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
$105,870
$8,823/mo
Entry Level
$82,900
starting pay
Senior Level
$137,800
experienced
Job Growth
+4%
10-yr outlook
BLS OEWS May 2025 · official national figures
BLS reports Education Administrators, Kindergarten through Secondary (SOC 11-9032) at a national median of $105,870 per year (mean $116,100), with 328,330 people employed nationwide. The median above is this BLS figure; the entry, senior and top tiers are Salario estimates calibrated to it. Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 release.
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)
328K
5-Year Growth
+11%
Category
Education
Hourly Rate
$50.90/hr
Monthly Pay
$8,823
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 $82,900, while the top 10% earn $145,800 or more.
Top Paying States for School Principals
| State | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| California | $125,000 | +$19,130 |
| New York | $122,000 | +$16,130 |
| New Jersey | $116,000 | +$10,130 |
| Illinois | $110,000 | +$4,130 |
| Texas | $104,000 | $-1,870 |
Top Paying Cities for School Principals
| City | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| New York | $125,000 | +$19,130 |
| Los Angeles | $119,000 | +$13,130 |
| Newark | $114,000 | +$8,130 |
| Chicago | $111,000 | +$5,130 |
| Houston | $105,000 | $-870 |
City figures are Salario estimates that scale the national median by a city cost-of-labor multiplier; BLS does not publish a metro-level series for this title.
School Principal Salary by City
Published city-level wage and take-home pay guides for School Principal.
Required Skills & Certifications
Key Skills
Certifications
School Principal Career Progression
Typical salary growth path for a School Principal from entry level to expert.
$82,900
0-2 years
$110,000
3-7 years
$137,800
8-14 years
$153,800
15+ years
Related Education Jobs
School Principal Salary FAQ
How much does a School Principal make in 2026?
The median salary for a School Principal in the United States is $105,870 per year, the BLS OEWS May 2025 national median for Education Administrators, Kindergarten through Secondary (SOC 11-9032); the mean is $116,100. Salario's calibrated tiers put entry-level positions around $82,900, senior professionals around $137,800, and top earners at $153,800 or more annually.
What education is needed to become a School Principal?
A School Principal typically requires a Master's Degree with 5-10 years of experience. Key skills include Leadership, Budget Management, Staff Supervision. Relevant certifications such as Principal License or EdD/PhD can boost earning potential and career advancement.
What is the job outlook for School Principals?
The job market for School Principals is projected to grow by 4% over the next decade. There are currently approximately 328K School Principal positions in the US. Salary growth over the past 5 years has been approximately 11%, reflecting moderate demand for this role.
Which states pay School Principals the most?
The highest-paying states for School Principals include New York, California, Texas. In New York, the median salary is approximately $122,000. However, cost of living varies significantly, so adjusted purchasing power should be considered when comparing salaries across states.
How can I increase my School Principal salary?
To increase your School Principal salary, focus on gaining expertise in high-demand skills like Leadership and Budget Management. Pursue certifications such as Principal License. Consider relocating to higher-paying markets like New York. With 5-10 years of experience, you can progress from $82,900 to $137,800 or more.
Methodology & Data Sources: School Principal Salary
How we calculate School Principal salary data: The national median is the official BLS OEWS May 2025 annual median wage for Education Administrators, Kindergarten through Secondary (SOC 11-9032), retrieved from the BLS Public Data API. The entry, senior and top tiers are a Salario model: the shape of the distribution is Salario's, rescaled so that its median equals the BLS median. State and most city figures are Salario estimates that apply cost-of-labor multipliers to that median.
- National median salary: $105,870, BLS OEWS May 2025 annual median for Education Administrators, Kindergarten through Secondary; BLS mean $116,100.
- Entry-level ($82,900) and senior-level ($137,800) are Salario tiers calibrated to the BLS median; they are not BLS percentiles. BLS publishes P10/P25/P75/P90 wages for this occupation in its OEWS tables.
- Job outlook: +4% projected growth is Salario's outlook figure; compare with the BLS Employment Projections program. BLS OEWS May 2025 counts 328,330 Education Administrators, Kindergarten through Secondary jobs nationwide.
- 5-year salary growth: 11% is a Salario estimate of past 5-year wage growth for the Education sector, informed by the BLS Employment Cost Index.
- Education requirement: Master's Degree, per BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook entry for this occupation.
- State and city estimates apply Salario cost-of-labor multipliers to the national median of $105,870; city rows marked "BLS metro" are real OEWS metropolitan-area medians instead.
Authoritative US data sources for School Principal compensation:
- BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), national and metro-area salary data
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, School Principal job projections, education, and career outlook
- BLS Employment Projections, 10-year occupation growth and decline data
- BLS Employment Cost Index, quarterly compensation trend data for Education
- BLS Consumer Price Index (CPI-U), regional inflation for cost-of-living wage adjustments
- IRS Revenue Procedure 2025-32 summary, 2026 federal tax brackets and standard deductions
Disclaimer: School Principal salary figures are statistical estimates for general guidance. Actual compensation depends on employer, location, negotiation, specific skills (Leadership, Budget Management, Staff Supervision), certifications, and industry conditions. Always verify with multiple sources including current job listings, recruiter data, and direct employer offers before making career decisions.
Reviewed by Harlan Voss · Last updated May 17, 2026 · BLS figures: OEWS May 2025 release (published May 2026), retrieved from the BLS API on September 17, 2026
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