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Middle School Principal Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Middle School Principal

Milford, IA · On-site

$88K - $119K/yr

Middle School Principal Position Purpose Under the general supervision of the Superintendent of Schools, to provide leadership and supervision in administering the educational program of a Middle ...

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Middle School Principal information

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How much do middle school principal jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for middle school principal in the United States is $110,028.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $95,500.00 and $129,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by middle school principals, and how can candidates prepare to address them?

Middle school principals often encounter challenges such as balancing administrative duties with supporting student achievement, managing staff dynamics, and addressing the diverse social and emotional needs of adolescents. To prepare, candidates should develop strong communication and conflict resolution skills, stay updated on best practices in curriculum and student support, and foster a collaborative school culture. Building relationships with teachers, students, and families is crucial for creating a positive and effective learning environment.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a middle school principal, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Middle School Principal, you need strong leadership abilities, a background in education, and typically a master's degree in educational administration along with state certification. Familiarity with student information systems, scheduling software, and educational assessment tools is often required. Outstanding communication, conflict resolution, and organizational skills set exceptional principals apart as they manage diverse staff, students, and community relationships. These competencies are crucial for fostering a positive school culture, ensuring academic excellence, and effectively leading the school community.

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

AspectMiddle School PrincipalMiddle School Assistant Principal
CredentialsMaster's degree in Education or School Administration, state certificationSame as Principal, often with less experience required
Work EnvironmentOverall school leadership, policy implementation, staff managementSupports Principal, manages daily operations, discipline, and student issues
ResponsibilitiesSets school vision, oversees staff, manages budgetsAssists Principal, handles disciplinary actions, supervises teachers

The Middle School Principal holds the primary leadership role, responsible for the entire school's success, while the Middle School Assistant Principal supports the Principal in daily operations and discipline. Both roles require similar credentials, but the Principal has broader responsibilities and decision-making authority.

What does a middle school principal do?

A middle school principal oversees the operations of a school, works to maintain a safe academic environment, and interacts with students, parents, and staff. As a middle school principal, your responsibilities include communicating information, enforcing district policies, advocating for the school, implementing procedures, and managing administrative functions. You also supervise teachers, review curriculum plans, and ensure inclusion and compliance with the school system educational requirements. Other duties include attending extracurricular activities, monitoring transportation services, providing support to teachers, and handling any issues that arise. You may also represent the school at forums and work to implement educational goals.

What cities are hiring for Middle School Principal jobs? Cities with the most Middle School Principal job openings:
What states have the most Middle School Principal jobs? States with the most job openings for Middle School Principal jobs include:
Infographic showing various Middle School Principal job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $110,028 per year, or $52.9 per hour.

