Home > Salary > United Kingdom > Head Teacher
A head teacher, also known as a principal or headmaster/headmistress, is responsible for the overall administration and management of a school. They play a vital role in creating a positive learning environment and ensuring the academic success and well-being of students. The occupation involves overseeing curriculum development, implementing educational policies, supervising teachers and staff, managing budgets, maintaining discipline, and building relationships with parents, students, and the wider community. Head teachers are often involved in hiring and evaluating staff, organizing professional development programs, and promoting a safe and inclusive school culture. They are expected to have excellent leadership, communication, and decision-making skills, as well as a strong understanding of educational principles and practices.
Estimated Yearly Salary: 21,855 GBP
Estimated Monthly Salary: 1,821 GBP
Estimated Weekly Salary: 420 GBP per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 11 GBP per hour
Values are pre-tax
Last revision of data: 2025-01-04
Estimated Monthly Salary: 1,765 GBP
Estimated Weekly Salary: 407 GBP per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 10 GBP per hour
Last revision of data: 2024-06-21
Estimated Yearly Salary: 25,881 USD
Estimated Monthly Salary: 2,157 USD
Estimated Weekly Salary: 498 USD per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 12 USD per hour
Difference in salary year over year or average salary increase is approximately
3 %
Data confidence is - relatively high
Data fetched from dabase: 14 submissions.
Results are anonymized. Amounts indicated are pre-tax, meaning no deductionts yet have been made to the basic salary. Salaries where there are less than 3 entries are not displayed.
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Estimated Yearly Salary: 21,855 GBP
Estimated Monthly Salary: 1,821 GBP
Estimated Weekly Salary: 420 GBP per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 11 GBP per hour
By working as Head Teacher a person can save up to 201 USD per month or 2,414 USD yearly. Values are pre-tax.
NOTE: These values are estimates and are averaged for the whole country. Furthermore the value is likely exaggerated as no other expenses are taken into account in the projection. Unessential expenses are very subjective and are difficult to assess. Most likely the previously estimated number is significantly lower for majority of people. Expenses in different cities across the country may vary. Above values accuracy is low and is based on limited set of data obtained.
For more information regarding expenses in United Kingdom, see costs of living in United Kingdom.
Estimated Yearly Salary for Head Teacher
Last revision of data: 2025-01-04
Data as of 2025
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Head Teacher salary in United Kingdom
Average Yearly Salary of Head Teacher in United Kingdom is approximately 21,855 GBP (25,881 USD). Data is for 2025 and indicates a pre-tax value. The salary itself depends on multiple factors such as seniority, job performance, certifications, experience or any other bonuses. The value indicated is an average amount based on records we have in database. Real values may vary. The data is for orientational purposes.
What does Head Teacher do?

Skills: Head teacher, Principal, Headmaster, Headmistress, School administration, Educational leadership
Job industry: Education
Job industry: Education
How much does Head Teacher make?
Salary details
How much does Head Teacher make?Estimated Yearly Salary: 21,855 GBP
Estimated Monthly Salary: 1,821 GBP
Estimated Weekly Salary: 420 GBP per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 11 GBP per hour
Comparing salary to last year:
Estimated Yearly Salary: 21,184 GBPEstimated Monthly Salary: 1,765 GBP
Estimated Weekly Salary: 407 GBP per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 10 GBP per hour
Head Teacher estimated salary in USD
For easier comparison here is an estimated salary in USD:Estimated Yearly Salary: 25,881 USD
Estimated Monthly Salary: 2,157 USD
Estimated Weekly Salary: 498 USD per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 12 USD per hour
Difference in salary year over year or average salary increase is approximately
About these results
Data confidence is - relatively high Data fetched from dabase: 14 submissions.
Results are anonymized. Amounts indicated are pre-tax, meaning no deductionts yet have been made to the basic salary. Salaries where there are less than 3 entries are not displayed.
Want to check how your salary compares? Submit your own salary here
Compare salary to other countries
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Country:
Salary comparison to National average
The United Kingdom, also known as the UK, is a country located in northwestern Europe. It consists of four countries: England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. With a population of approximately 66 million people, it is the fifth-largest economy in the world. The UK covers an area of around 93,600 square miles, making it the 78th largest country by size.
Estimated national average yearly salary is 41,537 GBP (48,890 USD). Value indicated is pre-tax. Below graph shows estimated Head Teacher job salary compared to average salary in United Kingdom.
Comparison shows that a person working as Head Teacher in United Kingdom earns on average:
0.53 times the average salary (or 53% of average salary).
Estimated national average yearly salary is 41,537 GBP (48,890 USD). Value indicated is pre-tax. Below graph shows estimated Head Teacher job salary compared to average salary in United Kingdom.
Comparison shows that a person working as Head Teacher in United Kingdom earns on average:
0.53 times the average salary (or 53% of average salary).
Is Head Teacher a well paid job?
No, our data shows that Head Teacher is typically not a well-paid job. The salary varies based on experience. Meaning that even though Head Teacher might be a low paying job, with experience the salary might increase to satisfactory levels.What is considered a high salary for Head Teacher?
High salary for Head Teacher would be somewhere between 24,041 GBP and 31,690 GBP. However this is an estimation based on Gaussian Distribution.How much can you save working as Head Teacher in United Kingdom?
Living in United Kingdom the approximate monthly expenses are: 1,956 USD. This amount covers basic needs such as food, housing, clothing, healthcare and education costs for a single person. No luxury expenses such as traveling, leisure, hobbies are included in the estimation.Estimated Yearly Salary: 21,855 GBP
Estimated Monthly Salary: 1,821 GBP
Estimated Weekly Salary: 420 GBP per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 11 GBP per hour
By working as Head Teacher a person can save up to 201 USD per month or 2,414 USD yearly. Values are pre-tax.
NOTE: These values are estimates and are averaged for the whole country. Furthermore the value is likely exaggerated as no other expenses are taken into account in the projection. Unessential expenses are very subjective and are difficult to assess. Most likely the previously estimated number is significantly lower for majority of people. Expenses in different cities across the country may vary. Above values accuracy is low and is based on limited set of data obtained.
For more information regarding expenses in United Kingdom, see costs of living in United Kingdom.
Salary comparison to region and neighbouring coutries
Country's neighbours are: Ireland. To make it easier for comparison a conversion from local currency to USD has been made (conversion rates may vary).Estimated Yearly Salary for Head Teacher
Salary increase per years of experience
Based on data available the salary increase per years of experience is as following- 0 years (beginner) equals base salary
- 1 to 5 years of experience yields
- 6 to 10 years of experience yields
- 11 to 15 years of experience yields
- 16 to 25 years of experience yields
- more than 25 years of experience yields
Top 10 highest salaries in United Kingdom
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4. Cardiologist
(332,162 GBP per year, pre-tax.)
5. Cardiologist
(330,298 GBP per year, pre-tax.)
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8. Neurosurgeon
(310,506 GBP per year, pre-tax.)
9. Neurosurgeon
(309,585 GBP per year, pre-tax.)
(309,338 GBP per year, pre-tax.)
Random salary:
Medical screener (17,250 GBP per year, pre-tax.)
Service operations manager (56,905 GBP per year, pre-tax.)
Provost (127,920 GBP per year, pre-tax.)
Fitness coordinator (28,329 GBP per year, pre-tax.)
Hr benefits supervisor (42,783 GBP per year, pre-tax.)
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