Lead a school's staff, students, and budget, set academic goals, and handle families, discipline, and hiring.
Public and private schools, all grades
Long days, plus evening events
May 2024–25 BLS wage data · 2024–34 BLS employment projections.
Openings a year counts new jobs plus the ones that open when people retire or move on — a truer picture of your odds than growth alone.
“Median” means half earn more and half earn less. Your city, employer, and years on the job move it a lot — that is what the 10th-to-90th range shows.
Master's degree
Training path: Master's degree and license.
Public-school principals need a state administrator license, usually with teaching experience.
The principal's chair — a leadership step after teaching, with a master's, long hours, and district politics.
Run the Reality Check — build the life you want and see the salary it takes, then compare it to this one.
Browse verified internships, fellowships, and programs — many paid — that lead into fields like this.
Free resume templates, interview practice, and getting-hired guides in the Careers kit.
Standard Occupational Classification 11-9032. Pay, employment, and outlook from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OEWS wage survey and 2024–34 employment projections). See something off? Tell us.