As of September 01, 2026, the average hourly rate for an Assistant Principal in the United States is $47, which translates to an annual salary of about $98,000.
However, the hourly wage can vary significantly based on several factors. Here’s a detailed look at the typical pay range per hour:
Assistant Principal Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $111,600 | $9,300 | $2,146 | $54 |
| Average | $98,000 | $8,167 | $1,885 | $47 |
| 25th Percentile | $87,000 | $7,250 | $1,673 | $42 |
An Assistant Principal's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how geographic location, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Leadership | 16.15% |
| API | 1.51% |
| Curriculum Development | 0.86% |
Mastering certain specialized skills can lead to a significant increase in pay. Here are examples of skills and the potential impact they can have on an Assistant Principal's salary.
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
| Supply Ordering | $109,760 | |
| Salesforce CRM | $108,780 | |
| Hosting | $106,820 |
Assistant Principal salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $101,176. While startup companies pay approximate $86,400.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $86,400 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $91,178 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $97,924 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $101,176 |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Assistant Principals enter the field with a Bachelor's Degree degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for an Assistant Principal with a Bachelor's Degree is between $92,822 and $100,363).
| Typical Education for Assistant Principal | |
|---|---|
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
| No Diploma | 0.3% |
| High School | 3.0% |
| Associates | 1.7% |
| Bachelors | 14.4% |
| Masters | 68.1% |
| Doctorate | 12.4% |
Understanding how an Assistant Principal's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $111,600 | $9,300 | $2,146 | $54 |
| Average | $98,000 | $8,167 | $1,885 | $47 |
| 25th Percentile | $87,000 | $7,250 | $1,673 | $42 |
Salaries for an Assistant Principal can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $73,826 in 2023 to around $73,684 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Assistant Principal salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 | View More |
| 2023 | $73,826 |
| 2024 | $74,149 |
| 2025 | $73,684 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
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|
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Our research found that Vermont is the best state for school principals, with a median salary of $98,800. While New Jersey and Delaware rank high in terms of salary, Vermont's range for assistant principals is between $86,200 and $115,500, making it a competitive option for educators seeking leadership roles.
Becoming a principal can be challenging, as it requires specific qualifications such as a master's degree in education, a minimum of three years of teaching experience, and completion of a principal licensure program. The salary for an Assistant Principal typically ranges from $86,200 to $115,500, reflecting the responsibilities and expertise required for the role.
In addition to a bachelor's degree, most high school principals hold a Master's degree, often in educational leadership or educational administration. This advanced education equips them with essential skills for certification. The salary for an Assistant Principal typically ranges from $86,200 to $115,500, with a median salary of $98,800.
The highest paid Assistant Principal can earn up to $115,500, with a minimum salary of $86,200 and a mid-range salary of $98,800. The top-paying sectors for this role include Government & Public Administration and Education, reflecting the competitive nature of salaries in these fields.
Principals generally earn more than teachers. Based on recent salary data, an Assistant Principal's salary ranges from $86,200 to $115,500, with a mid-salary of $98,800. In contrast, full-time teachers typically earn around $60,100, highlighting the significant salary difference between these roles in education.
Principals earn significant salaries due to factors like experience and the school district's budget. For Assistant Principals, salaries range from $86,200 to $115,500, with a median of $98,800. This compensation reflects their responsibilities in managing school operations, supporting staff, and enhancing student outcomes, all of which require substantial expertise and leadership.
Salary.com salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons are derived from both employer job postings and third-party data sources. We also provide multiple percentiles of salary information for your reference, click here to know Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial to Getting Pay Equity Right. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.
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