As of November 01, 2025, the average salary for an Elementary Principal in the United States is $106,026 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $51.
However, an Elementary Principal's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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An Elementary 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.
Experience is a primary driver of an Elementary 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:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Elementary Principal | $103,004 |
| Intermediate Level Elementary Principal | $103,194 |
| Senior Level Elementary Principal | $106,013 |
| Specialist Level Elementary Principal | $111,155 |
| Expert Level Elementary Principal | $111,522 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Elementary Principals. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Elementary 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 Elementary Principal with a Bachelor's Degree is between $98,037 and $103,436.
Elementary Principal Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 0.3% |
| High School | 1.4% |
| Associates | 1.7% |
| Bachelors | 52.8% |
| Masters | 41.3% |
| Doctorate | 2.6% |
Understanding how an Elementary 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, 2025Salaries for an Elementary Principal can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $110,035 in 2023 to around $109,101 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Elementary Principal salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $110,035 |
| 2024 | $110,364 |
| 2025 | $109,101 |
| 2026 |
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|
| Median | % of Total | |
|---|---|---|
| Base Salary | $106,026 | 68.8% |
| Bonus | $4,688 | 3.0% |
| Median | % of Total | |
|---|---|---|
| Social Security | $8,469 | 5.5% |
| 401K/403B | $4,650 | 3.0% |
| Disability | $2,214 | 1.4% |
| Healthcare | $8,353 | 5.4% |
| Pension | $5,978 | 3.9% |
| Time Off | $13,626 | 8.8% |
| Total Compensation | $154,005 | 100% |
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Compensation PlanningHere are companies hiring for Elementary Principal and their salaries, click below for more details.
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