Head teachers and principals vs Higher education teaching professionals Salary

How do Head teachers and principals and Higher education teaching professionals salaries compare in the UK? Here is a detailed side-by-side breakdown using the latest ONS data.

Head teachers and principals earns £26,538 more per year (57% higher)

Head teachers and principals

£73,276
per year (gross)
Take-home: £53,057
vs

Higher education teaching professionals

£46,738
per year (gross)
Take-home: £37,171

Detailed Comparison

MetricHead teachers and principalsHigher education teaching professionalsDifference
Median Annual£73,276£46,738+£26,538
Mean Annual£75,604£47,625+£27,979
Take-Home (Net)£53,057£37,171+£15,886
Monthly (Gross)£6,106£3,895+£2,211
Weekly (Gross)£1,409£899+£510
Hourly£35.23£22.47+£12.76

Salary Range Comparison

PercentileHead teachers and principalsHigher education teaching professionals
10th (Entry)£47,933£11,772
25th£63,816£30,484
50th (Median)£73,276£46,738
75th£85,533£64,244
90th (Senior)£0£77,106

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Frequently Asked Questions

Who earns more, a Head teachers and principals or a Higher education teaching professionals?
A Head teachers and principals earns more. The median salary for a Head teachers and principals is £73,276, whilst a Higher education teaching professionals earns £46,738 — a difference of £26,538 per year.
What is the salary difference between a Head teachers and principals and a Higher education teaching professionals?
The difference is £26,538 per year. Head teachers and principals is the higher-paid role.
What is the take-home pay difference?
After tax and National Insurance, a Head teachers and principals takes home approximately £53,057 per year, whilst a Higher education teaching professionals takes home £37,171. The net difference is £15,886.
Should I become a Head teachers and principals or a Higher education teaching professionals?
From a salary perspective, Head teachers and principals offers higher median pay. However, career choice depends on many factors including interests, qualifications, work-life balance and long-term prospects.

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