In this blog post, we'll explore the following questions: how much do principals get paid; what are the factors that influence their salaries; and what are the steps required to become a principal. This role comes with a significant amount of responsibility; fortunately, this is typically reflected in the average principal salary.
How Much Does a Principal Make?
A school principal's salary can vary widely depending on several factors, including the level of education (elementary, middle, or high school), geographic location, years of experience, and the size and type of the school (public, private, or charter). A private school principal salary, for example, may be higher than that of a public school principal salary.
So, just how much does a principal make?
As of 2023, the average annual salary for a school principal in the United States is approximately $100,000. However, the question of how much do principals make a year can also vary significantly based on several factors:
Location: Salaries differ significantly from one region to another. Principals in urban areas or regions with a higher cost of living generally earn more than those in rural areas.
Level of Education: Principals at elementary, middle, and high schools may have different salary scales. High school principals often earn more due to the complexity and size of the student body.
- Elementary School Principals: The average salary typically ranges from $80,000 to $120,000.
- Middle School Principals: They generally earn between $85,000 and $125,000.
- High School Principals: These positions often command higher salaries, ranging from $90,000 to $135,000 or more.
Experience: As with many professions, experience plays a critical role in determining salary. More experienced principals typically earn higher salaries.
School District Budget: The financial health and budget of the school district can also impact how much a principal makes an hour.
Geographic Variations
School principal pay can vary significantly based on geographic location. For instance, principals in urban areas or regions with a high cost of living, such as California or New York, tend to earn more than their counterparts in rural areas or states with lower costs of living. For example:
- In California, a principal’s average salary can exceed $120,000 annually.
- In New York, principals might earn upwards of $130,000 per year.
- In contrast, in states like Mississippi or West Virginia, average salaries may be closer to $80,000 or $90,000.
Experience and Education
Experience and educational qualifications also play a crucial role in determining a principal's salary. Principals with more years of experience or those holding advanced degrees, such as a Doctorate in Education (Ed.D.) or a Ph.D., often earn higher salaries.
How to Become a School Principal
Becoming a school principal requires a combination of education, experience, and certification.
Below is a step-by-step guide on how to pursue this career path.
Earn a Bachelor's Degree
The first step towards becoming a school principal is to earn a bachelor's degree in education or a related field. This degree typically includes coursework in educational psychology, teaching methods, and classroom management. Additionally, prospective principals should gain teaching experience during this time, often through student teaching assignments.
Obtain a Teaching License
After completing a bachelor's degree, aspiring principals must obtain a teaching license. The requirements for licensure vary by state but generally include passing a series of exams and completing a background check. Once licensed, individuals can begin working as teachers, which is an essential step in gaining the necessary experience for a principal position.
Gain Teaching Experience
Most principals start their careers as teachers. Gaining experience in the classroom is crucial, as it provides a deep understanding of the educational system, curriculum development, and student needs. It is also an opportunity to develop leadership skills and demonstrate a commitment to education. Typically, aspiring principals spend several years teaching before moving into administrative roles.
Pursue a Master's Degree
To become a school principal, a master's degree in educational leadership or administration is usually required. These programs focus on developing skills in school management, educational policy, and leadership. Coursework often includes topics such as school finance, educational law, and curriculum development. Many programs also require an internship or practicum experience, allowing students to gain hands-on experience in school administration.
Consider a Doctoral Degree in Education (EdD)
With a learning sciences doctoral degree, you will be equipped to be an excellent teacher, administrator, scholar, and researcher. A learning science PhD or EdD can also help give you a boost at your current workplace, giving you crucial skills in training, interpersonal relations, and more. When earning a doctorate in science education online, you will be equipped to make a difference at a university or community college institution. This degree will set you up for a research-based role and help increase your chance at a tenured faculty position. Learn more about the University of Miami’s UOnline Doctor of Education in Applied Learning Sciences.
Obtain Administrative Certification
In addition to a master's or doctoral degree, most states require principals to hold an administrative or principal certification. This certification process varies by state but generally includes passing an exam and completing a certain number of years of teaching experience. Some states also require a specific amount of graduate-level coursework in education administration.
Gain Experience in Administrative Roles
Before becoming a principal, many educators gain experience in other administrative roles, such as assistant principal, department head, or curriculum coordinator. These positions provide valuable experience in school management and leadership, helping individuals prepare for the responsibilities of a principal.
Apply for Principal Positions
Once all educational and certification requirements are met, and sufficient experience has been gained, individuals can apply for principal positions. The job search process may include writing a resume and cover letter, preparing for interviews, and networking with other educators and administrators.
Becoming a school principal is a challenging yet rewarding career path. The journey requires a solid educational foundation, extensive teaching and administrative experience, and a commitment to continuous professional development.
While the salary of a school principal can vary widely based on location, experience, and school level, it generally reflects the significant responsibilities and impact of the role. For those passionate about education and leadership, the role of a principal offers an opportunity to shape the future of schools and make a lasting difference in students' lives.
