The job market for principals in the United States

There are currently an estimated 251,300 principals in the United States. The principal job market is expected to grow by 7.9% between 2016 and 2026.

How employable are principals?

CareerExplorer rates principals with a C employability rating, meaning this career should provide moderate employment opportunities for the foreseeable future. Over the next 10 years, it is expected the US will need 24,400 principals. That number is based on 19,800 additional principals, and the retirement of 4,600 existing principals.

Are principals in demand?

In recent years the responsibilities of principals have increased significantly, contributing to the inherent stress of the role and the hesitancy of some teachers to aspire to it. Generally, principals are being held more accountable for both student and teacher performance and are faced with overcrowded classrooms, limited budgets, and growing and sometimes complex government regulations. These pressures and a perceived insufficient pay increase have led to a decline in the number of teachers willing to transition into principal positions. Over the next decade enrolment of elementary and secondary school students is predicted to grow slowly, resulting in lower demand for principals in these schools. The West and South regions of the country are expected to experience the highest enrolments and produce the majority of jobs, while enrolments and jobs in the Northeast and Midwest regions will undergo a decline or remain stable. A significant number of retiring principals should contribute to available positions in the field.

What’s the supply of principals?

The principal industry is concentrated in Texas, California, New York

Principal job market by state