$99K - $142K/yr

Full-time

PTO

Posted 18 days ago


Richland County School District One rating

5.0

Company rating: 5.0 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

561st of 627 rated elementary and secondary schools


Job description

Position Type:
ADMINISTRATION/ADMINISTRATION
Date Posted:
7/23/2026
Location:
HUMAN RESOURCE SERVICES
Closing Date:
Until Filled
Richland County School District One, South Carolina
Classification Description
Classification Title: Principal - Middle School
FLSA: Exempt
240 days
Salary Range: $99,690.82 - $142,460.50
General Statement of JobUnder limited supervision, provides the leadership and management skills necessary to maximize the efforts of teachers and students in an environment which is conducive to educational enhancement, growth and achievement. Supervises and coordinates the work of assistant principals, department chairpersons and other managers; ensures subordinates' adherence to regulations, District goals and policies. Reports to the Executive Director for Schools.
Specific Duties and ResponsibilitiesEssential Functions:
  • Supervises assistant principals, department chairpersons and other management staff; assigns work load and establishes work schedules; directs and supervises duties of assigned staff. Supervisory duties include instructing; assigning, reviewing and planning work of others; maintaining standards; coordinating activities; selecting new employees; acting on employee problems; and recommending the transfer, discipline and discharge of employees as appropriate.
  • Supervises and monitors students throughout the school day in classes and during activities/events to ensure their safety and success.
  • Supervises and confers with assistant principals to coordinate the completion of duties and the handling of matters; conducts informal meetings on a regular basis.
  • Conducts classroom observations to ensure that technology-infused, student-centered instruction is occurring.
  • Meets with parents and other stakeholders to address their concerns related to their child or the school; obtains feedback regarding school plans/goals; coordinates certain activities.
  • Conducts school level professional development and participates in data analysis that supports the goals of the school and district to include benchmark reviews with PLCs, Explicit Direct Instruction and Planning, school culture, and providing support to students.
  • Plans, evaluates and recommends school-wide programs, policies, goals and objectives; ensures all School Board and administrative policies are effectively explained and implemented.
  • Completes performance evaluations and other paperwork for certain classified and certified personnel to ensure effective job performance and duty completion; conducts performance reviews and observation throughout the school year.
  • Receives and responds to inquiries, concerns and complaints from teachers, students and parents. Works to resolve administrative, instructional and behavioral problems.
  • Oversees preparation of the master class schedule.
  • Meets with the guidance director to follow-up on completion of guidance duties by individual counselors as well as other persons in guidance services.
  • Works with authorized personnel in the modification and utilization of the building, physical facilities and school grounds. Supervises building custodial care.
  • Develops and controls school budget; approves expenditures. Requisitions and maintains adequate supplies and equipment.
  • Supervises school athletic programming.
  • Submits such records and reports as are required by law, Board policies and administrative directives.
  • Reviews, approves, helps in planning and exercises ultimate supervision over all school programs, special events and publications.
  • Enforces policies and procedures designed to protect the safety and welfare of students and staff while on campus.
  • Keeps abreast of developments and innovations in the profession and ensures that staff members remain current as well.
  • Interacts and communicates with various groups and individuals such as the Superintendent, immediate supervisor, other District administrators, other principals, teachers and other school staff members, parents, students, Board members, and the general public.
  • Complies with all federal laws, state statutes, Board policies, administrative rules, and/or directives.

Additional Duties:
  • Oversees the management of student discipline.
  • Attends and/or conducts community meetings as necessary.
  • Performs related duties as required.

