Expected Annual Pay (Texas)
$86,330
Average salary range
Job Title
Principal
Job Outlook (Texas)
+13%
Employment growth
Level of Education Required
Most principals hold a master's degree in educational leadership, education administration, curriculum and instruction, or a related field.
Minimum requirement
Credentials or Licenses Required
Principals in Texas must hold a valid Texas Principal Certificate. Candidates must also hold a valid Texas classroom teaching certificate and meet state requirements established by the Texas Education Agency for principal certification.
Licenses / Certificates
Work Experience Typically Required
At least two years as a classroom teacher and two years in a successful leadership role (such as assistant principal or instructional leader)
Related experience needed
What is this role responsible for day to day?
A principal leads the daily operation of a school and is responsible for student learning, staff leadership, and campus operations. Day‑to‑day work includes:
- Greeting students and staff and walk classrooms to observe learning
- Meeting with teachers to give feedback and support instruction
- Reviewing student data to guide school improvement decisions
- Handling student behavior, attendance, and family concerns
- Meeting with assistant principals and staff to plan and solve problems
- Overseeing schedules, budgets, staffing, and campus safety
- Leading staff meetings, events, or professional learning
- Responding to emails, paperwork, and urgent issues as they arise
Career Snapshots
Explore different career paths within education and find the one that fits your passion
Monique
Monique began her career as a preschool teacher in child care and later became an elementary school teacher after earning her teaching certification. She loved helping young children build foundational skills and became interested in supporting educators across an entire campus. After serving as an instructional coach and assistant principal, she became a principal. She hopes to eventually become an executive director overseeing multiple schools.
Timothy
Timothy started as a kindergarten teacher and took on leadership responsibilities as a department chair and campus leadership team member. He later became an assistant principal, where he developed expertise in school operations, student support, and teacher development. As a principal, he enjoys working with students, staff, and families to create a positive school culture. In the future, he would like to become an assistant superintendent.
Lillian
Lillian first worked as an assistant teacher in a child care center while attending college. After earning her education degree and teaching certification, she spent many years as an elementary school teacher before moving into instructional coaching and campus leadership. She plans to remain a principal long-term because she enjoys leading a school community and helping both students and educators succeed.
What are some skills or personal traits that people in this role typically have?
Principals are strong instructional leaders who communicate clearly, stay calm under pressure, make ethical decisions, and build trust with students, staff, families, and the community. They are organized, flexible, and able to manage many priorities at once.
What are some jobs that people had earlier in their careers?
People in this role often previously worked as:
People in this role often previously worked as:
- Classroom Teacher
- Assistant Principal
- Instructional Coach or Department Chair
- Campus or District Instructional Leader
What are some jobs that people in this role have later in their careers?
With experience, people in this role may move into:
With experience, principals may move into roles such as:
- District Administrator or Executive Director
- Assistant Superintendent
- Superintendent
- Education Consultant or Leadership Coach