To become a school principal, you'll first work as a teacher for several years, earn a master's degree in education leadership or education administration, then get licensed as a school administrator, which most states require for public school principals. Most states also require an exam and a background check.
Almost every principal starts in the classroom, and many step up through an assistant principal role first. Here's the route and what the job pays.
Figures come from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Outlook Handbook, read on 26 October 2026.
How to become a principal, step by step
- Earn a bachelor's degree and teach. A degree in education, counseling or a related field is the usual base. BLS lists five years or more of related experience as typical.
- Complete a master's in education leadership or administration. Programs cover managing staff, building budgets, setting goals and working with parents and the community.
- Get your administrator license. Most states require it for public schools, with an exam and a background check.
- Step up as an assistant principal. BLS says assistant principals can advance to become principals.
- Apply for principal roles. Your teaching record and leadership experience carry the most weight.
The private school exception
Here's a detail many teachers don't know. BLS says principals in private schools aren't required to have a state-issued license. Some states also offer alternative programs for candidates who don't hold a master's in education administration or leadership. So if the licensing route is slowing you down, private schools and alternative programs are two options worth checking in your state.
The trade-off shows up in pay. Local public schools paid principals a higher median than private schools in the BLS data.
What principals earn
| Employer | Median pay, May 2025 |
|---|---|
| Elementary and secondary schools, local (public) | $107,860 |
| Elementary and secondary schools, private | $98,020 |
Those figures are as of October 2026. Overall, the median for principals was $105,870, with the lowest 10% earning less than $76,280 and the highest 10% more than $167,770.
Job outlook
BLS projects little or no change in employment of principals from 2025 to 2035, but still expects about 20,600 openings each year, mostly to replace principals who retire or move on. There were 343,800 jobs in 2025.
What principals do
- Managing school activities and staff
- Setting and overseeing class schedules
- Maintaining curriculum standards
- Observing and evaluating teachers
- Meeting parents and teachers about students' progress and behavior
- Reporting on test scores and student achievement
- Managing the budget, supplies and maintenance
- Setting security procedures for students, staff and visitors
BLS highlights communication, critical thinking, decision-making and interpersonal skills. Principals usually work year round and may work evenings or weekends to meet parents and attend school events. Some go on to become superintendents or instructional coordinators.
Getting started from the classroom
If you're not yet teaching, our guide to becoming an elementary school teacher covers the first step. When you're ready to interview for leadership roles, these sample answers to teacher interview questions help you show your impact in the classroom.
Are you ready to lead a school?
- Do I want to lead adults as well as teach children? Much of the job is managing staff.
- Am I ready for year-round work? Principals typically work through the summer.
- Public or private? Licensing rules and pay differ.
What changes when you leave the classroom
BLS describes principals as directing the overall operation of a school. They set academic goals, make sure teachers have the resources to meet them and may run extra programs such as counseling, extracurricular activities and before- and after-school childcare. In public schools, they also put district, state and federal standards into practice and report on student achievement and teacher performance.
Principals are the public face of their school, too, listening to and addressing the concerns of parents and the community. Many schools have assistant principals who take on specific duties, and in some districts an assistant principal handles a particular subject area. That's a useful training ground before you take the top job.
Where the role can lead
The principal's job isn't the end of the ladder. BLS says some principals advance to become superintendents or other education administrators, which may require more education, and others become instructional coordinators who shape curriculum and teaching standards. In smaller districts, principals may also handle tasks such as hiring that bigger districts give to separate staff, which builds broad experience for those next steps.
My verdict
Becoming a principal is a leadership step built on classroom experience. Teach well, take on leadership roles early, complete a master's in education leadership and get licensed in your state. Public schools paid more, but private schools don't require the state license, so weigh both. With about 20,600 openings a year, there's a steady path for teachers ready to lead.
Frequently asked questions
What qualifications do you need to be a principal?
Usually a master's degree in education leadership or administration, several years of teaching experience and, for public schools, a state administrator license.
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How many years of teaching do you need to become a principal?
BLS lists five years or more of related work experience as typical.
How much do principals make?
BLS reports a median of $105,870 a year in May 2025, and $107,860 in local public schools.
Do private school principals need a license?
No. BLS says principals in private schools aren't required to have a state-issued license.
Can you become a principal without a master's degree?
Some states have alternative programs for candidates without a master's in education administration or leadership.
Do principals work in the summer?
Typically yes. BLS says principals usually work year round.
What comes after being a principal?
Some principals become superintendents, other education administrators or instructional coordinators.
What does an assistant principal do?
Helps the principal run the school, often with specific assigned duties, and in some districts handles a subject area.
What skills do principals need?
BLS highlights communication, critical thinking, decision-making and interpersonal skills.
Is there demand for principals?
BLS projects little or no change in employment but about 20,600 openings a year from 2025 to 2035.
Do principals need teaching experience?
Yes. BLS says principals need several years of teaching experience.
What do principals study?
Usually a master's in education leadership or administration, covering staff management, budgets, goal-setting and working with parents.
Who earns more, public or private school principals?
In the BLS data, local public schools paid a median of $107,860 and private schools $98,020 in May 2025.
