Have you ever wondered if school principals make good money? Let’s face it, when we were in school, we didn’t exactly think about our principal’s paycheck. But now that we’re adults, we’re more interested in understanding how much money different professions bring in. And, it turns out that being a school principal is not too shabby in terms of salary.
While school principals may not make as much as the CEO of a major corporation, they do make a solid income. According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, the median salary for elementary, middle, and high school principals is around $98,490 per year. And, that’s just the median salary, meaning some principals earn even more than that. So, if you’re considering a career as a school principal, rest assured that you’ll likely be able to provide for yourself and your family quite comfortably.
Average Principal Salary
According to the National Center for Education Statistics, the average salary for a school principal in the United States was $98,490 as of the 2017-2018 school year. This number can vary depending on factors such as location, school size, and experience level, but it provides a general benchmark for understanding principal salaries.
- Salary by Location: Principal salaries can fluctuate based on the location of the school district. For example, the average salary for a principal in New York is $133,180, while in Texas, it is $84,070.
- Salary by School Size: A principal’s salary can also be affected by the size of the school they lead. Principals of larger schools may earn more than those of smaller schools due to the increased responsibilities and workload.
- Salary by Experience: A principal’s salary can increase as they gain more experience in their role. The average salary for a principal with less than three years of experience is $77,958, while a principal with over 25 years of experience can earn an average of $112,250.
Despite these variances, the average principal salary in the United States is often considered to be a comfortable middle-class income. However, it is important to note that the responsibility and workload of a principal go beyond a typical 9-5 job and can involve long hours, weekend work, and serious decision-making that can impact the lives of students and staff.
Principal Salary by State
Aspiring educators may wonder if becoming a school principal is worth the investment in time and money, particularly when it comes to compensation. According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for elementary, middle, and high school principals was $96,400 as of May 2019. However, salaries for principals can vary substantially depending on location, with some states offering significantly higher pay than others.
- The highest-paying state for school principals is New York, where the median annual salary is $134,020. This is over 39% higher than the national median.
- California comes in second, with a median salary of $124,540, while the District of Columbia rounds out the top three at $121,460.
- At the other end of the spectrum, the state with the lowest median salary for principals is Montana at $68,960, followed by South Dakota at $69,040 and North Dakota at $74,200.
It’s important to note that factors such as experience, education level, and type of school (public vs. private) can also impact a principal’s salary. Additionally, salaries can differ even within the same state based on the size and location of the school district.
To compare principal salaries by state, refer to the table below, which includes data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics as of May 2019:
| State | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Alabama | $94,510 |
| Alaska | $93,080 |
| Arizona | $87,250 |
| Arkansas | $87,390 |
| California | $124,540 |
| Colorado | $94,800 |
| Connecticut | $125,480 |
| Delaware | $114,930 |
| District of Columbia | $121,460 |
| Florida | $96,050 |
| Georgia | $100,860 |
| Hawaii | $121,100 |
| Idaho | $82,880 |
| Illinois | $110,830 |
| Indiana | $91,730 |
| Iowa | $93,780 |
| Kansas | $89,580 |
| Kentucky | $89,790 |
| Louisiana | $104,700 |
| Maine | $86,530 |
| Maryland | $117,810 |
| Massachusetts | $127,120 |
| Michigan | $100,180 |
| Minnesota | $110,150 |
| Mississippi | $91,360 |
| Missouri | $94,420 |
| Montana | $68,960 |
| Nebraska | $93,950 |
| Nevada | $101,350 |
| New Hampshire | $98,580 |
| New Jersey | $132,950 |
| New Mexico | $88,640 |
| New York | $134,020 |
| North Carolina | $96,330 |
| North Dakota | $74,200 |
| Ohio | $95,990 |
| Oklahoma | $95,130 |
| Oregon | $105,060 |
| Pennsylvania | $107,270 |
| Rhode Island | $120,470 |
| South Carolina | $93,580 |
| South Dakota | $69,040 |
| Tennessee | $94,670 |
| Texas | $106,110 |
| Utah | $86,290 |
| Vermont | $89,080 |
| Virginia | $105,110 |
| Washington | $117,820 |
| West Virginia | $82,500 |
| Wisconsin | $102,570 |
| Wyoming | $86,110 |
Understanding the salary range for school principals in different states can help educators make informed decisions about where to pursue their careers. Keep in mind that while salary is an important consideration, becoming a successful principal requires much more than just financial reward.
