School Principal Salary

Based on self-reported salaries on TeacherSalary.org, the average School Principal salary in the US is $120,000. Pay varies significantly by state, district, and years of experience.

Among states with reported data, California has the most School Principal submissions. California, Washington, and New York typically offer the highest teacher salaries nationally.

Most public school School Principal positions require at minimum a bachelor's degree plus a state teaching license. Many districts pay higher on the salary schedule for a master's degree or additional graduate credits.

Teaching offers strong job stability, summers off, and defined-benefit pension plans in most states. Salary has historically lagged other degree-requiring professions, but benefits, schedule, and job security make it attractive for many. Use this database to compare pay in specific states and districts before accepting a position.

Starting salaries for School Principals vary widely — from around $35,000 in some Southern states to over $60,000 in California, New York, and Washington. A teacher with a bachelor's degree and no experience typically starts at the bottom of the district's salary schedule.

Most public school School Principals are enrolled in their state's defined-benefit pension system. Pension vesting typically requires 5–10 years of service. Teachers at private or charter schools may not be covered by the state pension.