EducationOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/1000–2 years
Entry Level School Principal Salary in Chicago
2026 · Recent graduates and professionals with under 2 years of experience.
$96,706/yr
Typical range: $91,174 – $104,223
P10–P25 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
School Principal salary by experience level in Chicago
School Principal Salary Progression in Chicago
From entry-level through staff — based on BLS OEWS percentile data
| Experience Level | Years | Percentile | Annual Salary | Monthly | vs Entry |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EntryThis page | 0 yrs | 0 yrs | $96,706 | $8,059 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $108,794 | $9,066 | +12% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $116,853 | $9,738 | +21% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $124,750 | $10,396 | +29% |
| Staff | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $140,223 | $11,685 | +45% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $151,828 | $12,652 | +57% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $154,729 | $12,894 | +60% |
Current Salary
$96,706
Entry Level · 0–2 years
Hourly: $46/hr
Next Level Target
$108,794
Junior · 2
+$12Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
41/100
Below Average
+5% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the entry level School Principal salary in Chicago, IL?
Entry Level School Principals in Chicago, IL earn approximately $97K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P10–P25 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a entry level School Principal make per hour in Chicago, IL?
Based on $97K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $46/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from entry level to senior School Principal in Chicago, IL?
The typical progression takes 4–6 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior School Principal in Chicago, IL earns $140K–$160K/yr.