Factors Affecting Principal Salary
For many educators, becoming a principal is a significant career goal. While the importance of this role cannot be overstated, many people wonder about the salary that comes with it. The answer is not straightforward since various factors influence the average principal salary. Here are some of the main factors:
- Location: The location of a school district can significantly influence the salary of a principal. Generally, larger districts offer higher salaries. Urban areas also tend to offer higher salaries compared to rural areas.
- Education: The level of education that a principal has can also impact their salary. In many cases, having a master’s or doctoral degree can result in a higher salary.
- Experience: Like most jobs, the more experience you have, the higher the salary you can earn. In the case of a principal, experience is also directly related to the size of the school district and the number of students.
Interestingly, the gender of a principal can also impact their salary. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, male principals generally earn higher salaries than female principals, despite the fact that the majority of educators in the field are female.
To give you an idea of how certain factors impact principal salaries, here is a table showing the average principal salary in different states across the United States:
| State | Average Principal Salary |
|---|---|
| California | $135,000 |
| Texas | $104,500 |
| New York | $127,000 |
| Florida | $83,300 |
| Ohio | $90,400 |
| North Carolina | $86,030 |
| Pennsylvania | $100,770 |
As you can see, various factors can affect the salary that a principal earns. However, the role of a principal is essential and can be highly rewarding both professionally and personally.
Salary comparison: Principal vs. Teacher
Many people choose to pursue careers in education for the fulfillment of making a difference in students’ lives. However, it’s also reasonable to consider the financial aspect of a career. So, how do salaries compare for school principals and teachers?
- According to the National Center for Education Statistics, the average teacher salary for the 2018-2019 school year was $61,730.
- On the other hand, the same report indicates that the average salary for public school principals was $107,600 for the same year. This salary is significantly higher than the average teacher salary.
- However, it’s important to keep in mind that this salary varies depending on the level of the school and the location.
While principals generally make more than teachers, the gap in salary can be attributed to the additional responsibilities that come with the job. Principals are accountable for ensuring a school runs efficiently and effectively. This includes managing staff, creating a positive learning environment, developing and implementing curriculums, managing school budgets, and handling disciplinary issues.
Additionally, principals typically have more education and experience than teachers. A principal usually holds a master’s degree, and many have several years of experience as a teacher before transitioning into the role of a principal.
| School Level | Average Teacher Salary | Average Principal Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Elementary School | $59,670 | $102,570 |
| Middle School | $60,740 | $105,990 |
| High School | $64,340 | $109,535 |
The table above shows the average teacher and principal salaries based on the school level. As expected, the salaries for principals increase as the school level gets higher. However, it’s also important to note that there are other factors that influence salary, such as geographic location, years of experience, and additional responsibilities.
In conclusion, while it’s true that principals generally make more money than teachers, it’s important to consider the additional responsibilities and experience required for the position. At the same time, teachers should also feel valued and respected in their roles, knowing that they are making a difference in their students’ lives every day.
Principal Salary Negotiation Tips
As a school principal, negotiating your salary can be a daunting task. It is important to advocate for yourself and understand the value and impact you bring to your school district. Here are some tips to help you negotiate your principal salary:
- Do your research. Research the average salary for principals in your area and take into consideration your years of experience and education level. This information can be found through online sources, professional associations, and networking with other principals in your district.
- Quantify your achievements. Principals play a vital role in the success of a school, so be sure to highlight any major accomplishments or improvements you have made. This could include gains in student performance, increased parent and community involvement, or successful implementation of new programs.
- Practice your negotiation skills. Before meeting with your superintendent or school board, practice your negotiation skills with a mentor or friend. This will help you feel more confident and prepared during the actual negotiation.
Remember, negotiation is a two-way process. Be prepared to listen and consider alternative solutions. It may be helpful to identify other benefits that could be negotiated, such as additional professional development opportunities or additional vacation days. Ultimately, the goal is to reach a mutually beneficial agreement that values your contributions to the school district.
