Head teachers and principals vs Managers, directors and senior officials Salary

How do Head teachers and principals and Managers, directors and senior officials salaries compare in the UK? Here is a detailed side-by-side breakdown using the latest ONS data.

Head teachers and principals earns £20,726 more per year (39% higher)

Head teachers and principals

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

Managers, directors and senior officials

£52,550
per year (gross)
Take-home: £41,036

Detailed Comparison

MetricHead teachers and principalsManagers, directors and senior officialsDifference
Median Annual£73,276£52,550+£20,726
Mean Annual£75,604£66,373+£9,231
Take-Home (Net)£53,057£41,036+£12,021
Monthly (Gross)£6,106£4,379+£1,727
Weekly (Gross)£1,409£1,011+£398
Hourly£35.23£25.26+£9.97

Salary Range Comparison

PercentileHead teachers and principalsManagers, directors and senior officials
10th (Entry)£47,933£24,107
25th£63,816£35,002
50th (Median)£73,276£52,550
75th£85,533£81,698
90th (Senior)£0£120,750

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Frequently Asked Questions

Who earns more, a Head teachers and principals or a Managers, directors and senior officials?
A Head teachers and principals earns more. The median salary for a Head teachers and principals is £73,276, whilst a Managers, directors and senior officials earns £52,550 — a difference of £20,726 per year.
What is the salary difference between a Head teachers and principals and a Managers, directors and senior officials?
The difference is £20,726 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 Managers, directors and senior officials takes home £41,036. The net difference is £12,021.
Should I become a Head teachers and principals or a Managers, directors and senior officials?
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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