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Principal Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Oakland Schools

Principal

Waterford, MI · On-site

Building Administration/Principal Date Posted: 6/5/2026 Location: Birmingham Covington School Date Available: 08/03/2026 Closing Date: Until Filled District: Birmingham Public Schools Birmingham ...

Archdiocese of Detroit

Principal

Bloomfield, MI · On-site

Principal St. Regis Catholic School Bloomfield Hills, Michigan Preschool through 8th Grade Full-Time Position Start Date: As Soon As Possible St. Regis Catholic School in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan ...

Archdiocese of Detroit

Principal

Bloomfield Hills, MI · On-site

$50K - $100K/yr

Principal St. Regis Catholic School Bloomfield Hills, Michigan Preschool through 8th Grade Full-Time Position Start Date: As Soon As Possible St. Regis Catholic School in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan ...

ACCEL Schools

Principal

Highland Park, MI

The Principal serves as the instructional and administrative leader of the ACCEL Schools campus - responsible for the development, implementation and achievement of the school's academic vision ...

Partner Solutions

School Principal

Flint, MI · On-site

Richfield Public School Academy, a charter school in Flint, MI, is hiring a Principal. Richfield Public School Academy is a 'Leader in Me' school, focused on building student leaders that are ...

Lansing School District

Principal

Lansing, MI · On-site

Principals in the Lansing School District own their building's instruction, culture, and community engagement. Principals develop teachers through observations, professional development, and ...

Lansing School District

Principal

Lansing, MI · On-site

Principals in the Lansing School District own their building's instruction, culture, and community engagement. Principals develop teachers through observations, professional development, and ...

Concord Academy Boyne

Principal

Boyne City, MI · On-site

$80K - $100K/yr

The role of Principal will serve as the educational leader and chief administrator of the Academy, with the responsibility for implementing and ensuring adherence to policies, regulations and ...

Concord Academy Boyne

Principal

Boyne City, MI · On-site

$80K - $100K/yr

The role of Principal will serve as the educational leader and chief administrator of the Academy, with the responsibility for implementing and ensuring adherence to policies, regulations and ...

Principal

Experienced Financial Advisor

Lansing, MI

$100K/yr

At Principal, you'll have access to innovative retirement, employee benefits, and wealth management solutions designed to help small and mid-sized businesses attract, retain, and support their ...

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Principal information

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$31.8K

$95.3K

$158.6K

How much do principal jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for principal in Michigan is $95,346.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $74,100.00 and $108,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the jobs of a principal?

A principal is the head administrator of a school responsible for overseeing daily operations, managing staff, implementing educational policies, and ensuring student success. They also handle budgeting, discipline, and communication with parents and the community, often requiring leadership skills and educational certifications. The role typically involves setting school goals and maintaining a safe, productive learning environment.

How old are principals usually?

Principals are typically experienced educators who usually start their careers as teachers in their early to mid-20s and often become principals in their 30s or 40s after gaining several years of teaching and administrative experience. Most states require principals to hold a master's degree in education or school administration and to have a valid teaching license, with some requiring additional certification or administrative credentials. Age varies, but principals are generally in their late 30s to 50s when they hold the position.

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.

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 high-paying regions may earn over $130,000 annually.

What are principals?

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.

Where do principals make the most money?

Principals tend to earn the highest salaries in large, urban school districts and private schools, where budgets are bigger and administrative roles often require advanced degrees and certifications. Factors such as experience, school size, and geographic location also influence salary levels for principals.

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.

What Do Principals 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.

More about Principal jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Principal jobs in Michigan? The most popular types of Principal jobs in Michigan are:
What are popular job titles related to Principal jobs in Michigan? For Principal jobs in Michigan, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Principal jobs in Michigan look for? The top searched job categories for Principal jobs in Michigan are:
What cities in Michigan are hiring for Principal jobs? Cities in Michigan with the most Principal job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Principal jobs in MI? For Principal jobs in MI, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Principal jobs near you
Infographic showing various Principal job openings in Michigan as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $95,346 per year, or $45.8 per hour.
Lower Elementary Principal

Lower Elementary Principal

Oakland Schools

Royal Oak, MI • On-site

Full-time

Posted 17 days ago

Job description

Position Type:
Building Administration/Principal
Date Posted:
6/9/2026
Location:
Lower Elementary
Date Available:
07/06/2026
Closing Date:
06/19/2026
District:
Ferndale Public Schools
Position Summary
Ferndale Lower is ready for a principal who can build on real momentum and help lead the school into its next chapter with vision, confidence, and care.
This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced elementary leader who knows how to honor what is working, strengthen what students still need, and bring people together around a shared commitment to growth. Lower needs a principal who can walk into a school with heart, promise, and progress already in motion and help take that work even further.
The next principal of Lower should be the kind of leader who can inspire confidence, build trust quickly, and create the conditions where students, staff, and families feel supported, challenged, and proud to be part of the school community.
The kind of leader Lower needs
  • An experienced elementary principal
    Lower needs a leader who already understands the complexity and beauty of elementary leadership.
  • Instructionally strong and student-centered
    The next principal must believe deeply in high-quality teaching and learning and know how to lead it well.
  • Grounded in equity and aligned to the Dynamic Plan
    Lower needs a principal who understands that great schools are built through high expectations, strong support, and a deep commitment to every child.
  • Strong with student support, behavior, and special education partnership
    Lower needs a principal who sees student support as central to school success, not separate from it.
  • Able to build trust and lead adults well
    Lower needs a principal who is visible, warm, steady, and clear.
  • A systems-builder with optimism and focus
    Lower needs a leader who can turn momentum into sustainability.
  • Ready to lead in partnership
    The next principal will not be doing this work alone.

What success would look like
In year one, the right principal would:
  • build strong relationships with students, staff, and families
  • protect and extend the academic momentum already underway
  • strengthen consistency in systems, communication, and support
  • keep instruction and student well-being at the center
  • help Lower feel energized, steady, and well-supported
  • lead in a way that makes the next chapter of Lower feel exciting and strong

Bottom line
Ferndale Lower needs a principal who is experienced, inspiring, instructionally strong, equity-minded, and deeply committed to students. This is an opportunity for a leader who can honor progress, build on it, and help shape an even stronger future for Lower.
This should feel like a role for someone exceptional - because it is.
Attachment(s):
  • Elementary Principal 06.09.2026.pdf
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About Oakland Schools

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Oakland Schools is a regional service agency that offers support services to school personnel that are best delivered regionally and provide cost, size and quality advantages to those we serve. Oakland Schools is an autonomous, tax-supported public school district governed by Michigan General School Laws and is one of 56 intermediate school districts (ISDs) established in Michigan in 1962.

Industry

Elementary and secondary schools

Company size

501 - 1,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Waterford, MI, US

Year founded

1962

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