How much does a Principal make in Chicago, IL?

As of April 01, 2025, the average annual salary for a Principal in Chicago, IL is $126,155. Salary.com reports that pay typically ranges from $111,710 to $142,003, with most professionals earning between $98,559 and $156,431.

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What is a Principal?

Principal may refer to:...

Source: Wikipedia (as of 09/06/2019). Read more from Wikipedia

See user submitted job responsibilities for Principal.

Job Openings for Principal in Chicago, IL
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How much should you be earning in Principal in Chicago, IL based on your current experience?
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RELEVANT JOB EXPERIENCE

Length of experience is a pay differentiator. Those with greater experience may have an advantage in negotiating salary. For those with less experience, other factors such as education or special skills could impact your pay. Please visit Professional Salary Report for more details.
Do you know how much should you be paid for a Principal position in Chicago, IL based on your education level?
Tell us about your education and see an estimate of earnings for Principal in Chicago, IL and well to know the impact of education on future careers.

LEVEL OF EDUCATION

Depending on the job, educational levels may have a significant impact on pay levels. Be informed and understand how things like education and certifications can help to increase potential earnings for the career you are interested in. Please visit Professional Salary Report for more details.

Average Base Salary

Core compensation

 
 
 
111710
142003
126155

Average Total Cash Compensation

Includes base and annual incentives

 
 
 
111710
142003
126155
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 Chicago, IL. The base salary for Principal ranges from $111,710 to $142,003 with the average base salary of $126,155. The total cash compensation, which includes base, and annual incentives, can vary anywhere from $111,710 to $142,003 with the average total cash compensation of $126,155.
Average Salary Average Salary Range
Base Salary $126,155 $111,710 - $142,003
Bonus $0 $0 - $0
Total Pay $126,155 $111,710 - $142,003
* 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.
CITY, STATE AVERAGE SALARY RANGE COMPARE TO Chicago, IL
CITY, STATE Cicero, IL AVERAGE SALARY RANGE $111,710 - $142,003 COMPARE TO Chicago, IL 0%
CITY, STATE Oak Park, IL AVERAGE SALARY RANGE $111,710 - $142,003 COMPARE TO Chicago, IL 0%
CITY, STATE Oak Lawn, IL AVERAGE SALARY RANGE $111,581 - $141,838 COMPARE TO Chicago, IL
CITY, STATE Evanston, IL AVERAGE SALARY RANGE $111,667 - $141,948 COMPARE TO Chicago, IL
CITY, STATE Skokie, IL AVERAGE SALARY RANGE $111,667 - $141,948 COMPARE TO Chicago, IL
CITY, STATE Arlington Heights, IL AVERAGE SALARY RANGE $109,375 - $139,034 COMPARE TO Chicago, IL
See salaries for Principal in locations close to Chicago, IL. Pay for the same job may vary based on the location and on the location and on other factors such as the size of company, the industry, and other local conditions.
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JOB TITLE LOCATION MINIMUM SALARY MAXIMUM SALARY
JOB TITLE School Principal LOCATION Chicago, IL MINIMUM SALARY $93,101 MAXIMUM SALARY $119,994
JOB TITLE Assistant Principal LOCATION Chicago, IL MINIMUM SALARY $85,800 MAXIMUM SALARY $106,100
JOB TITLE Principal Accountant LOCATION Chicago, IL MINIMUM SALARY $151,109 MAXIMUM SALARY $195,848
JOB TITLE Principal Investigator LOCATION Chicago, IL MINIMUM SALARY $86,196 MAXIMUM SALARY $106,890
JOB TITLE Principal Broker LOCATION Chicago, IL MINIMUM SALARY $170,358 MAXIMUM SALARY $226,578
JOB TITLE Principal Analyst LOCATION Chicago, IL MINIMUM SALARY $124,327 MAXIMUM SALARY $148,295
The Principal job could be listed using titles that are not exactly the same, but actually are for the same or very similar job. Here are some job titles in Chicago, IL that might be a good fit for the type of job and salary you are looking for.

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111710
142003

 

About Chicago, Illinois    Chicago (/ʃɪˈkɑːɡoʊ/ (listen), locally also /-ˈkɔː-/), officially the City of Chicago, is the most populous city in Illinois, as well as the third mos....More

Chicago, Illinois  area prices were up 0.8% from a year ago

Principal Salary in popular cities: AuroraRockfordJoliet

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