Principal Salary in the United States

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How much does a Principal make?

As of May 01, 2025, the average annual salary for a Principal in the United States is $122,318. Salary.com reports that pay typically ranges from $108,312 to $137,674, with most professionals earning between $95,560 and $151,655.

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Principal Salary in Major Cities

This chart shows the salary comparison for Principal between major cities. San Francisco City consistently ranks #1 as of May 01, 2025. Click on the chart to see the detail salary data for Principal in each city.

Principal Salary by City

Click to see the salary for Principal in these major U.S. cities.
City Name Average Salary
San Francisco, CA $152,763
Washington, DC $135,430
Miami, FL $117,523
Chicago, IL $126,403
Boston, MA $136,421
New York, NY $141,754
Dallas, TX $120,789
If you'd like know Principal Salary in other cities, then please select a city in

Average Salary Range for Principal

Average Base Salary

Core compensation

 
 
 
108312
137674
122318

Average Total Cash Compensation

Includes base and annual incentives

 
 
 
108312
137674
122318
What is the average salary for Principal in 2025?
These charts show the average base salary (core compensation), as well as the average total cash compensation for the job of Principal in the United States. The base salary for Principal ranges from $108,312 to $137,674 with the average base salary of $122,318. The total cash compensation, which includes base, and annual incentives, can vary anywhere from $108,312 to $137,674 with the average total cash compensation of $122,318.

View Average Salary for Principal as table

Average Salary Average Salary Range
Base Salary $122,318 $108,312 - $137,674
Bonus $0 $0 - $0
Total Pay $122,318 $108,312 - $137,674
* Base Salary represents gross income before taxes and deductions. It does not include additional pay such as benefits, bonuses, profit sharing or commissions.
* Total Pay combines base salary, bonuses, profit sharing, tips, commissions, overtime pay and other forms of cash earnings, as applicable for this job.

Estimate Salary for Principal online for free

Salary.com Estimate Salary Tool provides free, accurate and real-time salary for thousands of careers. Please enter the following pay factors for Principal, to get a real-time salary target. If you want to get more detailed salary information, please view Professional Salary Report
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Your target salary is ?
108312
137674

 

Comments about Principal

What's the difference between School Principal and Principal?
According to our latest salary estimation on May 01, 2025. The average salary of Principal is $122,318, and the average salary of School Principal is $104,525. The average salary of School Principal is lower than Principal. ( 2025-04-24 salary.com )
I am a Principal, which location’s salary is higher, Grand Prairie, TX or Bedford, NH?
Bedford, NH typically sees higher pay than Grand Prairie, TX for Principal. a Principal Salary in Bedford, NH is $125,254 as of May 01, 2025; a Principal Salary in Grand Prairie, TX is $120,532 as of May 01, 2025. ( 2025-04-24 salary.com )

Principal Frequently Asked Questions

Why does the salary of a Principal vary from city to city?
The cost of living is tied to salaries. If the expenses are higher in a particular city, then the wage level will be higher as well to afford the people can opportunity to live there. This is why you're always going to make more money in New York City for example, than in a small town. ( 2025-04-24 salary.com )
What are the Pay Factors for Principal?
Salary ranges for a Principal can vary widely, depending on the city and several other pay factors, including (but not limited to) education level, certifications, additional skills, and work experience. Click here to view Eight Factors That Can Affect Your Pay ( 2025-04-24 salary.com )
How the Pay Factors Influence Your Pay?
Salaries are ultimately dictated by the position being applied to, and hiring company, but there are several important pay factors that come into play based on your individual history that could impact your value to the company. Salary.com's Personal Salary Report will analyze these factors for you to help you maximize your earning potential. ( 2025-04-24 salary.com )

Recently searched related titles: Principle Consultant, Elementary Assistant Principal, Instructional Leader

Learn more about: Compensation Packages, Employee Flight Risk, Gender Pay Gap, Job Openings for This Role

Jobs with a similar salary range to Principal : Consulting Principal, Interim Principal, Principal In Residence

Last Update: May 01, 2025