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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a High School Principal in Tennessee is $101,718 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $49.
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 | $114,392 | $9,533 | $2,200 | $55 |
| Average | $101,718 | $8,476 | $1,956 | $49 |
| 25th Percentile | $89,319 | $7,443 | $1,718 | $43 |
Valor Collegiate Academies - Nashville, TN
Intrepid College Prep Schools - Nashville, TN
Intrepid College Prep Schools - Nashville, TN
Robertson County Schools - Springfield, TN
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 | $106,803 | $51.0 | 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 | $114,392 | $9,533 | $2,200 | $55 |
| Average | $101,718 | $8,476 | $1,956 | $49 |
| 25th Percentile | $89,319 | $7,443 | $1,718 | $43 |
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.
LEAD Public Schools
Brentwood, TN
LEAD Public Schools | Brentwood, TN
Job Description. Job Description. JOB TITLE. Instructional Manager (IM). REPORTS TO. Assistant Principal of Instruction. JOB OVERVIEW. The school-based Ins... more
6 Days Ago
CliftonLarsonAllen
Nashville, TN
CliftonLarsonAllen | Nashville, TN
High School Intern OpportunityIf you are curious about a career in business, professional services, or accounting this is the opportunity for you. Spend fo... more
6 Days Ago
LEAD Public Schools
Nashville, TN
LEAD Public Schools | Nashville, TN
JOB TITLE: Special Education Teacher (Exceptional Education)REPORTS TO: PrincipalBe a LEADer. Teach Exceptional Education at LEAD Public Schools.Special Ed... more
6 Days Ago
Vine Christian Academy
Franklin, TN
Vine Christian Academy | Franklin, TN
To shepherd a classroom of students and teach in a subject-specific capacity with excellent classroom management skills, self-control, a passion for the su... more
6 Days Ago
Southall Church
Franklin, TN
Southall Church | Franklin, TN
Job Description. Job Description. Position Overview. Southall Church is a healthy, multiplying church in Franklin, TN with a vision to bring the life of Je... more
5 Days Ago
KIPP Memphis
Memphis, TN
KIPP Memphis | Memphis, TN
Job Description. Job Description. Description. About KIPP Memphis. KIPP Memphis is part of KIPP (Knowledge Is Power Program), a national network of free, o... more
6 Days Ago
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