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School Principal Salary in Arlington, VA

How much does a school principal make in Arlington? Explore median, entry-level, and senior salaries adjusted for Arlington's cost of living.

Median Salary
$133,720
per year in Arlington
Entry Level
$81,639
Starting salary
Senior Level
$182,986
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
155
55% above national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

See how school principal salaries break down across different pay periods in Arlington.

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$81,639$133,720$182,986
Monthly$6,803$11,143$15,249
Biweekly$3,140$5,143$7,038
Weekly$1,570$2,572$3,519
Hourly$39$64$88

Arlington vs National Average

How Arlington's school principal salaries compare to national figures.

Arlington Salary
$133,720
COL Index: 155
National Average
$106,060
COL Index: 100
Difference
+$27,660
Higher in Arlington

Cost of Living in Arlington

1-Bedroom Rent
$2,100
per month
Median Income
$120,456
per year
Population
238,643
residents
Rent % of Income
20.9%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 155 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Arlington have been adjusted to account for local cost differences.

About School Principal

Overview

Manage school operations and ensure educational quality.

Education

Master's degree in Educational Leadership; Principal certification required

Key Skills

Educational LeadershipBudget ManagementStaff ManagementInstructional Supervision

Growth Rate

Expected job growth: +14% over the next decade

Compare Cities: School Principal Salary

See School Principal salaries in other top cities.

New York, NY
$157,210
+18%
Los Angeles, CA
$139,080
+4%
Chicago, IL
$126,800
-5%
Houston, TX
$97,300
-27%
Phoenix, AZ
$97,140
-27%

Financial Tools to Explore

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School Principal Salary in Arlington, VA — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a school principal in Arlington, VA is $133,720 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 155. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Arlington's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level school principal professionals in Arlington can expect to earn around $81,639 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level school principals earning approximately $182,986 per year. This represents a 124% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Arlington's cost of living index of 155 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a higher cost-of-living city, salaries in Arlington are adjusted accordingly. This means that while the nominal salary may appear higher or lower than the national average of $106,060, the actual purchasing power must be considered in context.

Housing and Affordability

A significant portion of a school principal's salary in Arlington typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $2,100 per month, housing represents about 18.8% of median salary. Financial experts generally recommend keeping housing expenses below 30% of gross income.

Career Growth and Opportunities

School Principals are in growing demand across the United States, with an expected job growth of 14% over the next decade. In Arlington, this translates to increasing opportunities and potential for salary growth as demand for experienced professionals continues to rise.

Source: BLS OEWS May 2024Metro-level wage data for this occupation and area
Data source: Salary data on this page are sourced from Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program May 2024 estimates. Figures are approximate and intended for informational purposes only. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, education, certifications, and local market conditions. This page does not constitute financial or career advice. For the most current wage data, visit bls.gov.