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High School Principal Jobs (NOW HIRING)

High School Principal

Troy, MI · On-site

$119K - $152K/yr

High School Principal Location: Troy High School Reports to: Assistant Superintendent Secondary Instruction Salary: $119,136-$152,925 Posting Date: June 15, 2026 Deadline Date: Until Filled Starting ...

High School Principal

Troy, MI · On-site

$119K - $152K/yr

High School Principal Location: Troy High School Reports to: Assistant Superintendent Secondary Instruction Salary: $119,136-$152,925 Posting Date: June 15, 2026 Deadline Date: Until Filled Starting ...

The High School Principal position for the 20262027 school year has been filled through an interim appointment. The district is maintaining this posting to build a qualified applicant pool for the ...

High School Principal

Sterling, CO · On-site

$93K - $136K/yr

The High School Principal position for the 2026 2027 school year has been filled through an interim appointment. The district is maintaining this posting to build a qualified applicant pool for the ...

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High School Principal information

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$34K

$109.6K

$158K

How much do high school principal jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 20, 2026, the average yearly pay for high school principal in the United States is $109,559.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $93,500.00 and $125,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some of the common challenges faced by high school principals in managing staff and student needs?

High school principals often navigate the complex challenge of balancing administrative responsibilities with the diverse needs of students and staff. They are responsible for creating a positive school culture, managing conflicts, implementing educational policies, and ensuring staff professional development. Additionally, principals must address student behavior, parent concerns, and maintain compliance with district and state regulations. Building strong relationships and fostering open communication are key strategies principals use to effectively manage these ongoing challenges.

What does a high school principal do?

A high school principal is responsible for overseeing all aspects of the school's operations, including academic programs, staff management, student discipline, and community relations. They work to create a safe and productive learning environment, implement school policies, and ensure compliance with educational standards. Principals also collaborate with teachers, students, and parents to support student achievement and foster school improvement. Their role requires strong leadership, decision-making, and communication skills.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a High School Principal, and why are they important?

To thrive as a High School Principal, you typically need a background in education, leadership experience, and a relevant master's degree or administrative certification. Familiarity with student information systems, educational technology platforms, and state regulatory requirements is important. Strong communication, conflict resolution, and organizational skills help principals manage staff, engage with students and families, and foster a positive school culture. These skills are vital for leading a school effectively, ensuring academic success, and creating a safe and supportive environment for all stakeholders.

What Does a High School Principal Do?

A high school principal manages the daily operations and oversees all of the faculty and staff at a school. As a high school principal, you review all the school’s curriculum, discuss policies of the athletic and extracurricular departments, and read, analyze, and review test scores. It is your job to carry out district, state, or federal mandates regarding educational practices. The principal interviews and hires new faculty and interacts with parents and community members.

What is the difference between High School Principal vs Assistant Principal?

AspectHigh School PrincipalAssistant Principal
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree, administrative certification, master's preferredBachelor's degree, administrative certification, master's preferred
Work EnvironmentOverall school leadership, policy implementationSupports principal, manages daily operations
Employer & Industry UsagePublic and private high schoolsPublic and private high schools

The main difference between a high school principal and an assistant principal lies in their scope of responsibilities. The principal oversees the entire school, sets policies, and manages staff and student issues, while the assistant principal supports the principal by handling daily operations and disciplinary matters. Both roles require similar credentials and are integral to school leadership, but the principal holds the top administrative position.

What cities are hiring for High School Principal jobs? Cities with the most High School Principal job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of High School Principal jobs? The most popular types of High School Principal jobs are:
Who are the top companies hiring for High School Principal jobs? The top employers for High School Principal jobs are:
What states have the most High School Principal jobs? States with the most job openings for High School Principal jobs include:
Infographic showing various High School Principal job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $109,559 per year, or $52.7 per hour.
High School Principal

$213K - $224K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 27 days ago


Job description

Principal - Peninsula High School

● Application Deadline: April 30, 2026

● Interview Date: May 5, 2026

● Starting Date: July 1, 2026

Position Profile Under the direction of the Superintendent, the Principal has full responsibility for the organization, supervision, and administration of this outstanding continuation high school.

Application Process Apply online through www.edjoin.org, include a cover letter stating qualifications, experience, and reasons for seeking this position; resumé; two letters of recommendation – one of which should be from your current or former supervisor.

Work Year Twelve Months: 221 work days, 16 scheduled holidays, and 24 non-work days

Salary Range Administrative Salary Schedule Range 11: $213,714—$224,534 and $3,569 for a doctorate, plus excellent benefits package with District-paid premiums valued at approximately up to $33,551.90/yr. (family medical, dental and vision; life; long-term disability and an Employee Assistance Program).

