How to Become a School Principal (K-12 Administrator)
Lead a school: set its academic direction, manage its staff and budget, and own the culture students learn in. It typically requires a master's degree, with a median salary of $105,870 per year and about average projected job growth.
Median pay
$105,870/yr
Job growth
-1%
Openings / yr
20,800
Majors that lead here
Key skills
- Instructional Leadership
- Staff Management
- Budgeting
- Communication
- Decision Making
Helpful certifications
- State principal/administrator licensure
Is this career a fit?
Remote-friendly
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Work-life balance
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Stress level
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Satisfaction
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Related careers
- College Administrator (Postsecondary)$104,590 median
- School Psychologist$95,990 median
- Instructional Coordinator$77,440 median
- Teacher (Secondary Education)$72,040 median
- Librarian$68,270 median
- Career and Technical Education Teacher$66,270 median
Frequently asked questions
How much does a School Principal (K-12 Administrator) make?
The median pay for a School Principal (K-12 Administrator) is $105,870 a year (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2025). Actual pay varies with experience, location, and employer.
What degree do you need to become a School Principal (K-12 Administrator)?
The usual entry point is a master's degree. Common majors are Educational Leadership, Education, and Public Administration.
Is School Principal (K-12 Administrator) a growing field?
The BLS projects about average demand for this role, about -1% over the decade, with roughly 20,800 U.S. openings a year.
What skills does a School Principal (K-12 Administrator) use most?
Common skills for this role are Instructional Leadership, Staff Management, Budgeting, Communication, and Decision Making.
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Take the major quizSalary and job-growth figures: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and O*NET OnLine (median annual wages May 2025; employment projections 2024-2034). National figures; actual pay varies by location, employer, and experience.