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Principal Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

Tennyson-Center-For-Children

Principal

Denver, CO · On-site

$90 - $100/hr

The Principal is responsible for driving the achievement of enhanced academic standards for students. This position will lead and manage Tennyson's academic programs including staff supervision and ...

Tennyson Center for Children

Principal

Denver, CO · On-site

The Principal is responsible for driving the achievement of enhanced academic standards for students. This position will lead and manage Tennyson's academic programs including staff supervision and ...

Tennyson Center for Children

Principal

Denver, CO · On-site

$90K - $100K/yr

The Principal is responsible for driving the achievement of enhanced academic standards for students. This position will lead and manage Tennyson's academic programs including staff supervision and ...

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All JobsPrincipal JobsPrincipal Jobs in Colorado

Principal information

See Colorado salary details

$38.4K

$115K

$191.4K

How much do principal jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for principal in Colorado is $115,028.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $89,400.00 and $131,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a principal?

Principals are the lead administrators of schools, responsible for overseeing all daily operations, managing staff and students, and ensuring a safe and effective learning environment. They set educational goals, implement school policies, and work to improve academic performance and school culture. Principals also serve as the main point of communication between the school, parents, and the community. Their leadership is essential in shaping the direction and success of a school.

What does a principal do?

Principals are the lead administrators of schools. They are responsible for training and managing the staff, selecting curriculum, monitoring the school budget, and dealing with parent concerns. Principals must also deal with disciplinary issues that have escalated beyond what the student’s teacher can handle. They represent the school in district administration meetings and advocate for more funding or staff, new equipment, facility repairs, or anything else the school needs.

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

To thrive as a Principal, you need a solid background in educational leadership, curriculum development, and typically a master's degree in education administration or a related field. Familiarity with student information systems, data analysis tools, and relevant certifications such as state principal licensure are commonly required. Strong interpersonal skills, decision-making, and the ability to inspire and manage staff are essential soft skills for success. These competencies are crucial for fostering a positive learning environment, ensuring regulatory compliance, and driving school improvement initiatives.

What are some common challenges principals face when balancing administrative duties with instructional leadership?

Principals often find it challenging to balance their time between administrative responsibilities—such as budgeting, compliance, and facility management—and their role as instructional leaders focused on curriculum development and teacher support. Effective principals prioritize tasks, delegate when appropriate, and implement systems to streamline administrative processes, allowing them to spend more time in classrooms and mentoring staff. Building a strong leadership team and fostering open communication are key strategies for managing these dual responsibilities successfully.

How much do most principals make?

Most principals earn a median annual salary of around $98,000, though this can vary based on location, school size, and experience. Experienced principals in larger districts or urban areas may earn over $130,000 annually. Certification and leadership skills are important factors in salary levels.

Is becoming a principal worth it?

Becoming a principal is a leadership role that involves managing school operations, staff, and student performance. It typically requires a master's degree, administrative certification, and experience in teaching or education administration. The position offers a higher salary and increased responsibility but also involves long hours and administrative challenges.

What qualifications do you need to be a principal?

To become a principal, candidates typically need a master's degree in education or a related field, along with state certification or licensure for school administration. Most principals also have several years of teaching experience and demonstrate strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills.
More about Principal jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Principal jobs in Colorado?

The most popular types of Principal jobs in Colorado are:

What are popular job titles related to Principal jobs in Colorado?

For Principal jobs in Colorado, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Principal jobs in Colorado look for?

The top searched job categories for Principal jobs in Colorado are:

What cities in Colorado are hiring for Principal jobs?

Cities in Colorado with the most Principal job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Principal jobs in CO?

For Principal jobs in CO, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Principal jobs near you
Infographic showing various Principal job openings in Colorado as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $115,028 per year, or $55.3 per hour.

Assistant Principal

Garfield County School District 16

Parachute, CO • On-site

Full-time, Contractor

Re-posted 25 days ago

Job description

Position Type:
Administration/Assistant Principal
Date Posted:
7/9/2026
Location:
GRAND VALLEY CENTER FOR FAMILY LEARNING
Date Available:
08/03/2026
Position Title: Assistant Principal
Reports To: Principal
Supervises: School Staff
Location: Grand Valley Center for Family Learning
Classification: Certified, Full-time, Exempt
Length of Contract/Terms of Employment: 11 month contract
Salary & benefits: Salary Range - $78,085 - $134,307; Employee Benefit Package
Position Posting: July 9, 2026 - Filled
Anticipated Start Date: August 3, 2026
Position Summary: The Assistant Elementary Principal supports the Principal in providing instructional and operational leadership to promote student achievement, a positive school culture, and effective school operations. This position leads the Colorado Universal Preschool (UPK) program by overseeing preschool operations, instructional quality, staff supervision, state and licensing compliance, and family engagement. The Assistant Principal supports continuous school improvement through instructional coaching, data-informed decision-making, implementation of the Colorado Academic Standards, and collaboration with staff, students, families, and the community.
Position Responsibilities
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
  • Provide instructional leadership through classroom observations, coaching, professional learning, and implementation of the Colorado Academic Standards.
  • Lead the Colorado Universal Preschool (UPK) program, ensuring compliance with state licensing requirements, program quality, and family engagement.
  • Supervise, support, and evaluate certified and classified staff in accordance with district policies, state law, and negotiated agreements.
  • Collaborate with teachers and leadership teams to analyze student achievement data, monitor progress, and implement evidence-based instructional practices and interventions.
  • Support the implementation of special education services, MTSS, and early childhood programs to meet the diverse needs of all learners.
  • Assist in developing, implementing, and monitoring the School Improvement Plan and other schoolwide initiatives.
  • Promote a positive, safe, and inclusive school climate through effective behavior, attendance, and student support systems.
  • Assist with daily school operations, including scheduling, supervision, budgeting, facility management, emergency procedures, and school safety.
  • Ensure compliance with federal, state, and district laws, policies, procedures, and confidential record-keeping requirements.
  • Foster collaborative relationships with students, staff, families, community partners, and district personnel.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Knowledge, Skills & Ability
  • Knowledge of Colorado and federal education laws, district policies, and school procedures.
  • Knowledge of curriculum, assessment, instructional best practices, MTSS, special education, and early childhood education, including Colorado Universal Preschool (UPK).
  • Strong instructional leadership, coaching, staff supervision, and data analysis skills.
  • Excellent communication, collaboration, organizational, and problem-solving abilities.
  • Ability to build positive relationships, manage multiple priorities, maintain confidentiality, and exercise sound professional judgment.

Minimum Qualifications
  • Master's degree in Educational Leadership, Education, or a related field.
  • Valid Colorado Principal License
  • Minimum of three (3) years of successful teaching experience.
  • CPR/First Aid certification or ability to obtain certification within two (2) months of employment.
  • Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI) certification or ability to obtain certification within two (2) months of employment.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Administrative or leadership experience in an elementary school setting.
  • Experience in early childhood education and/or Colorado Universal Preschool (UPK).
  • Knowledge of Colorado childcare licensing regulations, special education, and Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS).
  • Experience supervising and evaluating staff.

Essential Physical Requirements
  • Tolerate moderate physical activity (i.e. standing, walking, reaching, squatting, etc.)
  • Lift up to 50 pounds

Apply