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School principal salary in California, 2026

How much does a School Principal make in California?

Average base salary

$113,545
17%
below national average
Average $113,545
Low $74,765
High $172,441

The average salary for a school principal is $113,545 per year in California. 179 salaries taken from job postings on Indeed in the past 36 months (updated July 17, 2026).

School Principal job openings in California

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Assistant to the School Princi...
A Plus 1 Academy
Irvine, CA
$18 - $25 an hour
Full-time
6 hours ago

Highest paying companies for School Principal in California

Average year pay is based on job postings on Indeed in the past 36 months.
Union School District
 
$204,467per year
View company
Beverly Hills Unified School D...
 
$200,412per year
View company
Palo Alto Unified School Distr...
 
$188,869per year
View company
Burlingame School District
 
$178,514per year
View company
Redwood City School District
 
$176,802per year
View company
Menifee Union School District
 
$175,964per year
View company

Highest paying cities for School Principals near California

  1. Compton, CA
    $196,504 per year
  2. Oakland, CA
    $190,511 per year
  3. Los Angeles, CA
    $178,273 per year
  4. Bakersfield, CA
    $171,323 per year
  5. Garden Grove, CA
    $160,228 per year

Where can a School Principal earn more?

Compare salaries for School Principals in different locations
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