Here is a sample table to demonstrate how you can quantify your achievements:
| Achievement | Impact |
|---|---|
| Implemented restorative justice program | Reduced suspensions by 50% |
| Streamlined teacher evaluation process | Increased teacher satisfaction by 25% |
| Implemented technology integration plan | Increased student engagement by 30% |
By following these tips and understanding your own value as a principal, you can confidently negotiate your salary and achieve a fair compensation for the important work you do.
Principal Benefits Packages
One of the perks of being a school principal is the comprehensive benefits package that often comes with the job. Principals typically receive a generous amount of paid time off, including holidays, sick days, and personal days. They also frequently have access to health insurance, dental and vision coverage, and retirement plans.
- Paid Time Off: Most principals in the US receive anywhere from 15 to 25 days of paid time off each year, in addition to holidays and school vacations.
- Health Insurance: The majority of school districts provide their principals with health insurance benefits, which can include medical, dental, and vision coverage.
- Retirement Benefits: Public school principals are eligible for state pension plans, which provide retirement benefits based on years of service and salary.
In addition to these standard benefits, some school districts may offer other perks to principals, such as tuition reimbursement, life insurance, or disability insurance. These can vary significantly depending on the location and size of the district.
For a more detailed breakdown of the benefits packages offered to school principals, see the table below:
| Benefits | Typical Coverage |
|---|---|
| Holidays | 10-15 days per year |
| PTO | 15-25 days per year |
| Health Insurance | Medical, dental, vision |
| Retirement | State pension plan |
Overall, the benefits packages offered to school principals can be quite generous, making it a more attractive career choice for those seeking stability and security. While the exact details may vary depending on the school district, most principals can expect to receive a range of benefits that go beyond just their salary.
Principal salary trends over time
One of the most important factors that attract individuals to pursue a career as a school principal is the prospect of earning a good salary. Over the past decades, the average salary of school principals has been on a steady rise, reflecting the growing demand for effective school leadership and management.
Here are some key trends that highlight the changing landscape of principal salaries over time:
- Since the 1980s, there has been a significant increase in the average salary of school principals when adjusted for inflation. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, the average principal salary in 1980-81 was $45,977, which increased to $101,019 in 2017-18.
- The rate of increase in principal salaries varies across states, reflecting differences in education funding, cost of living, and other factors. For instance, between 2008-09 and 2018-19, the average salary of school principals in Oklahoma increased by 15%, while in California, it increased by only 0.3%.
- There is also a gender gap in principal salaries, with male principals earning more than female principals on average. According to the American Association of School Administrators, the median salary of male principals in 2018-19 was $108,418, while that of female principals was $101,269.
To get a better understanding of the current state of principal salaries in the U.S., let’s take a look at the table below, which shows the average salaries of elementary, middle, and high school principals in selected states, based on data from the National Education Association for the 2018-19 academic year.
| State | Average salary of elementary school principals | Average salary of middle school principals | Average salary of high school principals |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | $122,323 | $123,007 | $129,453 |
| Florida | $77,131 | $79,615 | $82,816 |
| Texas | $77,730 | $79,433 | $84,596 |
| New York | $127,794 | $129,466 | $137,927 |
These figures show that there is a significant variation in principal salaries across states, as well as between elementary, middle, and high school principals. As the demand for effective school leadership intensifies, it is likely that the average salaries of school principals will continue to rise, making it a lucrative career choice for aspiring educators.
FAQs: Do school principals make good money?
Q: What is the average salary for a school principal?
A: According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary for school principals is around $98,490 per year.
Q: Do all school principals make the same salary?
A: No, salaries vary based on location, level of education, and years of experience. Some principals may earn more than others.
Q: Do private school principals make more money than public school principals?
A: It depends on the school and its funding. Generally speaking, private school principals may earn more than public school principals.
Q: What benefits do school principals typically receive?
A: School principals may receive benefits such as health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off.
Q: How much do school principals make compared to other professions in education?
A: School principals typically earn more than teachers and other education professionals, but less than superintendents.
Q: Is becoming a school principal a good career choice financially?
A: It can be a good career choice financially, especially if you are passionate about education and leadership.
Closing Thoughts: Thanks for Reading!
We hope this article has helped answer your questions about whether school principals make good money. While salaries may vary, it can be a rewarding career choice both personally and financially. If you’re considering a career in education, we encourage you to learn more about the many opportunities available. Thanks for reading and please come back again soon for more informative articles!