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K-12 Principal Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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K 12 Principal information

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$25K

$96.5K

$151.5K

How much do k-12 principal jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for k-12 principal in the United States is $96,525.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $74,500.00 and $119,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Are principal jobs in demand?

Principal jobs are generally in demand due to ongoing needs for school leadership and administration in K-12 education. The role requires strong leadership skills, educational experience, and often a master's degree or higher, with job availability influenced by school district budgets and student enrollment trends.

What are some common challenges K-12 Principals face in balancing administrative duties with instructional leadership?

K-12 Principals often juggle a wide range of responsibilities, from managing school operations and compliance to fostering instructional improvement. One of the main challenges is finding time to support teachers and promote academic excellence while also handling budgets, safety protocols, and community relations. Effective principals prioritize delegation, time management, and collaboration with assistant principals and instructional coaches to ensure both administrative and educational needs are met. Developing strong leadership teams and clear communication channels can help maintain this balance and support school success.

Is a principal a stressful job?

Being a K-12 principal is often considered a stressful role due to responsibilities such as managing staff, addressing student behavior, and ensuring compliance with educational policies. The job requires strong leadership, problem-solving skills, and the ability to handle high-pressure situations regularly.

What is the difference between K-12 Principal vs School Counselor?

AspectK-12 PrincipalSchool Counselor
Required CredentialsMaster's degree, administrative certificationMaster's degree, counseling certification
Work EnvironmentSchool administration, overseeing staff and policiesStudent support, academic and emotional guidance
Employer & Industry UsagePublic and private schools, education sectorSame as Principal, within school settings
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding leadership roles in schoolsUnderstanding student support roles

The K-12 Principal and School Counselor roles both operate within educational settings but serve different functions. The Principal focuses on school management, staff oversight, and policy implementation, requiring administrative credentials. The School Counselor provides student support, guidance, and emotional assistance, requiring counseling certifications. Both roles are essential in schools but differ in responsibilities and daily activities.

How hard is it to get a principal job?

Securing a K-12 principal position typically requires relevant experience as a teacher or administrator, a master's degree in education leadership or administration, and state certification or licensure. Competition can be high, and candidates often need strong leadership skills, a proven track record, and familiarity with school policies and community engagement.

What are K-12 Principals?

K-12 Principals are educational leaders responsible for managing the daily operations of elementary, middle, or high schools. They oversee teachers and staff, implement curriculum standards, ensure a safe learning environment, and communicate with parents, students, and the community. Principals also handle administrative tasks such as budgeting, scheduling, and enforcing school policies. Their main goal is to foster a positive and effective learning atmosphere for all students.

Can you be a principal at 25?

Becoming a K-12 principal at age 25 is uncommon because most states require candidates to have several years of teaching experience and a master's degree in education or school administration. Typically, individuals pursue teaching certification, gain experience, and complete administrative credentials before qualifying for a principal position, which usually occurs in their late 20s or older.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a K-12 Principal, and why are they important?

To thrive as a K-12 Principal, you need strong leadership abilities, a background in education administration, and typically a master's degree with state certification. Familiarity with school management software, data analysis tools, and educational policy systems is essential. Outstanding communication, conflict resolution, and organizational skills enable effective collaboration with staff, students, and parents. These competencies ensure a positive school culture, academic achievement, and smooth day-to-day operations.
More about K 12 Principal jobs
What cities are hiring for K-12 Principal jobs? Cities with the most K-12 Principal job openings:
What states have the most K-12 Principal jobs? States with the most job openings for K-12 Principal jobs include:
Infographic showing various K-12 Principal job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 8% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $96,525 per year, or $46.4 per hour.

