School Principal Jobs in California

A Principal plays a critical role in school administration as they are responsible for the overall management and operation of the school. They create and implement educational policies, manage school staff including teachers and non-teaching personnel, and ensure the school's curriculum and activities adhere to national and local standards. Principals also have the obligation to monitor student progress, conduct teacher evaluations, maintain a safe and conducive learning environment, and communicate with parents and community members. They also oversee the school's budget and make sure resources are allocated properly.

To perform these duties successfully, School Principals should have leadership and decision-making skills, excellent communication and interpersonal skills, strategic planning, and problem-solving abilities. They must also demonstrate a solid understanding of curriculum development, education laws, and regulations. A master's degree in education administration or leadership, and licensure from a state board of education are typical requirements for this role. Certifications like National Certified School Principal (NCSP) or Professional Principal's Certificate could be beneficial. Prior to becoming a School Principal, an individual may begin as a teacher, then progress to roles such as Assistant Principal, Department Head, or School Administrator.

1-15 of 414 Jobs

Vice Principal, Middle School (2025/2026)

  • Livermore, CA
  • 16 hours ago
  • Livermore, CA
  • 16 hours ago

Position Type: Administration/Vice Principal Date Posted: 4/11/2025 Location: Mendenhall Middle School Closing Date: 04/27/2025   Additional Information: Show/Hide Qualifications: Minimum of...

K-8 Principal/Lead Teacher

  • CA
  • 16 hours ago
  • CA
  • 16 hours ago

Job Summary Job Summary Part-time temporary K-8 Principal/Lead Teacher position, paid on an hourly basis up to 25 hours per week for the remainder of the 2024-2025 school year....

Principal

  • Fresno, CA
  • 16 hours ago
  • Fresno, CA
  • 16 hours ago

Develop, Implement, and supervise a 7th-12 grade charter school. Must be creative, hard working, and excellent at molding and shaping teachers for success. Must enjoy working with at risk...

Vice Principal, Middle School (2025/2026) #7876

  • Livermore, CA
  • 16 hours ago
  • Livermore, CA
  • 16 hours ago

Requirements / Qualifications Comments and Other Information Vice Principal Requirements: A valid California Administrative Credential....

Principal - Elementary School (Grades: TK-5th) - Hatch Elementary School

  • Half Moon Bay, CA
  • 16 hours ago
  • Half Moon Bay, CA
  • 16 hours ago

Principal experience Spanish Dual Immersion Administrative experience * Bilingual English/ Spanish Credential Copy Letter of Introduction Letter(s) of Recommendation Resume Requirements / Qualifications...

2025-2026 Principal TK-8 School

  • Sonora, CA
  • 17 hours ago
  • Sonora, CA
  • 17 hours ago

and student-centered leader to serve as Principal for our Transitional Kindergarten through 8th Grade school....

Principal I (K-8) - Washington School

  • Stockton, CA
  • 17 hours ago
  • Stockton, CA
  • 17 hours ago

Ensure appropriate student behavior, becoming involved in student discipline when necessary Perform related duties as assigned QUALIFICATIONS Knowledge of: Policies, directions, regulations, laws and...

Principal - Middle School

  • Paramount, CA
  • 17 hours ago
  • Paramount, CA
  • 17 hours ago

Welcome to Paramount Unified School District, where great things are happening. Paramount strives to create a collaborative and supportive environment for our employees so that they may focus on...

PRINCIPAL (Valley High School)

  • Elk Grove, CA
  • 17 hours ago
  • Elk Grove, CA
  • 17 hours ago

ELK GROVE UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT CLASS TITLE: PRINCIPAL-HIGH SCHOOL BASIC FUNCTION: Under the direction of the Associate Superintendent, Secondary Education and the Director-Secondary Education, plan...

TK - 8th Principal

  • Chula Vista, CA
  • 17 hours ago
  • Chula Vista, CA
  • 17 hours ago

Letter of Introduction Resume Letters of Recommendation (3) Valid CA - Administrative Services Credential Requirements / Qualifications About the Employer OUR MISSION Hawking STEAM Charter School...

