EducationOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead School Principal Salary in Chicago
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$150,286/yr
Typical range: $150,265 – $171,771
P90 · 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry | 0 yrs | 0 yrs | $103,646 | $8,637 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $116,601 | $9,717 | +12% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $125,238 | $10,437 | +21% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $133,703 | $11,142 | +29% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $150,286 | $12,524 | +45% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $162,724 | $13,560 | +57% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $165,833 | $13,819 | +60% |
Current Salary
$150,286
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $72/hr
Next Level Target
$162,724
Principal · 14
+$12Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
41/100
Below Average
+5% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead School Principal salary in Chicago, IL?
Staff / Lead School Principals in Chicago, IL earn approximately $150K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P90 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a staff / lead School Principal make per hour in Chicago, IL?
Based on $150K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $72/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior School Principal in Chicago, IL?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior School Principal in Chicago, IL earns $150K–$172K/yr.