago, IL
Average Salary: $131,427
Chicago provides a strong professional network. Financial and tech companies like JPMorgan Chase and Google thrive here. The city’s rich culture and sports scene enhance the living experience.
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Madison, WI
Average Salary: $130,794
Madison is known for its academic and tech sectors. Companies such as Epic Systems and American Family Insurance offer solid opportunities. The university presence adds to the vibrant community.
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Memphis, TN
Average Salary: $129,050
Memphis offers a unique blend of tradition and growth. Companies like FedEx and Baptist Memorial Health Care provide diverse career paths. The city’s cultural heritage and southern warmth enrich professional life.
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What are the best companies a Principal can work for?
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Arup
Average Salary: $287,273
Arup offers Principal jobs with a focus on global design, engineering, and consulting. They operate in over 40 countries, providing expertise in various industries including architecture, infrastructure, and technology. Principals at Arup often work on large-scale, complex projects that make a significant impact on communities.
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Mastercard
Average Salary: $259,115
Mastercard provides Principal positions that emphasize innovation in the financial technology sector. They operate globally, serving clients in over 210 countries and territories. Principals at Mastercard work on projects that drive the future of payments and financial services.
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Intuit
Average Salary: $233,283
Intuit offers Principal roles that focus on creating software solutions for small businesses and individuals. They operate in the United States and other countries, aiming to power prosperity around the world. Principals at Intuit work on developing and improving financial management tools.
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Google
Average Salary: $222,371
Google provides Principal jobs that focus on cutting-edge technology and innovation. They operate worldwide, with offices in many countries including the United States, Europe, and Asia. Principals at Google work on projects that shape the future of the internet and technology.
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NOVOGRADAC & COMPANY
Average Salary: $215,000
NOVOGRADAC & COMPANY offers Principal roles that focus on affordable housing and community development. They operate in the United States, helping create and manage affordable housing projects. Principals at NOVOGRADAC & COMPANY work on projects that improve communities and provide housing solutions.
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Amazon Web Services
Average Salary: $214,464
Amazon Web Services offers Principal jobs that focus on cloud computing and technology services. They operate globally, serving businesses in various industries. Principals at AWS work on projects that drive the cloud and technology sector forward.
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Amazon.com
Average Salary: $214,373
Amazon.com offers Principal positions that emphasize innovation and customer experience. They operate worldwide, providing a vast range of products and services. Principals at Amazon work on projects that enhance the customer shopping experience.
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The Cigna Group
Average Salary: $209,467
The Cigna Group offers Principal roles that focus on healthcare and insurance. They operate in the United States and other countries, providing health, pharmacy, and supplemental benefits. Principals at The Cigna Group work on projects that improve healthcare solutions.
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CliftonLarsonAllen
Average Salary: $200,771
CliftonLarsonAllen offers Principal jobs that focus on accounting, tax, and advisory services. They operate in the United States and globally, providing services to a wide range of clients. Principals at CliftonLarsonAllen work on projects that ensure financial compliance and growth.
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Pacific Gas and Electric
Average Salary: $185,250
Pacific Gas and Electric offers Principal roles that focus on energy and utility services. They operate in California, providing natural gas and electricity. Principals at PG&E work on projects that ensure reliable energy delivery and sustainability.
How to earn more as a Principal?
Principals hold a significant leadership role in educational settings. They oversee schools and ensure the smooth running of educational activities. This role comes with an opportunity to earn a good salary. However, there are ways to earn even more in this profession. Understanding these can help aspiring principals take steps to increase their earnings.
One way to increase earnings as a principal involves gaining additional certifications. These can include certifications in areas like school leadership, special education, or technology integration. Employers often value these certifications. They show a principal's commitment to continuous learning and skill enhancement. Such certifications can lead to higher-paying positions or salary increases.
Another factor includes gaining experience in different types of schools. Working in a variety of environments, from urban to rural schools, can make a principal more versatile. This experience can attract offers from schools willing to pay more. It also makes a principal a more attractive candidate for leadership roles within larger districts.
Here are some key factors that can help a principal earn more:
- Obtain additional certifications in relevant areas.
- Gain experience in different types of schools and districts.
- Pursue a master's or doctoral degree in education leadership.
- Seek out opportunities for professional development and training.
- Build a strong professional network within the education community.
