School Principal Salary in 2026
School principals lead educational institutions, managing staff, budgets, and academic programs. They set school vision, ensure student safety, and foster a positive learning environment.
Median Salary
$106,000
$8,833/mo
Entry Level
$83,000
starting pay
Senior Level
$138,000
experienced
Job Growth
+4%
10-yr outlook
School Principal Overview
School principals lead educational institutions, managing staff, budgets, and academic programs. They set school vision, ensure student safety, and foster a positive learning environment.
Education
Master's Degree
Experience
5-10 years
Industry
Education
Total Jobs (US)
140K
5-Year Growth
+11%
Category
Education
Hourly Rate
$50.96/hr
Monthly Pay
$8,833
School Principal Salary Calculator
Adjust your state and experience level to see the estimated School Principal salary in your area.
Mid Career (5-9 yrs)
Estimated School Principal Salary
$119,000
$9,917/month · $4,577/biweekly · $57.21/hr
School Principal Salary Range
Salary distribution from entry-level to top earners in the School Principal field.
Entry-level School Principals earn around $83,000, while the top 10% earn $146,000 or more.
Top Paying States for School Principals
| State | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| California | $125,000 | +$19,000 |
| New York | $122,000 | +$16,000 |
| New Jersey | $117,000 | +$11,000 |
| Illinois | $110,000 | +$4,000 |
| Texas | $104,000 | $-2,000 |
Top Paying Cities for School Principals
| City | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| New York | $125,000 | +$19,000 |
| Los Angeles | $119,000 | +$13,000 |
| Newark | $114,000 | +$8,000 |
| Chicago | $111,000 | +$5,000 |
| Houston | $105,000 | $-1,000 |
Required Skills & Certifications
Key Skills
Certifications
School Principal Career Progression
Typical salary growth path for a School Principal from entry level to expert.
$83,000
0-2 years
$111,000
3-7 years
$138,000
8-14 years
$154,000
15+ years
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School Principal Salary FAQ
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