ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Principal Jobs in Raleigh, NC (NOW HIRING)

WCPSS

Principal

Apex, NC · On-site

Overview Principal Salary - B Traditional Elementary School POSITION TITLE (Oracle title) PRINCIPAL WORKING TITLE Principal SCHOOL/DEPARTMENT School Site LOCATION School Site PAY GRADE Principal ...

Wake County Public School System

Principal

Raleigh, NC · On-site

Overview Principal Salary - C Magnet Elementary School POSITION TITLE (Oracle title) PRINCIPAL WORKING TITLE Principal SCHOOL/DEPARTMENT School Site LOCATION School Site PAY GRADE Principal Salary ...

Wake County Public School System

Principal

Cary, NC

Overview Principal Salary - E Traditional Middle School POSITION TITLE (Oracle title) PRINCIPAL WORKING TITLE Principal SCHOOL/DEPARTMENT School Site LOCATION School Site PAY GRADE Principal Salary ...

WCPSS

Principal

Cary, NC

Overview Principal Salary - E Traditional Middle School POSITION TITLE (Oracle title) PRINCIPAL WORKING TITLE Principal SCHOOL/DEPARTMENT School Site LOCATION School Site PAY GRADE Principal Salary ...

WCPSS

Principal

Raleigh, NC

Overview Principal Salary - D Magnet Middle School POSITION TITLE (Oracle title) PRINCIPAL WORKING TITLE Principal SCHOOL/DEPARTMENT School Site LOCATION School Site PAY GRADE Principal Salary ...

WCPSS

Principal

Cary, NC

Overview Principal Salary - E Traditional Middle School POSITION TITLE (Oracle title) PRINCIPAL WORKING TITLE Principal SCHOOL/DEPARTMENT School Site LOCATION School Site PAY GRADE Principal Salary ...

WCPSS

Principal

Cary, NC · On-site

Overview Principal Salary - H Traditional High School POSITION TITLE (Oracle title) PRINCIPAL WORKING TITLE Principal SCHOOL/DEPARTMENT School Site LOCATION School Site PAY GRADE Principal Salary ...

Wake County Public School System

Principal

Apex, NC

Overview Principal Salary - B Traditional Elementary School POSITION TITLE (Oracle title) PRINCIPAL WORKING TITLE Principal SCHOOL/DEPARTMENT School Site LOCATION School Site PAY GRADE Principal ...

WCPSS

Principal

Raleigh, NC

Overview Principal Salary - D Magnet Middle School POSITION TITLE (Oracle title) PRINCIPAL WORKING TITLE Principal SCHOOL/DEPARTMENT School Site LOCATION School Site PAY GRADE Principal Salary ...

WCPSS

Principal

Raleigh, NC

Overview Principal Salary - C Magnet Elementary School POSITION TITLE (Oracle title) PRINCIPAL WORKING TITLE Principal SCHOOL/DEPARTMENT School Site LOCATION School Site PAY GRADE Principal Salary ...

Wake County Public School System

Principal

Cary, NC

Overview Principal Salary - H Traditional High School POSITION TITLE (Oracle title) PRINCIPAL WORKING TITLE Principal SCHOOL/DEPARTMENT School Site LOCATION School Site PAY GRADE Principal Salary ...

WCPSS

Principal

Raleigh, NC

Overview Principal Salary - C Magnet Elementary School POSITION TITLE (Oracle title) PRINCIPAL WORKING TITLE Principal SCHOOL/DEPARTMENT School Site LOCATION School Site PAY GRADE Principal Salary ...

Wake County Public School System

Principal

Cary, NC · On-site

Overview Principal Salary - H Traditional High School POSITION TITLE (Oracle title) PRINCIPAL WORKING TITLE Principal SCHOOL/DEPARTMENT School Site LOCATION School Site PAY GRADE Principal Salary ...

WCPSS

Principal

Cary, NC

Overview Principal Salary - H Traditional High School POSITION TITLE (Oracle title) PRINCIPAL WORKING TITLE Principal SCHOOL/DEPARTMENT School Site LOCATION School Site PAY GRADE Principal Salary ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsPrincipal JobsPrincipal Jobs in Raleigh, NC

Principal information

See Raleigh, NC salary details

$32.3K

$96.7K

$160.9K

How much do principal jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for principal in Raleigh, NC is $96,711.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $75,100.00 and $110,500.00 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 Raleigh, NC?

The most popular types of Principal jobs in Raleigh, NC are:

What are popular job titles related to Principal jobs in Raleigh, NC?

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

What job categories do people searching Principal jobs in Raleigh, NC look for?

The top searched job categories for Principal jobs in Raleigh, NC are:

What cities near Raleigh, NC are hiring for Principal jobs?

Cities near Raleigh, NC with the most Principal job openings:

Principal jobs near you
Infographic showing various Principal job openings in Raleigh, NC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $96,711 per year, or $46.5 per hour.

