Principal salary in United States
How much does a Principal make in the United States?
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The average salary for a principal is $143,419 per year in the United States. 6.1k salaries taken from job postings on Indeed in the past 36 months (updated October 19, 2026).
Highest paying companies for Principal in United States
Average year pay is based on job postings on Indeed in the past 36 months.Hiring a Principal?
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Where can a Principal earn more?
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Principal
The average salary for a Principal is $143,419 per year in the United States. This figure is based on 6.1k salaries taken from job postings on Indeed in the past 36 months, last updated on October 19, 2026.
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Principal salaries typically range between a low of $87,526 and a high of $235,005 per year, depending on experience, location, and the hiring company.
Some of the highest-paying cities for Principal include Claremont, CA at $184,730 per year, New York, NY at $179,831 per year, and San Francisco, CA at $173,884 per year.
Based on recent job postings on Indeed, some of the top-paying companies for Principal include Canon Recruiting Group ($364,000 per year) and ASK Staffing ($364,000 per year).