How To Become a School Principal: Salary & Career Paths for 2025

Co-Founder and Chief Data Scientist

Managing an educational institution's affairs is no walk in the park, given a school's numerous moving parts and the high stakes involved in forging strong student performance. Principals have accumulated skill and experience to perform that job and keep schools moving forward. The role is both challenging and fulfilling, with 94% of public school principals admitting that they are generally satisfied with their jobs.

This guide zones in on school principals, highlights their responsibilities, and presents an easy-to-digest step-by-step guide on how to become one. Adding value to aspirants, the write-up also supplies information on possible salaries, relevant skills, potential early careers, and the job outlook.

Key Things You Should Know About Becoming a School Principal for 2025

The school principal serves as the chief executive and educational visionary of a school, steering all its functions to cultivate a nurturing and empowering atmosphere for students and staff alike.
61.9% of school principals in the United States hold a master's degree, 25% completed an education specialist degree or a professional diploma, 11% earned a doctorate or professional degree, and 2% have a bachelor's degree or less.
Becoming a school principal typically takes 8 to 15 years, depending on one's academic path, teaching experience, and local certification requirements.
Aspirants and active school principals can expect around 20,800 openings each year from 2023 to 2033.
The average annual salary of school principals in the United States is $111,020, while the median annual salary is $104,070.
The US states that provide the highest average annual salaries to principals are Washington ($148,750), New York ($145,530), and Connecticut ($142,630).

What does a school principal do?
How does one become a school principal for 2025?
How long does it take to become a school principal?
What skills are required to be a successful school principal?
What are the best certifications for school principals?
What are potential early careers for aspiring school principals?
What are alternative careers for school principals?
How Can School Principals Further Advance Their Professional Development?
What are the biggest challenges for school principals?
How can school principals leverage technology for effective school management?
What is the job outlook for school principals?
What is the average salary of school principals?
What is the difference between public and private school principals?
How can aspiring school principals obtain affordable advanced degrees?
Other Things You Should Know About Becoming a School Principal

What does a school principal do?

The school principal serves as the chief executive and educational visionary of a school, steering all its functions to cultivate a nurturing and empowering atmosphere for students and staff alike. Their multifaceted role encompasses guiding instructional practices through curriculum development and teacher evaluation while also managing the school's daily operations, including schedules and finances, all within the bounds of educational standards.

Beyond operations, principals champion a positive school culture by establishing academic and conduct expectations, enforcing rules, and crafting policies that prioritize safety and inclusivity. They are also the primary bridge connecting the school to families and the broader community, forging partnerships that bolster student success and school endeavors. Furthermore, principals spearhead strategic growth, interpret student data to drive progress, and invest in staff development, ultimately shaping the school's enduring achievements and standing.

Here are the main responsibilities of these professionals:

Academic Leadership: Principals guide the school’s academic vision by setting high standards, overseeing curriculum implementation, and ensuring that students meet learning goals.
Staff Supervision: They are responsible for hiring, mentoring, and evaluating teachers and staff to ensure quality instruction and a collaborative work environment.
School Administration: Principals manage the school’s day-to-day operations, including budgeting, scheduling, compliance with education laws, and resource allocation.
Student Support and Discipline: They create a safe and supportive environment by handling disciplinary issues fairly and promoting student well-being through proactive policies and programs.
Communication and Community Engagement: Principals maintain strong communication with parents, district officials, and community partners to build trust and support for school initiatives.
School Culture and Climate: They shape the overall tone of the school by fostering a positive, inclusive culture that motivates both staff and students to succeed.

Most principals begin their journey as a teacher. So look up how to become a math teacher, an English teacher, a science teacher, a history teacher, or any subject teacher for that matter because that will account for the required experience.

How does one become a school principal for 2025?

Becoming a school principal is a fulfilling career path for educators dedicated to leadership and fostering student success. Principals are pivotal in shaping school culture, guiding teachers, and ensuring academic excellence. Below is a clear step-by-step guide to the common route toward becoming a school principal:

Earn a Bachelor’s Degree: The path to becoming a school principal starts with a bachelor's degree in education or a related field, providing the fundamental knowledge of teaching methodologies and child development. For instance, if you want to start as a science teacher, you can major in science education for your bachelor's degree. What do science teachers do? Check out our separate article on the topic.
Gain Teaching Experience: Most aspiring principals spend several years, typically three to five, in the classroom. This hands-on experience is crucial for understanding student needs, mastering instructional techniques, and managing classroom dynamics.
Pursue a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership or Administration: After gaining teaching experience, candidates usually pursue a master’s degree focused on educational leadership or school administration. These programs cover vital topics such as school law, leadership skills, financial management, and curriculum design.
Obtain School Principal Certification: To become a licensed principal, candidates must earn certification, which generally requires passing a state exam and completing a state-approved preparation program or internship. This certification confirms that principals meet the professional and legal standards to lead a school. Early on, teaching certification may be required, so it is important to know the requirements for a teaching certificate by state.
Apply for School Leadership Positions: With certification in hand, candidates can apply for roles like assistant principal or principal. Many begin as assistant principals to build experience in managing staff, overseeing school operations, and making important decisions.
Continue Professional Development: Leadership is an ongoing learning process. Effective principals commit to continuous professional growth through workshops, conferences, and advanced training to stay current with educational policies, trends, and best practices.

According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), as seen in the chart below, 61.9% of school principals in the United States hold a master's degree, 25% completed an education specialist degree or a professional diploma, 11% earned a doctorate or professional degree, and 2% have a bachelor's degree or less.

How long does it take to become a school principal?

Becoming a school principal typically takes 8 to 15 years, depending on one's academic path, teaching experience, and local certification requirements. Here's a breakdown of the process with estimated timeframes for each stage:

Earn a Bachelor’s Degree (Approximately 4 Years): Most principals start by completing a bachelor’s degree in education or a related field, which lays the groundwork for a career in teaching and school leadership. So, how long does it take to become a teacher? It takes around four years to complete a degree.
Gain Teaching Experience (2 to 10 Years): Aspiring principals usually spend between two and ten years in the classroom, with most schools requiring at least 3 to 5 years of teaching experience. For example, you can start with an English teacher career and teach the subject for at least a couple of years before or while you obtain advanced education.
Complete a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership or Administration (About 2 Years): This graduate program prepares candidates for leadership roles and typically includes coursework in school law, budgeting, and instructional supervision.
Obtain Principal Certification (Several Months to 1 Year): States and districts require certification, which may involve passing exams, completing an approved preparation program, and sometimes participating in an internship or practicum.

What skills are required to be a successful school principal?

A successful school principal requires a wide range of skills to navigate the complexities of leading a school. From managing day-to-day operations to fostering a positive learning environment, these skills ensure principals can effectively support both students and staff. Here are some of the key skills required for success in this important role:

Leadership Skills: A principal must be a strong leader, capable of guiding both staff and students toward shared goals. This includes inspiring teachers, setting high standards, and being a decision-maker during difficult situations.
Communication Skills: Effective communication is essential. Principals must clearly convey expectations to staff, engage with parents and students, and ensure transparency across all school activities and policies.
Organizational Skills: Principals are responsible for managing multiple tasks simultaneously, such as scheduling, budgeting, and overseeing school operations. Strong organizational skills help them stay on top of day-to-day activities and long-term projects.
Problem-Solving Abilities: Every day brings new challenges. Whether it's dealing with disciplinary issues, staff conflicts, or adapting to unexpected changes, principals must think critically and act quickly to find solutions.
Empathy and Emotional Intelligence: A principal's empathy and emotional intelligence are crucial for fostering a supportive school climate and navigating conflicts with understanding, ultimately nurturing the well-being of both students and staff.
Financial and Budgeting Skills: Managing a school’s budget is a significant responsibility. Principals need to allocate resources efficiently, plan for future needs, and ensure that financial decisions align with educational goals.
Strategic Planning and Vision: A successful principal must think long-term and create a vision for the school’s growth. Strategic planning involves setting educational goals, assessing the school’s progress, and making adjustments to improve overall performance.
Conflict Resolution Skills: Principals are often called upon to mediate conflicts between students, staff, or parents. Being able to resolve disputes in a fair and thoughtful manner is essential for maintaining a positive school climate.
Adaptability and Flexibility: The role of a principal is constantly evolving. Whether adapting to new education policies, technology, or unexpected events (like a school crisis), principals must remain flexible and open to change.
Instructional Expertise: While principals are not usually classroom teachers, they must have a strong understanding of pedagogy, curriculum standards, and effective teaching methods to guide and support their teaching staff.

According to Zippia, the skills that appear most often on the CVs of school principals in the United States are professional development (12.1%), curriculum development (8.1%), student achievement (6.3%), professional growth (5%), student learning (4.9%), school administration (4.1%), and educational programs (3.9%).

What are the best certifications for school principals?

The most valuable certifications for school principals are those that satisfy state or national licensing requirements, enhance crucial leadership skills, and reflect a dedication to ongoing professional growth, like secondary teaching certification credentials. Obtaining the appropriate credentials not only meets legal obligations but also strengthens a principal's capacity to lead effectively in today's evolving educational landscape.

Here are the ideal certifications to obtain for school principals:

State-Issued Principal Certification: This is the essential credential for any aspiring principal and is required in every state. Earning this certification typically involves holding a master’s degree in educational leadership or administration, completing a state-approved principal preparation program, and passing a state-administered exam. Many universities and educational service centers offer these programs both in person and online, providing flexibility for working educators.
NAESP Certification: The NAESP certification recognizes excellence in elementary school leadership and is a mark of distinction in the field. It requires several years of experience, completion of a leadership development program, an exam, and a professional portfolio.
NASSP Certification: Similar to the NAESP, this certification is designed for secondary school leaders and demonstrates mastery in school leadership and management.
Microsoft Certified Educator (MCE): This certification validates technology literacy and the ability to integrate digital tools into teaching and school management, which is increasingly valued in modern educational settings.
Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES): Particularly relevant for principals aiming to lead comprehensive health and wellness initiatives in schools, this certification demonstrates expertise in health education and program management.
Educational Certificate: K-12 (Ed.): This credential signals broad competency in educational leadership across all grade levels and is recognized by many employers.
Certified Manager Certification (CM): For principals seeking to highlight advanced management and organizational leadership skills, this certification is an asset, especially in larger or more complex school environments.
Online Principal Certification Programs: Accredited institutions offer flexible, fully online principal certification programs. These are designed to meet state licensure requirements and provide training in leadership, school law, curriculum development, and strategic planning.

What are potential early careers for aspiring school principals?

Aspiring school principals typically start their careers in roles that help them build leadership, teaching, and school management experience. It may be as an elementary, middle school, or high school classroom or subject teacher. With that being said, you can look up elementary, high school, or middle school teacher job description to learn more. These early positions provide essential skills and insights into the inner workings of a school, preparing individuals for the complexities of school leadership.

Here are some potential early careers that lay the groundwork for becoming a school principal:

Classroom Teacher: Most future principals begin as classroom teachers. This role provides valuable experience in lesson planning, classroom management, and understanding student needs. Effective teaching skills and experience are essential for school leadership positions. Those who want to focus on teaching youngsters may look for detailed resources that present the steps to become a preschool teacher.
Assistant Principal: After gaining teaching experience, many aspiring principals move into assistant principal roles. Assistant principals support the school’s administrative team by managing daily operations, handling student discipline, and assisting with teacher evaluations. This role provides insight into the administrative side of school management.
Curriculum Coordinator: Some educators pursue careers as curriculum coordinators or instructional coaches. These roles involve working with teachers to develop and implement effective curriculum strategies, ensuring that educational standards are met across the school. It’s an excellent opportunity to build leadership skills in the area of teaching and learning.
Department Head or Lead Teacher: Taking on leadership roles within specific subject areas (e.g., as a department head) allows educators to gain experience in managing a team of teachers and overseeing curriculum delivery. This role builds skills in leadership, coordination, and strategic planning—critical elements for a principal position.
School Counselor: While not a traditional path to becoming a principal, some educators begin their careers as school counselors. This position helps them understand the emotional and psychological needs of students, fostering a strong foundation for building a positive school environment and supporting student success in a leadership role.
Special Education Coordinator: Special education coordinators work closely with students with diverse learning needs, teachers, and families to develop individualized education plans and ensure compliance with special education laws. This role helps build strong organizational and advocacy skills that are essential for leading a school.
Educational Consultant: An educational consultant works with schools or districts to provide advice on curriculum design, teaching strategies, and school operations. This position can provide broad exposure to educational leadership practices, policy, and the challenges schools face, helping to prepare aspiring principals for future roles. Aspirants who wish to pursue this direction may want to consult resources that focus on how to start a career in educational consulting.

The chart below shows the majors of school principals in the United States.

What are alternative careers for school principals?

School principals gain a wealth of leadership, organizational, and educational experience—skills that are highly transferable to other roles both inside and outside of education. Here are some alternative careers for school principals that make the most of their background:

District Administrator or Superintendent: Many principals advance to district-level leadership, overseeing multiple schools, managing budgets, setting policies, and supporting school leaders.
Education Consultant: Consultants work independently or for firms, advising schools, districts, or education companies on leadership strategies, curriculum development, staff training, and school improvement.
Instructional Coordinator or Curriculum Director: These professionals design and implement curricula, train teachers, and evaluate academic programs to improve student outcomes across schools or districts.
College or University Administrator: With their leadership and educational experience, principals can transition into roles like dean of students, director of academic programs, or admissions officer at postsecondary institutions.
Nonprofit or Foundation Leadership: Education-focused nonprofits value principals for their real-world insights and strategic thinking. Roles might include program director, education policy advisor, or executive director.
Corporate Training or Learning and Development Manager: Principals can move into corporate environments, leading employee training programs, designing educational materials, or managing organizational learning strategies.
Policy Analyst or Education Advocate: Working with government agencies, think tanks, or advocacy organizations, former principals help shape education policy and drive systemic improvements.
Author or Public Speaker: Some principals leverage their experience to write books, lead workshops, or speak at conferences on leadership, education reform, or personal development.
Charter School Operator or Founder: Entrepreneurial principals may choose to start or manage a charter school, applying their leadership skills to build and grow an innovative educational environment.
EdTech Specialist or Consultant: With a growing demand for digital learning tools, former principals can work with edtech companies to design, test, and implement educational technology solutions in schools.

How Can School Principals Further Advance Their Professional Development?

School leaders looking to enhance their impact can benefit from targeted professional development that goes beyond day-to-day management. Exploring advanced coursework, leadership residencies, and mentorship opportunities can provide new strategies for addressing evolving educational challenges while fostering innovation. Integrating continuous learning into their careers supports improved decision-making and drives school-wide success. For those seeking a streamlined pathway to advanced credentials, consider the fastest online EdD programs.

What are the biggest challenges for school principals?

School principals face a wide range of challenges as they balance leadership responsibilities, staff management, and student success. These challenges can affect their daily decision-making, long-term planning, and overall school performance. Here are some of the biggest challenges school principals commonly face:

Balancing Educational Excellence with Operational and Social Pressures: Principals must maintain high academic standards while managing staff shortages, budget constraints, and rising community expectations. This requires adaptive thinking and the ability to prioritize competing demands in a rapidly changing educational environment.
Supporting Student and Staff Wellbeing: Addressing the rising concerns of student and staff well-being, including increased anxiety, depression, and disengagement, presents a major challenge for principals in the Philippines. They are tasked with supporting these critical needs often with limited resources, while simultaneously striving to cultivate a positive school climate and maintain high morale among the school community.
Managing Time and Visibility: Principals juggle numerous responsibilities—from administrative tasks to instructional leadership. Many struggle to spend enough time in classrooms to coach teachers and directly influence learning, as they are often pulled away by urgent operational duties.
Addressing Staff Turnover and Shortages: High turnover rates among teachers and principals, coupled with an insufficient pipeline of qualified candidates, make it difficult to maintain stable and effective school leadership. This is compounded by burdensome qualification processes and a lack of structured mentoring or induction programs.
Responding to Disruptive Student Behavior and Learning Gaps: Principals report managing increasingly disruptive classrooms and persistent learning gaps, especially in literacy and numeracy, which have been exacerbated by recent disruptions in education.
Integrating Technology and Innovation: The rapid evolution of educational technology, including AI-driven tools, presents both opportunities and challenges. Principals must balance the benefits of technology with the need for meaningful human interaction and ensure equitable access for all students.
Fostering a Clear Vision and School Strategy: Developing and communicating a clear, actionable vision for school improvement is essential. Principals must simplify complex goals into specific behaviors and action steps for teachers, providing ongoing support and monitoring progress.

How can school principals leverage technology for effective school management?

In the rapidly evolving digital landscape, technology plays a pivotal role in streamlining administrative tasks, improving communication, and enhancing instructional outcomes. Effective integration of digital tools supports data-driven decision-making, enabling principals to monitor student performance and resource allocation in real time. Utilizing school management software and cloud-based platforms can optimize scheduling, budgeting, and collaboration among staff, thereby fostering a more resilient and responsive educational environment. In addition, pursuing advanced credentials—such as affordable online doctor of education programs—can further equip school leaders with the strategies to harness emerging technologies and adapt to evolving educational trends.

What is the job outlook for school principals?

According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the employment of school principals is set to decline by one percent from 2023 to 2033. However, this does not mean the number of professional opportunities is sparse. In the same period, aspirants and active school principals can expect around 20,800 openings each year. The job portal Indeed shows an even bigger number. Currently, there are more than 105,000 openings for school principals in the country.

Ideally, aspirants can seek opportunities in busy states and high-opportunity industries. The US states that employ the most principals are Texas (35,080), California (29,380), and New York (18,860). As for the industries with the highest employment levels, elementary and secondary schools (295,810), local government units (1,800), and company management (1,010) are at the peak.

What is the average salary of school principals?

The BLS reports that the average annual salary of school principals in the United States is $111,020, while the median annual salary is $104,070. The median salary is far higher than the collective median pay of all US jobs, which is $49,500 as of May 2024. It is safe to say that these professionals are highly paid, which reinforces the fact that professional growth is one of the benefits of being a teacher.

The average salary of principals can potentially be even higher in states with a strong education sector. The states that provide the highest average annual salaries to principals are Washington ($148,750), New York ($145,530), Connecticut ($142,630), California ($141,370), and New Jersey ($141,310).

Additionally, the industries with the highest average annual salaries are local government units ($121,350); company management ($119,540); employment services ($115,380); colleges, universities, and professional schools ($113,760); and elementary and secondary schools ($111,060).

What is the difference between public and private school principals?

The roles of public and private school principals share many core responsibilities, such as managing staff, overseeing curriculum, and ensuring student success, but differ significantly in terms of governance, accountability, and available resources. Here’s a breakdown of the key differences:

Governance and Oversight

Public school principals work under local school districts and are accountable to school boards and state education departments. Their decisions are shaped by government policies, union contracts, and district regulations.
Private school principals report to a board of directors, religious organizations, or private foundations. They generally have more autonomy in decision-making and can set school-specific policies.

Curriculum and Standards

Public schools must follow state-mandated curricula and administer standardized tests. Principals have less flexibility in instructional content and assessments.
Private schools have more freedom to design their own curriculum and often emphasize specialized programs (e.g., faith-based, college prep, or Montessori). Testing and standards vary by institution.

Funding and Resources

Public schools are funded by local, state, and federal taxes. Principals often face tight budgets and must advocate for additional resources.
Private schools rely on tuition, donations, and grants. Principals may have more control over budget priorities, but must also focus on fundraising and financial sustainability.

Staffing and Hiring

Public school principals must adhere to union rules and district hiring processes. Staffing decisions can be more bureaucratic.
Private school principals often have greater flexibility in hiring teachers, setting salaries, and determining qualifications.

Student Population and Admissions

Public schools are open to all students within a geographic area, which creates diverse learning environments and challenges.
Private schools can be selective and serve specific student populations, which may allow for more targeted instruction but less demographic diversity.

Accountability and Evaluation

Public principals are evaluated based on standardized test scores, district metrics, and compliance with state guidelines.
Private principals are evaluated based on enrollment, parent satisfaction, and academic outcomes set by the institution.

How can aspiring school principals obtain affordable advanced degrees?

Principals seeking to advance their leadership skills and academic credentials can explore cost-effective graduate programs that offer flexibility and quality. Many accredited online programs provide tailored coursework in educational leadership while balancing professional commitments. Prospective candidates should evaluate program accreditation, curriculum relevance, and alumni outcomes to ensure the best return on investment. For a selection of programs known for their affordability and rigorous standards, consider reviewing cheap masters in education.

Here's What School Principals Have to Say About Their Jobs

"Leading a school is incredibly rewarding; witnessing the growth of students and the dedication of my staff fills me with immense pride. While the days can be demanding, knowing I play a part in shaping future generations makes it all worthwhile." - Roman

"As a principal, I enjoy leading a dedicated team and fostering a strong school community that supports growth and innovation. The opportunity to make meaningful decisions that impact students’ success is both empowering and deeply rewarding." - Seth

"The best part of being a principal is the daily interaction with bright young minds and the chance to support their journeys. Seeing a student overcome a challenge or a teacher implement an innovative idea brings a unique sense of accomplishment to my work." - Phil

Other Things You Should Know About Becoming a School Principal

Can you become a school principal with only a bachelor's degree or less?

In most cases, an aspirant cannot become a school principal with only a bachelor's degree or less. Nearly all states require a master’s degree in educational leadership or administration, along with teaching experience and a principal certification. A bachelor’s degree is typically just the first step in the path toward school leadership.

How much teaching experience is needed to become a school principal?

Most aspiring school principals need at least 3 to 5 years of full-time teaching experience before moving into an administrative role. This classroom experience is essential for developing a strong understanding of instructional practices, student needs, and school operations. Some districts may require even more experience, especially for leadership roles in larger or higher-performing schools.

What is the difference between a school principal and a school superintendent?

A school principal oversees the daily operations, staff, and students of a single school, focusing on implementing curriculum, managing teachers, and ensuring a positive learning environment within that building. In contrast, a school superintendent is responsible for the leadership and management of an entire school district, setting district-wide policies, overseeing multiple schools, and making decisions that impact all schools in the district. Principals report to superintendents, while superintendents answer to the school board or state agencies and have a broader scope of authority and responsibility.

Do school principals get paid during summer break?

Yes, most school principals continue to receive their salary during summer break, as their annual pay is typically spread out over 12 months, even though their primary work occurs during the academic year. This arrangement ensures principals receive a consistent paycheck each month, regardless of whether school is in session or not. However, principals who take on additional duties, such as running summer school programs, may receive extra stipends or compensation for that work.

References:

Banerji, O. (2024, July 12). Principal Salaries: The Gap Between Expectation and Reality. EducationWeek
BLS (2024, April 3). 11-9032 Education Administrators, Kindergarten through Secondary. BLS
BLS (2025, April 18). Elementary, Middle, and High School Principals. BLS
NCES (2020-2021). Principals’ highest degree earned: Percentage distribution of K–12 school principals, by highest degree earned, school type, and selected school characteristics: 2020–21. NCES
Zippia (2025, January 8). School Principal Education Requirements. Zippia
Zippia (2025, January 8). School Principal skills for your resume and career. Zippia