Principal

Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools

Chapel Hill, NC • On-site

Full-time, Contractor

Re-posted 4 days ago

Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

220th of 634 rated elementary and secondary schools

Job description

Position Type:
Administration - School/Principal
Date Posted:
6/2/2026
Location:
Chapel Hill High School
Date Available:
07/01/2026
Chapel Hill- Carrboro City Schools
Job Description
Job Title: Principal
Salary Schedule: Local Principal Schedule; CHCCS Salary Page
Reports To: Executive Director of Secondary Schools
Salary Grade: Principal
Work Location: Chapel Hill High School
FLSA Status: Exempt
Work Schedule: 12 Month
Position Summary
The Principal serves as the instructional leader responsible for managing Board policies, district regulations, and school and district procedures to ensure that all students are supervised in a safe high-quality learning environment that centers equity and the vision and mission of the district. Achieving student success requires that the principal model the district's core values: wellness, joy, engagement, social justice action, and collective efficacy. In collaboration with the school leadership team and district leaders, inherent in the position are the responsibilities for scheduling, standards aligned curriculum development, strategic planning, extracurricular activities, personnel management, crisis and emergency preparedness, and facility operations.
Essential Duties
  • Develops, implements, and evaluates the instructional program of the school by providing activities which facilitate the professional growth of the school staff and enhance the quality of the instructional program
  • Uses data with proficiency to make decisions regarding the overall instructional program and in support of classroom practices
  • Prepares and submits the school's budgetary requests and assumes accountability for all monies
  • Collaborates with the Division of Human Resources to identify, prepare, hire and retain diverse, highly qualified, and effective educators
  • Identifies the annual objectives for the instructional, extra-curricular, and athletic programs of the school
  • Provides oversight to the services provided to students in the school (i.e., counseling, social work, exceptional children's programming, etc.)
  • Gives leadership to the development and implementation of a system for evaluating student progress by means that include the maintaining of up-to-date student data
  • Observes and evaluates classroom instruction in a timely manner and provides feedback and support to educators as needed in accordance with established policies and practices
  • Visibly supports the positive, culturally responsive traditions of the school community; Promotes a sense of well-being among staff, students and parents
  • Maintains a school atmosphere conducive to: Creating a Culture of Safety and Wellness; Instructional Excellence: Preparing Students for Life; Empowering, Equipping, and Investing in Our People; Equitable and Transparent Fiscal Stewardship and Operations; Strengthening Family and Community Engagement
  • Systematically and frequently observes in classrooms and engages in conversation with students about their learning
  • Influences the evolution of the culture to support the continuous improvement of the school as outlined in the School Improvement Plan
  • Oversees services provided to the school (i.e., custodial, transportation, food, etc.)
  • Models and leads the work of Restorative Practices and the MTSS Framework in order to decrease discipline disproportionalities and academic disparities
  • Establishes and implements scheduled maintenance inspection of school plant and grounds
  • Establishes and maintains clear, positive and consistent interactions with parents, families and community partners to receive input and feedback on the effectiveness of the school, curriculum, and to resolve concerns in partnership with parents/caregivers and school and district leaders
  • Sets a clear vision for the school in alignment with the direction of the district Strategic Plan and provides leadership for the school's instructional leadership team in collaboration with the various divisions within the district
  • Models the importance of continued adult learning by engaging in activities to develop personal knowledge and skill along with expanded self- awareness
  • Pursues the district's Strategic Plan goals for excellence in equity and engagement with a particular focus on ensuring equitable access to high-quality instruction and deeper learning for students and closing opportunity, achievement, and attitude gaps;
  • Drives the successful integration of evidence-based strategies to ensure the growth and success of all students and staff and models the importance of data driven decision making;
  • Acknowledges the importance of social and emotional learning and intentionally creates spaces for students and staff to engage in experiences that result in joy and wellness
  • Encourages and supports innovative strategies that support equity, engagement and social justice action to assure a high- quality learning experience for every student
  • Designs and leads the work of highly effective teams and measures outcomes of the various teams represented in the school
  • Models the use of the Racial Equity Decision Making Protocol (REDP) to define a vision of success in applying the school's equity identity and as an equity lens to the school's body of work within the School Improvement Team (SIT) process
  • Performs other duties as assigned
  • Maintain compliance with all company policies and procedures

Education/Experience Requirements
  • Master's Degree in a related field required
  • Must hold or be eligible for the North Carolina Professional License with an endorsement in PK-12 administration and supervision
  • N.C. Teaching License preferred
  • Valid driver's license and availability of private transportation, or the availability to get to off-site meetings
  • Must have a minimum of 7-10 years of related work experience (teaching experience and school leadership combined) with a demonstrated track record of successfully leading as a school administrator (Principal and/or Assistant Principal)
  • Comprehensive knowledge of the principles, concepts and methodologies of public school administration
  • Extensive knowledge of management and leadership principles and practices
  • Comprehensive knowledge of school personnel and administrative practices, procedures and methods and a demonstrated track record of closing opportunity gaps and promoting equity in education
  • Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with students, certified and classified school staff, parents/caregivers, school and district administrators
  • Ability to conceptualize, initiate, monitor, and evaluate new and/or current programs and/or supervision
  • Familiarity with budget management, school improvement planning, and the processes that effectively engage stakeholder groups on important issues
  • Ability to engage with diverse staff, leadership, and constituents to promote trust, collaboration, and partnerships, both internal and external to the school
  • Ability to lead and collaborate with others to create/design adult learning and teaching of the content and skills associated with operating with an instructional leadership lens

Physical Requirements
  • Ability to safely and successfully perform the essential job functions consistent with the ADA, FMLA and other federal, state and local standards, including meeting qualitative and/or quantitative productivity standards
  • Ability to maintain regular, punctual attendance consistent with the ADA, FMLA and other federal, state and local standards

Disclosure
This document provides descriptive information about the above Chapel Hill-Carrboro City School position. Work actually performed by incumbents in this position may vary. Although this document may be used for recruiting, staffing, or career planning, the information contained herein should only be used as a guideline or recommendation for the content of and qualifications for this position. An individual's ability to meet the qualifications and capabilities described in this document is not a guarantee of employment or promotion. Chapel Hill-Carrboro City School reserves the right to make changes to this document as deemed necessary without providing advance written notice.
Approved By: _____________________ Date Created/Revised: 1/12/2024

What Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply