K-12 building leader. High-school principals usually paid more than elementary.
Pay scales steeply with tenure for School Principals. National figures, before regional adjustments.
| Experience | Median 2026 | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (0–1 yr) | $81,700 | $69,600 | $99,900 |
| Junior (2–4 yrs) | $101,600 | $86,500 | $124,200 |
| Mid-Level (5–9 yrs) | $116,800 | $99,500 | $142,800 |
| Senior (10–14 yrs) | $140,100 | $119,400 | $171,300 |
| Veteran (15+ yrs) | $158,800 | $135,300 | $194,200 |
Top 10 states by median School Principal salary in 2026.
| State | Median | 25th % | 75th % | vs Nat'l |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| California | $169,400 | $128,700 | $220,200 | +45% |
| New York | $165,900 | $126,100 | $215,600 | +42% |
| Washington DC | $163,500 | $124,300 | $212,600 | +40% |
| Massachusetts | $151,900 | $115,400 | $197,400 | +30% |
| New Jersey | $151,900 | $115,400 | $197,400 | +30% |
| Washington | $151,900 | $115,400 | $197,400 | +30% |
| Connecticut | $141,300 | $107,400 | $183,700 | +21% |
| Maryland | $140,200 | $106,500 | $182,200 | +20% |
| Colorado | $136,700 | $103,900 | $177,700 | +17% |
| Hawaii | $133,200 | $101,200 | $173,100 | +14% |
| State | Median | 25th % | 75th % | vs Nat'l |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kentucky | $99,300 | $75,500 | $129,100 | -15% |
| North Dakota | $98,100 | $74,600 | $127,600 | -16% |
| Oklahoma | $98,100 | $74,600 | $127,600 | -16% |
| Wyoming | $98,100 | $74,600 | $127,600 | -16% |
| Alabama | $97,000 | $73,700 | $126,000 | -17% |
| Louisiana | $97,000 | $73,700 | $126,000 | -17% |
| Arkansas | $93,500 | $71,000 | $121,500 | -20% |
| South Dakota | $93,500 | $71,000 | $121,500 | -20% |
| West Virginia | $91,100 | $69,200 | $118,400 | -22% |
| Mississippi | $87,600 | $66,600 | $113,900 | -25% |
Metro-level pay frequently outpaces state averages — major metros concentrate higher wages.
Click any state for detailed breakdown by experience level and percentile.
The median is just a benchmark. Your exact market value also depends on your state, experience, and education. Use the free calculator for a personalized number.
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