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What is a principal associate and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
3 min read
Quoted expert
Rolf Straubhaar

Principal associates are responsible for providing similar guidance to students as the principal while meeting minimum requirements that benefit the students and school. They provide leadership and guidance for the school and its students, coordinating the instructional and other related services and activities that will build a better reputation. Principal associates earn a median sum of $131,000 annually or $63 per hour.

Principal associates maintain and improve the school's education programs while providing a nurturing and supportive environment for all students enrolled. They are expected to be a voice for students, keeping their school and education at a high standard by ensuring the school meets state and federal standards. They also ensure the environment is safe for students, teachers, and staff, and encourage the professional development of all staff and teachers.

Principal associates typically hold a bachelor's or master's degree in educational leadership, business, or other related fields. They are expected to have some proven experience as an associate or in a similar role. Some employers prefer candidates with the ability to develop innovative instructional practices and methods for better learning and development.

What general advice would you give to a principal associate?

Rolf Straubhaar

Associate Professor and Program Coordinator, Website

Being a school leader is one of the most time and energy-intensive careers in the US. On a day-to-day basis, you are leading professional development, doing walk-throughs in classrooms, handling student discipline, talking with parents, advocating for your school and community to higher-ups at the district and state level-in general, you are putting out both literal and metaphorical fires all day to make sure the kids in your school building feel safe and learn.
ScorePrincipal AssociateUS Average
Salary
7.9

Avg. Salary $112,879

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level
10.0

Growth rate 5%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity
2.9
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.70%

Asian 4.33%

Black or African American 9.35%

Hispanic or Latino 14.09%

Unknown 4.00%

White 67.54%

Gender

female 36.49%

male 63.51%

Age - 47
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 47
Stress level
10.0

Stress level is very high

7.1 - high

Complexity level
10.0

Complexity level is advanced

7 - challenging

Work life balance
4.4

Work life balance is poor

6.4 - fair

Principal associate career paths

Key steps to become a principal associate

  1. Explore principal associate education requirements

    Most common principal associate degrees

    Bachelor's

    51.0 %

    Master's

    27.2 %

    Associate

    7.9 %
  2. Start to develop specific principal associate skills

    SkillsPercentages
    Healthcare17.06%
    Project Management15.17%
    Business Development8.65%
    Data Analysis7.67%
    Java5.59%
  3. Complete relevant principal associate training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of 1-2 years on post-employment, on-the-job training. New principal associates learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a principal associate based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real principal associate resumes.
  4. Research principal associate duties and responsibilities

    • Develop business opportunities and manage client engagements across multiple industries with a focus on healthcare clients.
    • Manage enterprise email / CRM marketing platform and strategy to enable data-driven, personalize acquisition and engagement programs.
    • Facilitate professional development for curriculum and instruction in the math department.
    • Organize after school tutors for groups of at-risk students.
  5. Apply for principal associate jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a principal associate job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How did you land your first principal associate job

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Average principal associate salary

The average principal associate salary in the United States is $112,879 per year or $54 per hour. Principal associate salaries range between $78,000 and $162,000 per year.

Average principal associate salary
$112,879 Yearly
$54.27 hourly

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Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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