University Professor vs School Principal: Which Pays More?
Side-by-side salary comparison by city, experience level, and career growth outlook. Data reflects current market rates.
University Professor
Teach undergraduate or graduate courses and conduct academic research.
School Principal
Lead school administration, staff, and academic programming.
School Principal earns more on average — the national median is $6,000/year (7%) higher than a University Professor. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
University Professor vs School Principal — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | University Professor | School Principal | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $133,520 | $142,433 | University $8,913 |
| New York, NY | $107,784 | $118,914 | University $11,130 |
| Seattle, WA | $127,678 | $135,757 | University $8,079 |
| Austin, TX | $101,404 | $110,789 | University $9,385 |
| Chicago, IL | $97,921 | $102,607 | University $4,686 |
| Boston, MA | $117,892 | $129,543 | University $11,651 |
| London, UK | £70,553 | £75,629 | University $5,076 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$120,002 | CA$127,719 | University $7,717 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a University Professor or School Principal earn more?+
A School Principal earns more on average. The national median salary for a University Professor is $92,000/year, compared to $98,000/year for a School Principal — a difference of $6,000 (7%).
Which has better career growth — University Professor or School Principal?+
University Professor roles are growing at 5% YoY while School Principal demand is growing at 5% YoY. School Principal has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from University Professor to School Principal?+
Yes. Many professionals transition between these roles, especially since both are in the same category. Shared skills include: analytical thinking, communication, and industry knowledge.
Which is harder to automate — University Professor or School Principal?+
University Professor has a lower AI automation risk (14% vs 16%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.