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Principal Jobs in Raleigh, NC (NOW HIRING)

Wake County Public School System

Principal

Cary, NC · On-site

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 - 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

Garner, NC

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

New

WCPSS

Principal

Garner, NC

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

New

UNC HEALTH

Principal Strategic Planning

Chapel Hill, NC · On-site

The Principal, Strategic Planning serves as a key leader within the Strategic Planning team at UNC Health and will lead the team's portfolio of work focused on statewide strategic planning, regional ...

New

Durham Public Schools

Principal-Elementary

Durham, NC · On-site

Administration/Principal Date Posted: 6/29/2026 Location: Sandy Ridge Elementary School Position Number: Assignment Type: Position Term: 369001 Full-Time 12 month FTE: Classification: Salary or ...

WCPSS

Assistant Principal

Raleigh, NC · On-site

Serves as a member of the school administrative team and assists the principal in developing and implementing policies, programs, curriculum activities, and budgets in a manner that promotes the ...

WCPSS

Assistant Principal

Raleigh, NC · On-site

Serves as a member of the school administrative team and assists the principal in developing and implementing policies, programs, curriculum activities, and budgets in a manner that promotes the ...

WCPSS

Assistant Principal

Raleigh, NC · On-site

Serves as a member of the school administrative team and assists the principal in developing and implementing policies, programs, curriculum activities, and budgets in a manner that promotes the ...

WCPSS

Assistant Principal

Holly Springs, NC · On-site

Serves as a member of the school administrative team and assists the principal in developing and implementing policies, programs, curriculum activities, and budgets in a manner that promotes the ...

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Showing results 21-40

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:

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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

Wake County Public School System

Cary, NC • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 14 days ago

Wake County Public School System rating

5.5

Company rating: 5.5 out of 10

Based on 36 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

522nd of 634 rated elementary and secondary schools

Job description

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 Schedule
FLSA STATUS
Exempt
ELIGIBILITY FOR EMPLOYMENT CONTRACT
Yes
WORK WEEK SCHEDULE
Monday-Friday (occasional evenings and weekends) Position is not available for a Hybrid Telework workweek
POSITION PURPOSE:
Serves as the chief administrator of a school in developing and implementing policies, programs, curriculum activities, and budgets in a manner that promotes increased student achievement and equitable outcomes for all students and the professional development of each staff member.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES (KSAs)
  • Extensive knowledge of best practices to ensure the academic growth of all students;
  • Extensive knowledge of school-based management practices, curriculum, organizational patterns, school operations, and student services;
  • Extensive knowledge of the evaluation process of staff;
  • Considerable knowledge of Microsoft Office, specifically Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint; Google Apps; Microsoft Teams;
  • Excellent customer service skills;
  • Critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
  • Ability to provide leadership and to supervise the planning, development, and establishment of new, modified, or improved programs, services, and activities;
  • Ability to lead diverse staff in implementation of school district Strategic Plan;
  • Ability to understand how to address achievement gaps and increase student achievement;
  • Ability to complete complex tasks and minimize errors with attention to detail;
  • Ability to maintain a highly motivated staff by providing a healthy and safe work environment and by communicating with employees in an honest, fair, and timely manner using sound judgment;
  • Ability to independently resolve problems;
  • Ability to organize information from multiple sources;
  • Ability to handle confidential material;
  • Ability to communicate clearly and concisely both in oral and written form using a variety of communication techniques and tools to ensure the appropriate flow of information, collaborative efforts, and feedback; excellent public speaking and presentation skills;
  • Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with school system staff, students, parents, and the community.

EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND EXPERIENCE
  • Master's degree in education administration from an accredited college or university;
  • School-based leadership experience.

CERTIFICATION AND LICENSE REQUIREMENTS
  • Hold or be eligible for a North Carolina Professional Educator's License for School Administrator-Principal;
  • Must hold and maintain a valid motor vehicle operator's license according to the State of North Carolina requirements.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
  • Five years of experience as a teacher or instructional support staff;
  • Experience increasing student achievement.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
  1. General Planning: conceptualizes the broad goals of the school and plans accordingly to ensure that procedures and schedules are implemented to carry out the total school program.
  2. Strategic Coordination: ensures that the school program is compatible with the legal, financial and organizational structure of the school system. Defines the responsibilities and accountability of staff members and develops plans for interpreting the school program to the community.
  3. Equitable and Respectful Environment: models and encourages an inclusive and respectful environment. Ensures equitable access to resources and opportunities for all students.
  4. Enhancement of Personnel Skills: provides activities which facilitate the professional growth of the school staff and enhance the quality of the instructional program.
  5. School Objectives: identifies the annual objectives for the instructional, extracurricular, and athletic programs of the school.
  6. Curriculum Objectives: ensures that instructional objectives for a given subject and/or classroom are developed and involves the faculty and others in the development of specific curricular objectives to meet the needs of the school program. Provides opportunities for staff participation in the school program.
  7. Establishes Formal Work Relationships: evaluates student progress in the instructional program by means that include the maintaining of up-to-date student data. Supervises and evaluates the performance of the school staff.
  8. Facilitates Organizational Efficiency: maintains inter-school system communication and seeks assistance from central office staff to improve performance. Maintains good relationships with students, staff, and parents. Complies with established lines of authority.
  9. New Staff and Students: orients and assists new staff and new students and provides opportunities for their input in the school program.
  10. Community Engagement: encourages the use of community resources, cooperates with the community in the use of school facilities, interprets the school program for the community, and maintains communication with community members.
  11. Supplies and Equipment: manages, directs, and maintains records on the materials, supplies and equipment which are necessary to carry out the daily school routine. Involves the staff in determining priorities for instructional purposes.
  12. Services: organizes, oversees, and provides support to the various services, supplies, materials, and equipment provided to carry out the school program. Makes use of community resources.
  13. Student Outcomes and Measures: strategically maintains and monitors track records of continuously improving outcomes for students.
  14. Performs other related duties, as assigned.

WORK ENVIRONMENT/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
This job operates in a professional office and school environment and has a noise level of mostly low to moderate. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, scanners, and copiers. The position, at times, must be able to come into direct contact with school system staff, students, parents, staff members of external funding agencies, and the community. Work is considered light physical work, requiring the exertion of up to ten pounds of force. The work frequently requires driving automotive equipment.
EFFECTIVE DATE:8/2024
DISCLAIMER: The above statements are intended to describe the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this position. They are not intended to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and skills required by the employees assigned to this position. This description may be revised by HR and approved at any time.

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About Wake County Public Schools

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Wake County Public Schools (WCPSS) is a well-regarded educational institution based in Cary, NC, United States. As the largest school district in North Carolina and the 15th largest in the U.S, it operates within the education industry providing primary and secondary education to students in Wake County. The district oversees a wide array of schools, including traditional calendars, year-round calendars, modified calendars, and magnets. Founded in 1976, the WCPSS has consistently strived to meet the individual needs of all students by providing a safe, supportive, and rigorous learning environment.

Industry

Education

Company size

201 - 500 Employees

Headquarters location

Cary, NC, US

Year founded

1976

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