Content has loaded

School principal salary in California, 2026

How much does a School Principal make in California?

Average base salary

$114,287
17%
below national average
Average $114,287
Low $75,433
High $173,152

The average salary for a school principal is $114,287 per year in California. 177 salaries taken from job postings on Indeed in the past 36 months (updated July 12, 2026).

School Principal job openings in California

slide 1 of 6
slide1 of 6
Now Hiring:: Early Head Start ...
Alite Schools
Los Angeles, CA
$19.50 - $22.00 an hour
Full-time
13 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
vs