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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a High School Principal in New Jersey is $117,979 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $57.
However, a High School Principal's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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High School Principal Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $132,680 | $11,057 | $2,552 | $64 |
| Average | $117,979 | $9,832 | $2,269 | $57 |
| 25th Percentile | $103,599 | $8,633 | $1,992 | $50 |
MPTCS - Newark, NJ
Union School District R-11 - Union, NJ
Achievers Early College Prep - Trenton, NJ
North Star Academy Charter School - Newark, NJ
A High School 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 and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
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 High School Principals. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:
For High School Principal roles, the industry you choose can impact your earning potential by as much as 10% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the highest-paying industry, Education, offers compensation 5% above the average. Conversely, High School Principal positions in Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view High School Principal as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Education | $123,878 | $60.0 | 5% |
Understanding how a High School 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 | $132,680 | $11,057 | $2,552 | $64 |
| Average | $117,979 | $9,832 | $2,269 | $57 |
| 25th Percentile | $103,599 | $8,633 | $1,992 | $50 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current High School Principal job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
North Star Academy Charter School
Newark, NJ
North Star Academy Charter School | Newark, NJ
Job Description. Job Description. Company Description. Uncommon Schools is a nonprofit network of high-performing public charter schools dedicated to provi... more
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Elmwood Park, NJ
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Uncommon Schools
Thorofare, NJ
Uncommon Schools | Thorofare, NJ
Company Description Uncommon Schools is a nonprofit network of high-performing public charter schools dedicated to providing an exceptional K-12 education ... more
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URBAN DOVE TEAM CHARTER SCHOOL III
Englewood, NJ
URBAN DOVE TEAM CHARTER SCHOOL III | Englewood, NJ
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Uncommon Schools
Moorestown, NJ
Uncommon Schools | Moorestown, NJ
Company DescriptionUncommon Schools is a nonprofit network of high-performing public charter schools dedicated to providing an exceptional K-12 education i... more
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Elmwood Park Public Schools
Elmwood Park, NJ
Elmwood Park Public Schools | Elmwood Park, NJ
Position Type:Secretarial/Clerical/SecretaryDate Posted:2/18/2026Location:High SchoolDate Available:09/01/2026High School Secretary (10mo)Anticipated Start... more
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