Roving Principal 2025-26 School Year

  • Coalinga, CA
  • 17 hours ago
  • Coalinga, CA
  • 17 hours ago

Coalinga-Huron Unified School District See attachment on original job posting Must possess or qualify for a California Administrative Credential. A master's degree is desirable. Three years...

Elementary Principal

  • Bellflower, CA
  • 1 day ago
  • Bellflower, CA
  • 1 day ago

seeking a school principal who is: ATTRIBUTES Rooted in a well-formed Catholic identity and grounded in a Catholic worldview....

Elementary Principal

  • Los Angeles, CA
  • 1 day ago
  • Los Angeles, CA
  • 1 day ago

Saint Ignatius of Loyola School 6025 Monte Vista Street, Los Angeles, CA 90042 Phone: ... stignatiusla.org We are currently seeking a school principal who is: ATTRIBUTES Catholic School Principals must...

Principal - Accelerated Charter High School

  • Tulare, CA
  • 1 day ago
  • Tulare, CA
  • 1 day ago

Tulare Joint Union High School District See attachment on original job posting Bilingual preferredCalifornia Drivers License Possess a valid California Administrative Services Credential Possess a...

School Principal (TK-8th) 2025-26 - Capitol

  • Carmichael, CA
  • 1 day ago
  • Carmichael, CA
  • 1 day ago

California Montessori Project See attachment on original job posting This position requires a California Multiple Subject credential and preferably an Admin credential and at least one Montessori...

Demographic Data for California

Moving to California? Find some basic demographic data about California below.


Local
National
39,536,271
996,598

School Principal Online Courses and Training Opportunities

iHireSchoolAdministrators curates thousands of courses in order to recommend the best ones to help further your career. If you register for a course using the links on our site, we may receive a small commission.
School Principals: Communicating with Parents
The demands for effective communications from public PK-12 schools have never been higher. At the same time, the volume of information competing for a parent's attention is also unprecedented. How...
Launching Innovation in Schools
Become a change leader and take the first step towards launching initiatives to improve teaching and learning. Every great teacher and every great school constantly works towards creating better...
The School for Change Agents
Free access to course content for everyone and free upgrade for NHS & affiliated staff. Check eligibility for a free upgrade here. Apply for free upgrade here. The School is free for everyone to...

Title Synonyms

Users interested in this job title also searched for the following job title


Salary for School Principal Jobs in California

Estimated salary range based on data from US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and iHireSchoolAdministrators research efforts.

Licensing / Certification

Required or preferred licenses and certifications for School Principal positions.



Highest Education Level

School Principals in California offer the following education background
Master's Degree
54.8%
Doctorate Degree
21.2%
Bachelor's Degree
13.6%
High School or GED
4.2%
Associate's Degree
2.9%
Vocational Degree or Certification
2.5%
Some College
0.5%
Some High School
0.3%

Average Work Experience
Here's a breakdown of the number of years' experience offered by School Principals in California
2-4 years
38.4%
4-6 years
33.8%
1-2 years
11.7%
Less than 1 year
6.6%
8-10 years
4.7%
6-8 years
4.6%
10+ years
0.1%



School Principal Related Career Advice Articles

school principal having a meeting with a group of teachers
6 Steps to Finding the Best Principal Jobs

If you’re wondering how to become a principal or seeking principal jobs, check out our quick guide to school administrator careers.

Read article »
school administrator in hallway
Resume Writing Tips for School Administrators

Writing a principal resume? Stand out in your job search with these resume writing tips for school administrators.

Read article »
school admin interview
Essential Interview Prep for School Administrators

Whether you’re a seasoned teacher seeking to take the next step in your career or a veteran administrator looking to relocate, interview preparation is essential to landing the position. Study this guide closely to ace your next interview.

Read article »