School Principal Salary in California

How Much Does a School Principal Make in California?

The typical School Principal salary in California ranges from $68,600 to $127,400, with the national median at $98,000.

Lead and manage school operations, staff, and student programs Your actual take-home pay as a School Principal in California depends on:

• Your specific salary or hourly rate
• Federal income tax (10% to 37% progressive rates)
• FICA taxes (7.65% for Social Security and Medicare)
• California state income tax
• Local taxes (if applicable in your city)
• Health insurance and retirement contributions
• Cost of living in your specific city or region

Taxes for School Principal in California

As a School Principal working in California, you'll pay the following taxes on your income:

Federal Income Tax

Everyone in the US pays federal income tax, including School Principal professionals. The federal tax system uses progressive tax brackets ranging from 10% to 37%, meaning you pay different rates on different portions of your income.

FICA Taxes

Social Security and Medicare taxes (FICA) total 7.65% of your gross income:

• Social Security: 6.2% (on first $168,600 in 2025)
• Medicare: 1.45% (no income limit)
• Additional Medicare: 0.9% on income over $200,000

California State Income Tax

California has a state income tax that applies to all School Principal salaries earned in the state. The exact rate depends on California's tax brackets and your total income.

Use our California salary calculator to see your exact state tax based on your School Principal salary.

Cost of Living for School Principal in California

Your School Principal salary goes further or shorter depending on the cost of living in your area of California. Key factors include:

• Housing: Rent or mortgage payments (often 25-35% of take-home pay)
• Transportation: Car payments, gas, insurance, or public transit
• Food: Groceries and dining out
• Healthcare: Insurance premiums, copays, prescriptions
• Utilities: Electric, gas, water, internet

A $98,000 School Principal salary in a low-cost area of California provides significantly more buying power than the same salary in an expensive metro area.

School Principal Salary Examples in California

Here's what different School Principal salary levels look like in California:

Entry-Level School Principal ($68,600)

• Gross annual salary: $68,600
• Federal tax: ~$8,232
• FICA: ~$5,248
• California state tax: Varies
• Approximate take-home: $48,020

Median School Principal ($98,000)

• Gross annual salary: $98,000
• Federal tax: ~$15,680
• FICA: ~$7,497
• California state tax: Varies
• Approximate take-home: $65,660

Experienced School Principal ($127,400)

• Gross annual salary: $127,400
• Federal tax: ~$28,028
• FICA: ~$9,746
• California state tax: Varies
• Approximate take-home: $76,440

Calculate your exact take-home pay: These are estimates. For precise calculations based on your specific situation, use our California salary calculator.

Compare School Principal Salaries Across States

The same School Principal salary can result in very different take-home pay depending on the state:

• No-tax states (TX, FL, NV, TN, WA): Higher take-home pay
• Low-tax states (AZ, IN, ND, PA): Moderate take-home pay
• High-tax states (CA, NY, NJ, HI): Lower take-home pay

A $98,000 School Principal salary in California results in about $4,900 to $9,800 less take-home pay per year compared to the same salary in a no-tax state.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average School Principal salary in California?

The average School Principal salary in California varies by experience, location within the state, and employer. The national median is $98,000, with typical California salaries ranging from $68,600 to $127,400.

How much does a School Principal make after taxes in California?

After federal taxes, FICA, California state tax, and typical deductions, a School Principal earning $98,000 in California takes home approximately $63,700 to $68,600 per year.

Is California a good state for School Principal professionals?

It depends on your priorities. Consider California's cost of living, career opportunities, quality of life, and state tax burden when evaluating your options.

Next Steps

Ready to see your exact School Principal take-home pay in California?

Use our California salary calculator →

Or compare School Principal salaries across different states to find the best location for your career.