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School Assistant Principal Salary in the United States

How much does a School Assistant Principal make?

As of November 01, 2025, the average salary for a School Assistant Principal in the United States is $97,801 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $47.

However, a School Assistant Principal's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $123,401
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $86,901 to $111,201
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $76,977
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View as table View as graph 25% $86,901 10% $76,977 90% $123,401 75% $111,201 $97,801 50%(Median) Didn’t find job title? Click

School Assistant Principal Salaries by Percentile

Annual
Salary
Monthly
Pay
Weekly
Pay
Hourly
Wage
75th Percentile $111,201 $9,267 $2,138 $53
Average $97,801 $8,150 $1,881 $47
25th Percentile $86,901 $7,242 $1,671 $42
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Key Factors That Influence School Assistant Principal Salaries

A School Assistant Principal's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Experience Level Affects School Assistant Principal Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a School Assistant Principal's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here’s how the average salary grows at different career stages:

  • Entry-Level (less than 1 year): $93,908
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $94,388
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $95,985
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $97,901
  • Expert (over 8 years): $100,920
Levels Salary
Entry Level School Assistant Principal $93,908
Intermediate Level School Assistant Principal $94,388
Senior Level School Assistant Principal $95,985
Specialist Level School Assistant Principal $97,901
Expert Level School Assistant Principal $100,920
$93,908 0 yr
$94,388 < 2 yrs
$95,985 2-4 yrs
$97,901 5-8 yrs
$100,920 > 8 yrs
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What Am I Worth?

How Education impacts a School Assistant Principal's Salary?

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many School 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 a School Assistant Principal with a Bachelor's Degree is between $92,823 and $100,364.

School Assistant Principal Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for School 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%
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School Assistant Principal Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a School 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.

Last Updated on November 01, 2025

Salary Trends for School Assistant Principals

Salaries for a School 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 School Assistant Principal salary trends, .

Average Annual Salary of School Assistant Principal Over Time

2022
$???
2023
$73,826
2024
$74,149
2025
$73,684
2026
$???
Year Average Annual Salary
2022
View More
2023 $73,826
2024 $74,149
2025 $73,684
2026
View More

School Assistant Principal bonus and incentive rates

Based on HR-reported data: a national average with a geographic differential
Base Salary 70.7%
Bonuses 2.1%
Social Security 5.6%
401k/403b 3.6%
Disability 1.2%
Healthcare 4.6%
Pension 3.1%
Time Off 9.2%
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Core Compensation
Median % of Total
Base Salary $97,801 70.7%
Bonus $2,900 2.1%
Value of Benefits
Median % of Total
Social Security $7,704 5.6%
401K/403B $4,934 3.6%
Disability $1,611 1.2%
Healthcare $6,371 4.6%
Pension $4,229 3.1%
Time Off $12,781 9.2%
Total Compensation $138,332 100%
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Most common benefits for School Assistant Principal

Social Security
401(k)
Disability
Healthcare
Pension
Time Off (days)
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Common company salaries for School Assistant Principal

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FAQ about School Assistant Principal

1. Who is higher than a school principal?

Superintendents are higher than school principals in the educational hierarchy. While principals manage individual schools, superintendents oversee entire districts, which include multiple schools and facilities. This broader responsibility allows superintendents to impact a larger number of students and staff. The salary for an Assistant Principal ranges from $86,201 to $115,501, reflecting their important role in school administration.

2. Why do principals get paid so much?

Principals earn competitive salaries due to their significant responsibilities and the experience required for the role. The average salary for an Assistant Principal ranges from $86,201 to $115,501, with a midpoint of $98,801. Additionally, the financial health of the school district can influence these figures, reflecting the value placed on educational leadership.

3. Can you be a principal without a Phd?

Aspiring school principals don't need a PhD, but they should have graduate-level education and classroom experience to qualify for this role. The salary for an Assistant Principal typically ranges from $86,201 to $115,501, with a mid-salary of $98,801, reflecting the importance of this position in educational leadership.

4. What comes after assistant principal?

An assistant principal can advance to become a principal, with salaries ranging from $86,201 to $115,501, depending on experience and location. Some principals may progress to superintendents, often requiring further education, while others may become instructional coordinators. Most states mandate that public school principals hold a school administrator license.

5. How long does it take to become an assistant principal?

To become an assistant principal, it typically takes at least 3-5 years of teaching experience, along with the completion of a master's program in an administrative field. Additionally, candidates must successfully complete administrative testing and meet the requirements for school administrative licensure or certification. The salary for this position ranges from $86,201 to $115,501, with a mid-salary of $98,801.

6. What is the highest paid assistant principal?

The highest paid Assistant Principal can earn up to $115,501, with a minimum salary of $86,201 and a mid-range salary of $98,801. The top-paying sectors for this role include Government & Public Administration and Education, reflecting the competitive nature of salaries in these fields.

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.

We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)

With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.

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