Position
Salary

How much does a Principal make?

The average salary for a Principal is $100,910 per year in the US.

Principals in schools earn a solid salary that reflects their important role. They lead schools and make big decisions. The average yearly salary for a principal is around $100,910. This means most principals earn between $67,724 and $137,093 each year. Some principals earn more, especially if they work in larger or more affluent areas.

The salary for principals can vary based on several factors. These include the size of the school, the location, and the level of education. For example, principals in larger districts or urban areas often earn more. Those in suburban or rural areas might earn less. The experience and education of the principal also play a role. More experienced principals or those with advanced degrees often earn higher salaries.

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What are the highest paying cities for a Principal?

Principal jobs offer high salaries in many cities. San Francisco, CA, leads with an average salary of $180,079. Seattle, WA, and Boulder, CO, follow closely with average salaries of $156,008 and $136,690, respectively. These cities provide excellent opportunities for those seeking top compensation in their careers.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Principal jobs, highlighting San Francisco, CA with the highest at $180,079 and San Diego, CA with the lowest at $114,546.
  1. San Francisco, CA
    Average Salary: $180,079
    In San Francisco, professionals thrive in a tech-driven environment. Companies like Google and Salesforce offer dynamic roles. The city's vibrant culture enhances work-life balance.
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  2. Seattle, WA
    Average Salary: $156,008
    Seattle provides a unique blend of tech and nature. With giants like Amazon and Microsoft, the job market is competitive. The city's outdoor activities make commuting enjoyable.
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  3. Boulder, CO
    Average Salary: $136,690
    Boulder offers a serene yet progressive work atmosphere. Companies like Google and Uber value innovation. The scenic beauty and outdoor lifestyle enrich the experience.
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  4. Los Angeles, CA
    Average Salary: $136,192
    Los Angeles is a hub for creativity and entertainment. With major studios and tech firms, opportunities abound. The city's diverse culture adds to the vibrant work environment.
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  5. Miami, FL
    Average Salary: $121,887
    Miami combines business with leisure. The city's growing tech scene and vibrant lifestyle attract many professionals. Companies like Carnival Corp. offer exciting roles.
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  6. Memphis, TN
    Average Salary: $121,029
    Memphis provides a balanced work environment with a slower pace. Companies like FedEx and St. Jude Children's Research Hospital offer rewarding careers. The city's rich culture enhances the experience.
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  7. San Jose, CA
    Average Salary: $119,015
    San Jose is a tech powerhouse with Silicon Valley at its heart. Companies like Apple and Cisco offer cutting-edge opportunities. The city's innovation-driven culture is highly motivating.
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  8. Chicago, IL
    Average Salary: $118,818
    Chicago offers a mix of business and culture. With firms like Boeing and Accenture, the job market is diverse. The city's rich history and vibrant arts scene enrich the work experience.
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  9. Minneapolis, MN
    Average Salary: $116,052
    Minneapolis provides a friendly and professional work environment. Companies like Target and 3M offer stable careers. The city's outdoor activities and cultural events enhance the lifestyle.
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  10. San Diego, CA
    Average Salary: $114,546
    San Diego combines business with beautiful beaches. Companies like Qualcomm and biotech firms offer exciting roles. The city's pleasant climate and outdoor lifestyle make it an attractive place to work.
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What are the best companies a Principal can work for?

Principal jobs at Google offer some of the highest salaries, averaging around $226,292. The Cigna Group and Capco also provide competitive salaries, with averages of $223,216 and $217,318, respectively. Amazon.com, World Wide Technology, and Equinix follow closely, ensuring attractive compensation packages for top talent.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Principal jobs, highlighting Google with the highest at $226,292 and Humana with the lowest at $174,359.
  1. Google
    Average Salary: $226,292
    Google offers Principal jobs in various tech fields. They operate globally with major offices in the US, Europe, and Asia. Principals here lead projects and teams, focusing on innovation and technology.


  2. The Cigna Group
    Average Salary: $223,216
    The Cigna Group provides Principal roles in healthcare and insurance. They have offices across the US and in several international locations. Principals here manage large projects and teams, ensuring quality and compliance.


  3. Capco
    Average Salary: $217,318
    Capco offers Principal jobs in consulting and technology. They have offices in North America, Europe, and Asia. Principals here work on complex projects, helping clients with digital transformation.


  4. Amazon.com
    Average Salary: $213,383
    Amazon offers Principal roles in various tech and business areas. They have offices worldwide, including the US, Europe, and Asia. Principals here lead projects and teams, focusing on innovation and customer experience.


  5. World Wide Technology
    Average Salary: $186,952
    World Wide Technology provides Principal jobs in IT and consulting. They have offices across the US. Principals here manage large projects, helping clients with technology solutions.


  6. Equinix
    Average Salary: $185,679
    Equinix offers Principal roles in data centers and IT. They have offices worldwide, including the US, Europe, and Asia. Principals here manage data center operations and projects.


  7. Citi
    Average Salary: $179,170
    Citi provides Principal jobs in finance and banking. They have offices globally, including the US, Europe, and Asia. Principals here manage large projects and teams, focusing on financial services.


  8. Pacific Gas and Electric
    Average Salary: $177,333
    Pacific Gas and Electric offers Principal roles in energy and utilities. They operate in California. Principals here manage large projects, ensuring energy delivery and safety.


  9. HP
    Average Salary: $177,089
    HP offers Principal jobs in technology and hardware. They have offices worldwide, including the US, Europe, and Asia. Principals here lead projects and teams, focusing on innovation and product development.


  10. Humana
    Average Salary: $174,359
    Humana provides Principal roles in healthcare and insurance. They have offices across the US. Principals here manage large projects, ensuring quality and compliance in healthcare services.

How to earn more as a Principal?

A Principal can increase their earnings through various strategies. These strategies focus on enhancing skills, gaining experience, and leveraging opportunities. By taking proactive steps, a Principal can achieve higher compensation and career satisfaction.

First, gaining advanced certifications can boost earning potential. These certifications demonstrate expertise and commitment to the field. Second, taking on leadership roles in projects can lead to higher pay. These roles often come with increased responsibilities and rewards. Third, networking with industry professionals can open doors to better job opportunities. Building a strong professional network can lead to higher-paying positions. Fourth, seeking promotions within the company can result in salary increases. Regular performance reviews and career discussions can help in this regard. Lastly, exploring new industries or markets can lead to higher-paying roles. Adapting to new challenges can open up lucrative opportunities.

Consider these factors to increase earnings as a Principal:

  1. Gain advanced certifications.
  2. Take on leadership roles in projects.
  3. Network with industry professionals.
  4. Seek promotions within the company.
  5. Explore new industries or markets.

Currently 570 Principal job openings, nationwide.

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

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