My Colorado Journey
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Education

Elementary, Middle School or High School Principal, Asst Principal, or Athletic Director

Plan, direct, or coordinate the academic, administrative, or auxiliary activities of public or private elementary or secondary level schools. Provide leadership, support, development, coaching, and evaluation to classroom teachers, coaches and administrative staff; lead school budgeting and reporting responsibilities; lead interactions with students, parents and the community. In smaller districts, these roles may be combined with other roles, such as a Teacher or School Counselor.

Annual openings

493

Median wage

$110,530

Typical education

A minimum of a Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college/university, plus completion of an approved program for the preparation of Principals, is required.

Growth 2026–2032

+7%

Median wage source: Colorado BLS OEWS (2025).

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Career requirements

What does this career require?

Explore education, required qualifications, voluntary credentials and employer preferences for this role. Check the details to see which apply.

Typical education

A minimum of a Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college/university, plus completion of an approved program for the preparation of Principals, is required.

Credential requirement

Credential requirements not reported

Credential detail

Completion of a Principal’s license is required. For information on CTE roles, please see the Specialty Areas.

Experience detail

Three years of licensed experience in a school is required. Experience as a Teacher is often valued.

Employer competency information

  • ● Communication - Communicate a wide variety of messages to a wide variety of stakeholders, such as students, Teachers, families, and the community as a whole ● Problem Solving & Decision Making - Able to facilitate solution development and conflict resolution among staff and between students/families and staff ● Administration & Management - Leads school resources and budget, development/implementation of policies, staff development, staffing decisions, etc. ● Public Safety & Security - Ensure that the school provides an orderly and supportive environment that fosters a climate of safety, respect, and well-being ● Critical & Analytical Thinking - Able to counsel and provide guidance to educators/students regarding personal, academic, behavioral, or career issues; collaborate with educators/students to develop and meet school and individual goals and objectives

Is this work a fit?

What the work actually feels like

How people in this career tend to spend their time, the interests it draws on, and a look at a typical day.

Work style

The type of work can vary by job and employer.

  • With childrenYes
  • On a computerYes
  • OutdoorsNo
  • With your handsNo

Interests it draws on

  • Education
  • Teaching

Automation exposure

Low exposure

Tasks here lean on judgement and people skills that are hard to automate.

A typical day

  1. Counsel and provide guidance to students regarding personal, academic, vocational, or behavioral issues.
  2. Confer with parents and staff to discuss educational activities, policies, and student behavior or learning problems.
  3. Determine the scope of educational program offerings, and prepare drafts of course schedules and descriptions to estimate staffing and facility requirements.
  4. Observe teaching methods and examine learning materials to evaluate and standardize curricula and teaching techniques and to determine areas for improvement.
  5. Collaborate with teachers to develop and maintain curriculum standards, develop mission statements, and set performance goals and objectives.
  6. Enforce discipline and attendance rules.
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