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How much does a Principal make?

The average salary for a Principal is $122,950 per year in the US.

Principals in educational institutions play a crucial role in managing schools. These professionals can expect a rewarding salary for their responsibilities. On average, principals earn about $122,950 per year. The range of earnings varies significantly, with some principals making as low as $38,000 and others reaching up to $255,975.

The salary for a principal can depend on many factors. These include the size of the school, the location, and the educational level. For example, those who work in larger urban schools may see higher salaries compared to those in smaller, rural areas. Principals with more experience often earn more. Their dedication and leadership often lead to higher positions within a school district.

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What are the highest paying cities for a Principal?

Job seekers can find top Principal salaries in major tech and tech-friendly cities. San Francisco leads the pack with an average salary of $200,279, followed closely by Seattle at $192,851. High-paying opportunities also await in cities like San Jose, Boston, and Los Angeles, offering strong career prospects. Other noteworthy cities include Boulder, Madison, and Atlanta, each providing competitive salaries for Principal roles. Spokane and Fresno round out the list of top-paying cities. These locations offer a mix of tech innovation and lifestyle appeal.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Principal jobs, highlighting San Francisco, CA with the highest at $200,279 and Fresno, CA with the lowest at $157,731.
  1. San Francisco, CA
    Average Salary: $200,279
    In San Francisco, a hub for tech giants, professionals can lead innovative projects and work with cutting-edge technology. Companies like Google and Salesforce offer exciting opportunities for growth. The dynamic environment makes it a great place for those looking to make an impact.
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  2. Seattle, WA
    Average Salary: $192,851
    Seattle boasts a strong tech scene, with companies such as Amazon and Microsoft driving the industry. Leading roles here allow for meaningful contributions to tech advancements. The city's vibrant culture adds to the rewarding work experience.
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  3. Boston, MA
    Average Salary: $181,172
    Boston's rich history and modern innovation blend perfectly in its job market. Professionals here can lead projects at renowned firms like IBM and Fidelity. The city offers a blend of intellectual challenge and cultural richness.
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  4. San Jose, CA
    Average Salary: $179,997
    San Jose, the heart of Silicon Valley, offers a vibrant tech landscape. Leading companies like Intel and Cisco provide exciting opportunities. The dynamic environment fosters innovation and professional growth.
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  5. Boulder, CO
    Average Salary: $174,170
    Boulder combines natural beauty with a thriving tech and research sector. Companies like Google and Lockheed Martin present significant leadership roles. The outdoors and community spirit enhance the work experience.
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  6. Madison, WI
    Average Salary: $170,044
    Madison, known for its universities and innovation, offers a balanced work-life environment. Leading roles at companies like Epic Systems provide meaningful contributions. The supportive community adds to a positive professional experience.
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  7. Los Angeles, CA
    Average Salary: $165,662
    Los Angeles provides a diverse job market with opportunities in entertainment and tech. Leading roles at companies like Disney and Amazon offer dynamic projects. The vibrant culture enriches the professional journey.
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  8. Atlanta, GA
    Average Salary: $164,845
    Atlanta's growing tech scene and strong industries provide diverse leadership opportunities. Companies like Coca-Cola and Delta Airlines offer rewarding roles. The city's welcoming atmosphere enhances the work experience.
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  9. Spokane, WA
    Average Salary: $160,555
    Spokane combines a smaller city feel with big opportunities. Leading roles at firms like Boeing and Washington Group International provide a mix of challenges and stability. The community spirit adds to the positive work environment.
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  10. Fresno, CA
    Average Salary: $157,731
    Fresno offers a unique blend of agriculture and tech growth. Leading companies like Fresno Bee and Sunsweet Growers provide impactful roles. The city's supportive environment enhances the professional experience.
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What are the best companies a Principal can work for?

Job seekers aiming for high-paying Principal roles can consider Arup, which offers an average salary of $262,849. Intuit and IQVIA follow closely, providing salaries around $243,781 and $232,511, respectively. These companies offer competitive compensation packages for those seeking rewarding careers. Companies like Atlantic Food Distributors and Boston Consulting Group also rank well, offering salaries that exceed $230,000. AWS and Press Ganey provide average salaries over $210,000, making them attractive options. Financial institutions like Fannie Mae and tech giants such as Google and Amazon also offer substantial salaries, starting at around $207,879.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Principal jobs, highlighting Arup with the highest at $262,849 and Amazon with the lowest at $207,879.
  1. Arup
    Average Salary: $262,849
    Arup offers Principal roles with high pay and dynamic projects. They work globally, with locations in North America, Europe, and Asia.


  2. Intuit
    Average Salary: $243,781
    Intuit offers competitive salaries for Principal positions. They focus on financial software, operating in the US, Canada, and Australia.


  3. IQVIA
    Average Salary: $232,511
    IQVIA provides a strong salary for Principal roles. They offer data-driven insights for healthcare, operating worldwide.


  4. Atlantic Food Distributors
    Average Salary: $231,364
    This company pays well for Principal positions. They specialize in food distribution, serving the Northeastern US.


  5. Boston Consulting Group (BCG)
    Average Salary: $230,000
    BCG offers rewarding Principal roles. They provide consulting services globally with offices in North America, Europe, and Asia.


  6. Amazon Web Services (AWS)
    Average Salary: $217,119
    AWS offers competitive salaries for Principal roles. They focus on cloud computing services globally.


  7. Press Ganey
    Average Salary: $211,563
    Press Ganey provides attractive pay for Principal positions. They offer healthcare performance improvement services in the US and internationally.


  8. Fannie Mae
    Average Salary: $211,219
    Fannie Mae offers good compensation for Principal roles. They operate in the US, providing mortgage-related services.


  9. Google
    Average Salary: $209,201
    Google provides high salaries for Principal positions. They focus on internet services and products globally.


  10. Amazon
    Average Salary: $207,879
    Amazon offers competitive pay for Principal roles. They operate in e-commerce and cloud computing, serving globally.

How to earn more as a Principal?

Being a Principal in an educational setting is a rewarding career. It comes with the opportunity to influence and shape the future of many young minds. However, maximizing your earnings in this role can provide you with the financial stability needed to support your professional and personal goals. Understanding key factors can significantly impact your salary and overall job satisfaction.

A Principal's salary can vary based on several factors. These factors include the level of education, years of experience, geographic location, school type, and additional certifications. Focusing on these areas can help increase earning potential. A strong educational background and relevant experience can lead to higher starting salaries and better advancement opportunities. Geographic location also plays a role, with urban areas generally offering higher compensation than rural areas. Working in a private school may provide more financial incentives compared to public institutions. Lastly, obtaining additional certifications or advanced degrees can enhance qualifications and lead to salary increases.

Here are five key factors to consider:

  1. Level of Education: Higher degrees, such as a Master’s or Doctorate, can boost earning potential.
  2. Years of Experience: More experience often leads to higher salary offers and promotions.
  3. Geographic Location: Salaries can differ greatly based on where you work, with some regions offering more competitive pay.
  4. School Type: Public versus private schools can have different compensation structures.
  5. Additional Certifications: Extra qualifications can make a candidate more attractive to employers, leading to higher pay.

Currently 668 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.
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Principal
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