School Principal vs Teacher salary
In Australia, a school principal earns about 79% more than a teacher — $176,269 vs $98,544 per year.
Showing amounts in USD (USD default; source data is AUD). FX as of Mon, 13 Jul 2026 00:02:31 +0000. Convert currencies
Pays more
Education
School Principal$176,269/yr
- Monthly
- $14,712
- Hourly
- $85
- Range
- $120,751–$244,139
- 10-yr outlook
- +1%
Pay range, side by side
| Percentile | School Principal | Teacher |
|---|---|---|
| Entry (10th) | $120,751 | $71,965 |
| 25th | $148,510 | $85,220 |
| Median | $176,269 | $98,544 |
| 75th | $210,204 | $114,783 |
| Senior (90th) | $244,139 | $131,091 |
National Australia figures in AUD. Individual pay varies with experience, employer, and location.
More Education comparisons
Frequently asked questions
- Does a school principal or teacher earn more in Australia?
- A school principal earns more, at about $254,000 per year vs $142,000 for a teacher — roughly 79% ($112,000) more.
- What is the salary range for these roles in Australia?
- A school principal typically earns $174,000–$351,800, while a teacher earns $103,700–$188,900 per year.
- How much do these jobs pay per month in Australia?
- On a monthly basis before tax, a school principal averages about $21,200 and a teacher about $11,800.
- How do entry-level salaries compare?
- At the 10th percentile in Australia, a school principal earns about $174,000 while a teacher earns about $103,700 per year.
- How do senior-level salaries compare?
- At the 90th percentile in Australia, a school principal earns about $351,800 while a teacher earns about $188,900 per year.
- Are school principal and teacher similar careers?
- Both roles sit in the Education category on Pay by Role, which is why we compare them head-to-head. Day-to-day work still differs — review each job page for skills and outlook.