$83K - $95K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, PTO

Posted 23 days ago


Job description

Position Type:
Administration/Principal
Date Posted:
5/5/2026
Location:
District Office
(High-Needs School)
Date Available:
07/01/2026
Peach Springs Unified School District #8
Principal of Elementary and Junior/Senior High School
Peach Springs Elementary School (K-6) and Music Mountain Jr./Sr. High School (7-12)
First Application Review Date
5/15/2026
Reports To
Superintendent
Work Schedule
Standard administrator work schedule as set forth in the Administrative Contract
FLSA Status
Exempt
Salary Range
$83,000 - $95,000 DOE, based on placement on the Administrative Salary Schedule, subject to budget constraints and Governing Board approval
Position Purpose
Under the general supervision of the Superintendent of Schools, the Principal of Elementary and Junior/Senior High School provides leadership and supervision in administering the educational programs of Peach Springs Elementary School and Music Mountain Jr./Sr. High School. The Principal promotes the educational development, academic growth, safety, and well-being of students in accordance with Governing Board policies, administrative procedures, rules and regulations, and applicable law.
The Principal provides districtwide school-site leadership for grades K-12, supports program development and continuous improvement, strengthens Tier I instruction, promotes professional staff development, and fosters a unified educational vision and positive school culture across both schools.
This position requires a servant-leadership mindset, cultural responsiveness, and a commitment to building strong relationships with students, staff, parents, families, and the Hualapai community.
Essential Functions
  • Develops, administers, and monitors school programs consistent with district goals, school improvement priorities, Governing Board policy, and applicable state and federal requirements.
  • Provides leadership and direction to staff regarding the ongoing evaluation and improvement of educational programs, including curricular, co-curricular, extracurricular, intervention, and enrichment activities.
  • Promotes safe, orderly, inclusive, and supportive school environments that are conducive to individualized instruction, cooperative curriculum development, student learning, and student engagement.
  • Ensures that Governing Board policies, district procedures, student handbooks, staff expectations, and applicable laws are implemented and followed at both school sites.
  • Leads, supports, and monitors effective Tier 1 instruction and the use of district-adopted curriculum, assessment data, intervention systems, and instructional practices across grades K-12.
  • Coordinates the work of school staff and district program leaders to develop, implement, and evaluate instructional programs and teaching practices.
  • Conducts ongoing assessment of student learning and works with teaching staff to modify instructional methods to meet student needs, including students with disabilities, English learners, students needing intervention, and students needing enrichment.
  • Organizes and maintains systems for accurate and complete record keeping and reporting for student attendance, student activities, discipline, academic records, and other required records.
  • Provides leadership for student discipline and ensures student conduct aligns with school standards, district expectations, and Governing Board policies.
  • Encourages parent and family involvement in students' education and ensures effective communication with students, parents, families, staff, and community partners.
  • Builds and maintains positive working relationships with the Hualapai Tribe, community agencies, families, and district partners to support student success and well-being.
  • Supervises and evaluates teaching staff and other assigned building employees in accordance with the district's evaluation plan and makes recommendations regarding goals, professional growth, areas needing improvement, and continued employment.
  • Encourages staff to continue professional growth and to implement effective instructional strategies, including new approaches that support student learning and achievement.
  • Organizes and conducts regular meetings with teachers and staff for ongoing communication, instructional improvement, professional development, and collaborative problem solving.
  • Involves staff in the evaluation of programs and the planning of new programs and improvement strategies.
  • Coordinates with the district office in recruitment, selection, onboarding, supervision, corrective action, employee relations, and other human resource matters.
  • Organizes and manages the budgetary and financial affairs of the schools consistent with district policies, procedures, and approved budgets.
  • Supports school safety practices, emergency procedures, supervision plans, and coordination with district leadership and community partners to promote student and staff safety.
  • Continues to acquire professional knowledge and remain current in educational leadership, curriculum, instruction, assessment, school improvement, and compliance through professional meetings, workshops, research, and other learning opportunities.

