School Principals

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Career Insights

  • Full Time Average
    Weekly Wage

    $1,531 to $1,900
    Earnings for full-time employees before tax.

    The ranges are for all ages and levels of experience, so they cannot be used to determine what an individual worker will actually earn.
  • Full Time/Part Time
    Split

    94%6%
    This shows the proportion of workers who work part-time.

    The information uses the Australian Bureau of Statistics definition of part-time, which is working less than 35 hours per week.
  • Currently Employed
    Workers

    29,600
    The total number of people employed in Australia in November 2025 for this occupation.

    It includes both full-time and part-time workers.
  • Future Job Openings
    Next Five Years

    < 5k
    An estimate of the number of job opportunities likely to be available over the next five years.

    It does not provide any guidance about the number of job seekers for this occupation.
  • Current
    Unemployment

    Low
    The unemployment rate is the number of unemployed people as a percentage of the labour force (employed plus unemployed).
    An occupation may have high unemployment but may also be experiencing shortages for particular skills.
  • Powered by Australian Jobs 2026

Career Details

School Principals plan, organise, direct, control and coordinate the educational and administrative aspects of primary, middle or intermediate, and secondary schools including physical and human resources.

Most occupations in this field typically require a bachelor degree or higher qualification. At least five years of relevant experience may substitute for the formal qualification. In some instances relevant experience and/or on-the-job training may be required in addition to the formal qualification.

Tasks Include:

  • determining educational programs based on curricula set by educational authorities
  • implementing systems and procedures to monitor school performance and student enrolments
  • directing administrative and clerical activities concerning student admissions and educational services
  • preparing school budgets and maintaining budgetary controls
  • promoting the educational program, and representing schools in the wider community
  • supervising the maintenance of school facilities
  • enforcing a disciplinary code to create a safe and conducive environment for students and teachers
  • organising and implementing methods of raising additional funds in conjunction with parent groups
  • controlling selection, training and supervision of staff
  • may teach students

Occupation:

  • School Principal


School Principal


Alternative Title:

  • Headmaster/mistress

Plans, organises, directs, controls and coordinates the educational and administrative aspects of primary, middle or intermediate and secondary schools including physical and human resources. Registration or licensing is required.

Specialisations:

  • Middle or Intermediate School Principal 
  • Primary School Principal 
  • Secondary School Principal

Find out more

Check out the Good Universities Guide for more information on careers and the courses that can help get you there.


Link - School Principals

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