Minimum Education and TrainingRequires a Master's degree in education administration supplemented by four years of experience as a successful classroom teacher, or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities. Must possess certifications to meet state and Southern Association standards.
Minimum Qualifications and Standards RequiredPhysical Requirements:
Must be physically able to operate a variety of machines and equipment, including a computer, telephone, basic office equipment, and vehicle. Must be able to exert up to five pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time, but may involve walking or standing for periods of time. Must be able to lift and/or carry weights of five to ten pounds.
Data Conception:
Requires the ability to compare and/or judge the readily observable functional, structural or compositional characteristics (whether similar to or divergent from obvious standards) of data, people or things.
Interpersonal Communications:
Requires the ability of speaking and/or signaling people to convey or exchange information. Includes giving assignments and/or directions to colleagues and receiving assignments and/or direction from supervisor.
Language Ability:
Requires the ability to read a variety of laws, policies and procedures, evaluation materials, technical and professional studies, etc. Requires the ability to prepare complex reports, evaluations, curriculum plans and guides, correspondence, grant applications, etc., with proper format, punctuation, spelling and grammar, using all parts of speech. Requires the ability to speak with and before others with poise, voice control and confidence.
Intelligence:
Requires the ability to apply principles of logical thinking to define problems, collect data, establish facts and draw valid conclusions; to interpret an extensive variety of instructions in written, mathematical or diagrammatic form, to deal with several abstract and concrete variables. Requires the ability to apply influence systems in providing program leadership, to learn and understand relatively complex principles and techniques, to make independent judgments in absence of supervision, and to acquire knowledge of topics related to primary occupation. Must have the ability to comprehend and interpret received information.
Verbal Aptitude:
Requires the ability to record and deliver information, to explain procedures, to follow and give verbal and written instructions, and to counsel and teach employees. Must be able to communicate effectively and efficiently with persons of varying educational and cultural backgrounds and in a variety of technical and/or professional languages, including education, budgeting, etc. Must be able to speak and read Spanish and French, and to listen and interact respectfully and patiently to persons speaking English as a second language.
Numerical Aptitude:
Requires the ability to add and subtract totals, to multiply and divide, to utilize mathematical formulas, to determine percentages and decimals, and to determine time. Must be able to use practical applications of statistics.
Form/Spatial Aptitude:
Requires the ability to inspect items for proper length, width and shape, and visually read various information.
Motor Coordination:
Requires the ability to coordinate hands and eyes using office machinery.
Manual Dexterity:
Requires the ability to handle a variety of items, keyboards, office equipment, control knobs, buttons, switches, catches, etc. Must have minimal levels of eye/hand/foot coordination.
Color Discrimination:
Does not require the ability to differentiate colors and shades of color.
Interpersonal Temperament:
Requires the ability to deal with people beyond giving and receiving instructions. Must be adaptable to performing under stress when confronted with emergency situations, volatile situations or tight deadlines. Worker may be subject to danger or risk to a slight degree and to tension as a regular, consistent part of the job.
Physical Communications:
Requires the ability to talk and/or hear: (talking: expressing or exchanging ideas by means of spoken words; hearing: perceiving nature of sounds by ear).
Performance Evaluation CriteriaJob Knowledge:
Has thorough knowledge of the methods, procedures and policies of the District and Middle School Services as they pertain to the performance of duties of the Principal. Is knowledgeable in the laws, ordinances, standards and regulations pertaining to the specific duties and responsibilities of the position. Is able to ensure departmental compliance with all laws and regulations and control the activities of the department through effective supervision. Has considerable knowledge of the functions and interrelationships of Richland District One and other governmental agencies. Has thorough knowledge of school administration, organization and curriculum theories and practices. Knows how to react calmly and quickly in emergency situations; is able to handle volatile situations calmly and professionally. Is able to perform duties effectively and professionally in an environment in which discrimination and other public issues are constant concerns. Knows how to plan, organize and direct a middle school instructional and administrative staff. Knows how to apply supervisory and managerial concepts and principles. Is able to perform employee evaluations and to make recommendations based on results. Has the ability to offer guidance and assistance to subordinates, co-workers and employees of other departments as required. Has the ability to offer instruction and advice to subordinates regarding departmental policies, methods and regulations. Has the ability to use independent judgment as needed in performing routine and non-routine tasks. Is able to take the initiative to complete the duties of the position without the need of direct supervision. Is able to read, interpret and apply complex professional and technical reports, statistical reports, budget documents and related materials pertaining to the responsibilities of the job. Knows how to prepare complex reports, performance appraisals, correspondence, policies, budgets, etc. Has comprehensive knowledge of the terminology and various professional languages used within the department. Knows how to maintain effective relationships with personnel of other departments, professionals and members of the public through contact and cooperation. Is able to make sound, educated decisions. Knows how to make public presentations. Has the mathematical ability to handle required calculations. Has the ability to plan, organize and prioritize daily assignments and work activities. Has good organizational, technical and human relations skills. Has the ability to learn and utilize new skills and information to improve job performance and efficiency. Has skill in the use of computers. Is able to compile, organize and utilize various financial information necessary in the preparation of the departmental budget, and knows how to prepare and monitor the budget.
Quality of Work:
Maintains high standards of accuracy in exercising duties and responsibilities. Exercises immediate remedial action to correct any quality deficiencies that occur in areas of responsibility. Maintains high quality communication and interaction with all District departments and divisions, co-workers and the public.
Quantity of Work:
Performs described "Specific Duties and Responsibilities" and related assignments efficiently and effectively in order to produce quantity of work which consistently meets standards and expectations of the District.
Dependability:
Assumes responsibility for completing assigned work. Completes assigned work within deadlines in accordance with directives, District policy, standards and prescribed procedures. Remains accountable to assigned responsibilities in the technical, human and conceptual areas.
Attendance:
Attends and remains at work regularly and adheres to District policies and procedures regarding absences and tardiness. Provides adequate notice to higher management with respect to vacation time and time-off requests.
Initiative and Enthusiasm:
Maintains an enthusiastic, self-reliant and self-starting approach to meet job responsibilities and accountabilities. Strives to anticipate work to be done and initiates proper and acceptable direction for the completion of work with a minimum of supervision and instruction.
Judgment:
Exercises analytical judgment in areas of responsibility. Identifies problems or situations as they occur and specifies decision objectives. Identifies or assists in identifying alternative solutions to problems or situations. Implements decisions in accordance with prescribed and effective policies and procedures and with a minimum of errors. Seeks expert or experienced advice where appropriate and researches problems, situations and alternatives before exercising judgment.
Cooperation:
Accepts supervisory instruction and direction and strives to meet the goals and objectives of same. Questions such instruction and direction when clarification of results or consequences are justified, i.e., poor communications, variance with District policy or procedures, etc. Offers suggestions and recommendations to encou

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