The average salary for a school principal in the United States generally ranges between approximately $100,000 and $130,000 per year, with variations depending on factors such as school level, location, experience, and type of school.
- According to recent data, the average principal salary is about $117,976 to $128,183 annually
- Salary.com reports an average of $120,546 per year, with a range from about $93,658 to $149,321
- Elementary school principals typically earn between $80,000 and $120,000, middle school principals between $85,000 and $125,000, and high school principals often earn from $90,000 up to $135,000 or more
- Location significantly affects pay: principals in states like California and New York can earn over $120,000 to $130,000, while those in states with lower costs of living, such as Florida or Mississippi, may earn closer to $74,000 to $90,000
- Public school principals usually earn more than private school principals, with median salaries around $105,100 for public and $92,900 for private school principals
In summary, a school principal's salary typically falls in the $100,000 to $130,000 range annually, influenced by school level, experience, and geographic location.