Essential Functions The Principal, as lead administrator and instructional leader, shall:

● Build, lead, and communicate a comprehensive and inclusive vision for student learning

● Demonstrate knowledge and skill necessary to lead and manage a diverse and complex school

● Maintain advocacy for the academic success of all students

● Increase student engagement through a broad understanding of best practices intended to improve student learning, attendance, and behavior

● Encourage teachers to meet the needs of all students

● Coordinate District’s Special Education program at the site

● Provide on-site supervision, support, and direction for all Special Education programs operating on the campus

● Serve as liaison to the comprehensive high schools and Adult school

● Provide for continuing analysis of the community and students served by the school as a basis for the development of long-range educational programs and services

● Support collaborative planning, implementation, and momentum of school improvement

● Augment the continuous growth of faculty and staff members through a comprehensive professional development program

● Provide continuous evaluation and assessment of programs, personnel, and organizational structure 1

● Direct, supervise, and evaluate all staff members

● Communicate District policy to the total community served by the school

● Possess the qualities needed to be quickly accepted as the school’s instructional leader by the school staff, community, District administrators, and Board of Trustees

● Work harmoniously with parents of all backgrounds

● Other related duties as assigned

Qualifications: Education/Training/Experience

● Valid California Administrative Services Credential

● Three years of high school teaching preferred

● Master’s and/or doctorate degree preferred

● Demonstrated leadership skills within the past five years

● Possess a broad understanding of modern-day instructional testing and assessment methods

● Budget management preferred

● Experience in working effectively with staff to improve the teaching-learning process

● In-depth knowledge of instructional procedures, techniques, and materials

● Experience in developing and implementing effective procedures for the evaluation of educational programs of certificated and classified personnel

● Excellent verbal communication and writing skills

Physical Demands/Working Conditions With or Without Reasonable Accommodations

● Ability to sit for long periods of time.

● Ability to work in a fast paced environment

● Ability to operate a computer keyboard and calculator.

● Ability to multitask in a busy environment

● Ability to tolerate noise level in the working environment.

The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by incumbents of the position and are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job. Incumbents may be required to perform other job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in the description.

SMUHSD is an equal opportunity employer in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and all other applicable Federal, State, and Local regulations.

SMUHSD Equity Vision

Vision: All students will learn in a safe, inclusive and equitable environment that validates, respects and honors their unique backgrounds, interests and identities.

Mission: We will continually identify, disrupt and eliminate institutional biases and barriers to ensure that all students have the skills and knowledge to thrive physically, emotionally, and academically.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement San Mateo Union High School District is an equal-opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies to all employment practices within our organization, including hiring, recruiting, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, leave of absence, compensation, benefits, training, and apprenticeship. SMUHSD makes hiring decisions based solely on qualifications, merit, and business needs at the time. For more information, read through our Nondiscrimination in Employment policy.

Equity Flyer

BP0415.1 Racial Equity 2

AR0415.1 Racial Equity

DISASTER SERVICE

Company Description

DISTRICT PROFILE
The San Mateo Union High School District (SMUHSD) is a community funded district with approximately 8,500 students. SMUHSD is situated in central San Mateo County between San Francisco and the Silicon Valley. The District encompasses six communities, San Bruno, Millbrae, Burlingame, Hillsborough, Foster City, and San Mateo, and has six comprehensive high schools: Aragon, Burlingame, Capuchino (International Baccalaureate school), Hillsdale (Smaller Learning Communities school), Mills, and San Mateo. The District has an API over 800 and all schools are in Newsweek Magazine's Top 1000 High Schools. In addition, the District has Peninsula Alternative High School, an Alternative School of Choice, Middle College High School, and an Adult School serving 10,500 students. The District enjoys strong parent and community support as evidenced in three major bond measures passed in 2000, 2006, and 2010 ($621.5 million) for new construction and modernization.
More About SMUHSD
The San Mateo Union High School District, in existence for more than 110 years, continues to be a vital community academic and cultural resource. With an annual operating budget that is funded primarily through local property taxes, it provides education to a diverse range of approximately 8,500 students attending six highly-rated comprehensive high schools, a special Middle College program in conjunction with the College of San Mateo, an alternative high school where students voluntarily recover credits, and a robust Adult School Program. The District has graduated an estimated 130,000 young people since its founding in 1902. To learn more about the SMUHSD, visit www.smuhsd.org or find us on FaceBook and Twitter @SMUHSD.