How Much Does a Principal make?

Principal made a median salary around $146,721 in December, 2024. The best-paid 25 percent made $174,437 probably that year, while the lowest-paid 25 percent made around $120,968. Salary ranges can vary widely depending on many important factors, including education, certifications, additional skills, the number of years you have spent in your profession. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.
25% $120,968 10% $97,521 90% $199,671 75% $174,437 $146,721 50%(Median)
Check out Principal jobs in Shreveport, Louisiana

High School Principal

Parkview Baptist School - Baton Rouge, LA

High School Principal

Parkview Baptist School - Baton Rouge, LA

download asset banner
Facing Salary Structure Challenges? Let Our Expert Guide You
The job market is increasingly challenging. Our whitepaper, Navigating the Challenges of Creating Salary Structures, offers guidance on creating salary structures. Provide your phone number and work email to download the full version.
We will handle your contact details in line with our Privacy Policy. If you prefer not to receive marketing emails from Salary.com, you can opt-out out of marketing communications at any time by clicking unsubscribe.

Best-Paying Cities for Principal

The metropolitan areas that pay the highest salary in the Principal profession are Arabi , Belle Chasse , Chalmette , Gretna , Harvey .
Arabi, LA $154,401
Belle Chasse, LA $154,401
Chalmette, LA $154,401
Gretna, LA $154,401
Harvey, LA $154,401

Best-Paying States for Principal

The states and districts that pay Principal the highest salary are District of Columbia (around $178,081) , California (around $176,481) , New Jersey (around $175,361) , Alaska (around $174,241) , and Massachusetts (around $174,081) .
District of Columbia $178,081
California $176,481
New Jersey $175,361
Alaska $174,241
Massachusetts $174,081

What is the Career Path of Principal?

A career path is a sequence of jobs that leads to your short- and long-term career goals. Some follow a linear career path within one field, while others change fields periodically to achieve career or personal goals.

For Principal, the first career path typically starts with a Chief Academic Officer position , and then progresses to College President.

Additionally, the second career path typically starts with a Provost position , and then progresses to Chancellor.

Besides, Principal can also turn to other related jobs, including School Principal , Assistant Principal , Principal Accountant and Principal Investigator .

Frequently Asked Questions for Principal

Q: What is the salary range of Principal in Shreveport, LA?
A: In 2024 , the lowest-paid Principal in Shreveport, LA earned an average annual salary of $120,968 , while the highest-paid made $174,437.
Q: What is the salary for a Principal in California?
A: Principal employed in California earned an average salary of $176,481 in 2024.

Average Principal Pay vs. Other Jobs

Principal earned an average salary of $146,721 in 2024. Other jobs related to Principal earned the following average salary in December, 2024. School Principal made $110,110 , Assistant Principal made $90,500 , Principal Accountant and Principal Investigator made $195,416 and $85,971 respectively .

Relevant Jobs of Principal

School Principal - Average Salary $110,110
School Principal directs and oversees education and teaching programs for an assigned school. Responsibilities include developing the curriculum, staffing departments, reviewing faculty performance, and creating an atmosphere conducive to scholarly pursuits. Being a School Principal ensures all school activities are within budgetary guidelines. Requires a bachelor's degree. Additionally, School Principal typically reports to a superintendent. May require a master's degree. The School Principal typically manages through subordinate managers and professionals in larger groups of moderate complexity. Provides input to strategic decisions that affect the functional area of responsibility. May give input into developing the budget. Capable of resolving escalated issues arising from operations and requiring coordination with other departments. To be a School Principal typically requires 3+ years of managerial experience.
Assistant Principal - Average Salary $90,500
The Assistant Principal coordinates school activities and ensures that budgetary guidelines are met. Assists the school principal in the management of education and teaching programs for an assigned school. Being an Assistant Principal requires a bachelor's degree. May help in developing the curriculum, staffing, reviewing faculty performance, and creating an atmosphere conducive to scholarly pursuits. In addition, Assistant Principal typically reports to a school principal. The Assistant Principal manages subordinate staff in the day-to-day performance of their jobs. True first level manager. Ensures that project/department milestones/goals are met and adhering to approved budgets. Has full authority for personnel actions. Extensive knowledge of department processes. Working as an Assistant Principal typically requires 5 years experience in the related area as an individual contributor. 1 to 3 years supervisory experience may be required.
Principal Accountant - Average Salary $195,416
There is currently no job description for Principal Accountant, be the first to submit the job responsibilities for Principal Accountant.
Principal Investigator - Average Salary $85,971
In Canada and the United States, the term principal investigator (PI) refers to the holder of an independent grant administered by a university and the lead researcher for the grant project, usually in the sciences, such as a laboratory study or a clinical trial. The phrase is also often used as a synonym for "head of the laboratory" or "research group leader." While the expression is common in the sciences, it is used widely for the person or persons who make final decisions and supervise funding and expenditures on a given research project. A co-investigator (Co-I) assists the principal investigator in the management and leadership of the research project. There may be a number of co-investigators supporting a PI.
Principal Broker - Average Salary $214,681
A broker is a person or firm who arranges transactions between a buyer and a seller for a commission when the deal is executed. A broker who also acts as a seller or as a buyer becomes a principal party to the deal. Neither role should be confused with that of an agent—one who acts on behalf of a principal party in a deal.