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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a High School Principal in Washington is $118,023 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 | $132,729 | $11,061 | $2,552 | $64 |
| Average | $118,023 | $9,835 | $2,270 | $57 |
| 25th Percentile | $103,637 | $8,636 | $1,993 | $50 |
Steilacoom High School - Steilacoom, WA
Kamiakin High School - Kennewick, WA
Lake Washington School District - Kirkland, WA
CliftonLarsonAllen - Bellevue, WA
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 | $123,924 | $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 | $132,729 | $11,061 | $2,552 | $64 |
| Average | $118,023 | $9,835 | $2,270 | $57 |
| 25th Percentile | $103,637 | $8,636 | $1,993 | $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.
Steilacoom Public Safety
Steilacoom, WA
Steilacoom Public Safety | Steilacoom, WA
Position Type:Athletics/Activities/CoachingDate Posted:10/2/2025Location:Steilacoom High School High School Volunteer Coach (2025-26 School Year)Successful... more
8 Days Ago
Othello School District 147
Othello, WA
Othello School District 147 | Othello, WA
High School ELA TeacherReports: Building PrincipalUnion: OEAPOSITION SUMMARYTo create a flexible instructional program and a class environment favorable to... more
8 Days Ago
Pinnacles Prep Charter School
Wenatchee, WA
Pinnacles Prep Charter School | Wenatchee, WA
Job Description. Job Description. Salary. WHO WE ARE. Pinnacles Prep believes that ALL students, regardless of background, deserve a meaningful education i... more
6 Days Ago
Muckleshoot Indian Tribe
Auburn, WA
Muckleshoot Indian Tribe | Auburn, WA
Job Description. Job Description. JOB SUMMARY. Under the general supervision of the Athletic Coordinator and Tribal School Principal, the Head Coach, will ... more
9 Days Ago
Federal Way Public Schools
Federal Way, WA
Federal Way Public Schools | Federal Way, WA
Position Type:Interns, At Will & Agency/High School Student InternsDate Posted:12/5/2025Location:Educational Service CenterDate Available:12/05/2025Closing... more
8 Days Ago
Maury County Public Schools
Tacoma, WA
Maury County Public Schools | Tacoma, WA
Job Description. Job Description. Job Overview:Work in harmony with fellow employees and children and believe in the valueof good nutrition for children.Jo... more
10 Days Ago
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