How much does a Principal make?
Principals have a rewarding job in school administration. They earn a good salary that reflects their important work. The average yearly salary for a principal is $109,011. This means that many principals make more than this amount.
The salary for principals varies based on experience and location. For example, some principals with less experience earn around $36,000 a year. More experienced principals can earn up to $244,008 a year. This range shows that there are good opportunities for growth and higher earnings.
What are the highest paying cities for a Principal?

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San Francisco, CA
Average Salary: $203,418
In San Francisco, tech giants like Google and Salesforce offer exciting career opportunities. The city boasts a vibrant culture and a strong focus on innovation.
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Boulder, CO
Average Salary: $201,619
Boulder provides a blend of outdoor adventure and tech opportunities. Companies like Google and MongoDB are present, offering dynamic work environments.
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Seattle, WA
Average Salary: $187,990
Seattle is home to tech leaders like Amazon and Microsoft. The city’s vibrant community and beautiful landscapes create a great place to work and live.
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Boston, MA
Average Salary: $169,146
Boston offers a mix of historical charm and modern tech. Companies such as Thermo Fisher Scientific and Vertex provide numerous opportunities for growth.
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Fresno, CA
Average Salary: $161,722
Fresno combines a lower cost of living with opportunities in agriculture and tech. Companies like Valley Children's Healthcare offer solid career prospects.
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Atlanta, GA
Average Salary: $150,135
Atlanta is known for its strong economy and major companies like Delta and Coca-Cola. The city offers a diverse job market with many opportunities.
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Los Angeles, CA
Average Salary: $148,846
Los Angeles is a hub for entertainment and tech. Companies like Amazon and Google offer innovative work environments in this vibrant city.
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Chicago, IL
Average Salary: $147,230
Chicago offers a mix of finance, tech, and healthcare jobs. Companies such as Accenture and Boeing provide numerous career opportunities in a bustling city.
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Madison, WI
Average Salary: $146,004
Madison combines a strong tech presence with a high quality of life. Companies like Epic Systems offer excellent career opportunities in a friendly community.
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Austin, TX
Average Salary: $141,586
Austin is known for its tech boom and vibrant culture. Companies like Apple and Tesla offer dynamic work environments in this growing city.
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What are the best companies a Principal can work for?

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HNTB Corporation
Average Salary: $266,388
HNTB Corporation offers Principal jobs with a focus on engineering and consulting. They work in many locations across the U.S. This company helps design and build important infrastructure projects, from roads to bridges. Their projects span many cities, ensuring they impact communities nationwide.
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CliftonLarsonAllen
Average Salary: $245,455
CliftonLarsonAllen provides Principal roles with a focus on accounting and advisory services. They have offices in many states, helping businesses manage their finances. Their Principals work on audits and provide guidance to ensure financial health and compliance for their clients.
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Intuit
Average Salary: $236,818
Intuit, the company behind TurboTax, offers Principal positions in software development and finance. They operate globally, with key locations in the U.S. Principals here work on creating innovative financial software, ensuring user-friendly and efficient products.
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Boston Consulting Group
Average Salary: $230,000
Boston Consulting Group offers Principal roles in management consulting. They have offices worldwide, with a strong presence in the U.S. Principals here work on strategic projects, helping businesses improve performance and achieve growth.
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Amazon Web Services
Average Salary: $218,939
Amazon Web Services, part of Amazon, provides Principal jobs in cloud computing. They have data centers in various locations, including the U.S. and internationally. Principals here focus on developing and managing cloud services, ensuring they meet customer needs.
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NOVOGRADAC & COMPANY
Average Salary: $215,000
NOVOGRADAC & COMPANY offers Principal roles in real estate and finance. They operate from several locations in the U.S., providing advisory services for commercial real estate. Principals work on projects that help clients maximize their real estate investments.
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Amazon.com
Average Salary: $214,755
Amazon.com offers Principal positions in various fields, including technology and logistics. They have warehouses and offices across the U.S. Principals here work on innovative projects, driving the company's mission to be the world's most customer-centric company.
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Google
Average Salary: $213,511
Google offers Principal roles in technology and engineering. They have offices in many locations, including the U.S. and internationally. Principals here work on developing groundbreaking products and services that shape how people connect and access information.
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The Cigna Group
Average Salary: $197,740
The Cigna Group offers Principal roles in healthcare and insurance. They have offices in the U.S. and other countries. Principals here work on projects that improve healthcare services and ensure customer satisfaction.
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Pacific Gas and Electric
Average Salary: $193,000
Pacific Gas and Electric, known as PG&E, offers Principal positions in energy and utilities. They operate in California, providing essential services. Principals here focus on managing and improving energy distribution, ensuring reliable power to communities.
How to earn more as a Principal?
A Principal plays a pivotal role in shaping a school's vision and culture. This leadership role comes with significant responsibilities and opportunities for earning a higher salary. Understanding how to maximize earnings in this position can lead to a more fulfilling and financially rewarding career. One key factor is gaining advanced degrees or certifications, which can enhance skills and open up higher-paying opportunities. Continuous professional development keeps a Principal's skills sharp and knowledge current, making them more valuable to employers.
Networking with other educational leaders and staying informed about industry trends can create more job opportunities and higher salary offers. Leadership experience, such as successfully managing a large school or district, makes a Principal more attractive to hiring committees. Effective negotiation skills during job interviews can lead to higher starting salaries and better benefits packages. Lastly, seeking positions in districts with higher budgets or better funding can result in more competitive salaries. By focusing on these areas, a Principal can work towards earning a higher income.
Here are some factors that can help a Principal earn more:
- Advanced degrees or certifications
- Continuous professional development
- Networking with other leaders
- Leadership experience in managing schools
- Effective negotiation skills during interviews