Additional Duties
Performs other related tasks as assigned by the Superintendent and other district office administrators as designated by the Superintendent.
Note: The above description is illustrative of tasks and responsibilities. It is not meant to be all inclusive of every task or responsibility.
Equipment
Uses standard office equipment such as personal computers, printers, copy machines, telephone systems, communication platforms, student information systems, instructional technology platforms, and other district software applications as needed.
Travel Requirements
Travels between school district buildings, community locations, professional meetings, trainings, and other work-related locations as required. The position requires regular visibility and leadership presence at both school sites.
Physical and Mental Demands, Work Hazards
Works in standard office and school building environments and may be required to respond to student, staff, school safety, and facility matters throughout the school day. The position requires the ability to manage multiple priorities, respond to urgent situations, maintain confidentiality, and exercise sound professional judgment.
Note: Also see the Summary of Physical, Sensory and Environmental Requirements Needed to Perform Essential Job Duties for this position.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
  • Knowledge of current teaching methods, educational pedagogy, curriculum implementation, and differentiated instruction based on student learning needs.
  • Knowledge of elementary, middle school, and high school curriculum, instruction, assessment, intervention, graduation requirements, and student support systems.
  • Knowledge of best practices in school administration, instructional leadership, program evaluation, staff supervision, school improvement, and family engagement.
  • Knowledge of data information systems, assessment data analysis, progress monitoring, and the development of action plans to improve student outcomes.
  • Knowledge of applicable federal and state laws, Governing Board policies, district procedures, and compliance requirements related to public education.
  • Ability to lead a K-12 instructional program across two school sites and support staff in a small, rural, remote district environment.
  • Ability to communicate effectively, verbally and in writing, with students, parents, families, staff, district leadership, Governing Board members, and community partners.
  • Ability to build trust and establish cooperative working relationships with students, staff, families, the Hualapai community, and others contacted in the course of work.
  • Ability to organize multiple tasks, manage conflicting time constraints, maintain confidentiality, and make sound decisions in complex situations.
  • Ability to use computer network systems, student information systems, assessment platforms, productivity software, and communication applications as needed.
  • Ability to develop and implement projects, improvement plans, professional learning systems, and schoolwide initiatives.
  • Ability to engage in self-evaluation regarding leadership, performance, professional growth, and continuous improvement.

Certification/License
  • Arizona State Certification as required for the position.
  • Valid Arizona IVP Fingerprint Clearance Card through the Arizona Department of Public Safety.
  • Motor Vehicle Operator's License or ability to provide own transportation.

Education
  • Bachelor's and Master's Degree from an accredited college or university, preferably in Educational Leadership, School Administration, or a related field.
  • Sixth year, doctorate, or other planned program in related fields preferred.

Experience
  • A minimum of five years of successful teaching experience, preferably with experience at the elementary, middle school, or high school level.
  • Successful administrative or school leadership experience is preferred.
  • Experience leading instructional improvement, staff development, student support systems, and family/community engagement is preferred.
  • Experience in a rural, remote, tribal, or culturally responsive educational setting is preferred.

Salary Range
$83,000 - $95,000 DOE, based on placement on the Administrative Salary Schedule, subject to budget constraints and Governing Board approval.
Benefits and Community
Generous benefit package may include employee medical coverage with 89% of the cost covered by the District; HSA coverage paid at 100% by the District; family health insurance options; life insurance equal to one times the employee's annual salary, up to $100,000, covered at 100% by the District; dental and vision insurance covered at 100% by the District; staff housing options available at below-market rates; professional development days; vacation days; sick leave; and other benefits consistent with district policy and the administrative contract.
Come join our team in beautiful Northern Arizona, off historic Route 66 on the Hualapai Reservation in Peach Springs, Arizona. Make a difference in the lives of students and the children of the Peach Springs community, "People of the Tall Pines."
Located between Seligman and Kingman, the area offers year-round seasons and activities. Drive from Peach Springs to the bottom of the Colorado River or to the top of the Hualapai Mountain range and enjoy scenic mountain views, hiking, and outdoor activities.
"Together, the best is yet to come!"