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Principal Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Principal Grand Traverse Area Catholic School Employment Type: Full-time Location: Traverse City, MI St. Elizabeth Ann Seton is seeking a Middle School Principal. This person would serve as the ...

Principal Grand Traverse Area Catholic School Employment Type: Full-time Location: Traverse City, MI St. Elizabeth Ann Seton is seeking a Middle School Principal. This person would serve as the ...

The Principal assists in the creation and representation of Everbrook as a premier child care brand, which reflects high business and professional standards. The Principal is responsible for all ...

The Principal assists in the creation and representation of Everbrook as a premier child care brand, which reflects high business and professional standards. The Principal is responsible for all ...

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 ...

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 ...

Principal

Ann Arbor, MI

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Principal assists in the creation and representation of Everbrook as a premier child care brand, which reflects high business and professional standards. The Principal is responsible for all ...

Principal

Ann Arbor, MI · On-site

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Principal assists in the creation and representation of Everbrook as a premier child care brand, which reflects high business and professional standards. The Principal is responsible for all ...

Principal

Ann Arbor, MI · On-site

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Principal assists in the creation and representation of Everbrook as a premier child care brand, which reflects high business and professional standards. The Principal is responsible for all ...

School Principal

Flint, MI

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

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 ...

School Principal

Flint, MI · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

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 ...

School Principal

Flint, MI · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

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 ...

School Principal

Flint, MI · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

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 ...

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 ...

School Principal K-8

Grand Ledge, MI · On-site

$80 - $100/hr

  • PTO

The Principal will enthusiastically share a zeal for learning and a passion for the Gospel, while embodying the school's mission, values, and vision within the lens of the Catholic faith. As a ...

At Principal, you'll learn how to help clients achieve their financial goals while building your own client base in the small and mid-sized business market. Leveraging AI-powered prospecting tools ...

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Showing results 1-20

Principal information

See Michigan salary details

$31.8K

$95.3K

$158.6K

How much do principal jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 20, 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 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.

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

The most popular types of 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:

Infographic showing various Principal job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $95,346 per year, or $45.8 per hour.

Full-time

Posted 15 days ago


Job description

Position: Principal
Grand Traverse Area Catholic School
Employment Type: Full-time
Location: Traverse City, MI
St. Elizabeth Ann Seton is seeking a Middle School Principal. This person would serve as the spiritual, instructional, and administrative leader of the school, fostering an environment where students grow academically, spiritually, socially, and emotionally. The Principal embraces and promotes the mission of Catholic education, partnering with families, faculty, parish, and the broader community to form students in faith, excellence, and service.
Catholic Leadership
  • Demonstrate a strong commitment to the teachings and traditions of the Catholic Church.
  • Foster a vibrant Catholic culture through prayer, liturgy, service, and faith formation.
  • Support students and staff in their spiritual development.
  • Collaborate with pastors, chaplains, and diocesan leadership.
Instructional Leadership
  • Lead curriculum development aligned with diocesan and state standards.
  • Observe, coach, and evaluate teachers to promote instructional excellence.
  • Analyze student achievement data to improve academic outcomes.
  • Support innovative teaching practices and professional growth.
School Culture
  • Cultivate a safe, welcoming, and inclusive learning environment.
  • Promote positive student behavior and restorative discipline practices.
  • Build strong relationships with students and families.
  • Encourage leadership, service, and extracurricular involvement.
Personnel Management
  • Recruit, hire, mentor, supervise, and evaluate faculty and staff.
  • Foster collaboration, accountability, and professional development.
  • Build a culture of trust, teamwork, and continuous improvement.
Operations amp; Administration
  • Oversee daily school operations, scheduling, and facilities.
  • Ensure compliance with diocesan policies, accreditation standards, and state regulations.
  • Collaborate with the Director of Finance amp; Administration in developing and managing the annual school budget.
  • Maintain emergency preparedness and school safety procedures.
Family amp; Community Engagement
  • Maintain open, transparent communication with parents and stakeholders.
  • Promote strong partnerships between school, parish, and community.
  • Represent the school at diocesan and community events.
  • Support enrollment, marketing, and student retention initiatives.
Qualifications
  • Practicing Catholic in good standing with the Church, committed to Catholic education.
  • Master's degree in Educational Leadership, Administration, or a related field.
  • Valid teaching and administrator certification (or ability to obtain).
  • Minimum of five years of successful teaching experience.
  • Prior school leadership experience preferred.
  • Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.