Average Head teachers and principals Salary in North Ayrshire
ONS ASHE 2025 · Scotland region · Updated October 2025
How North Ayrshire compares
For head teachers and principalss based in the Scotland, 2025 brought a median salary of £67,633. To put this in perspective, the UK average is £70,977 — making this 4.7% below the norm. This is particularly notable amid well-documented teacher recruitment and retention challenges across the UK. The cost of living in the Scotland is 7.7% below the UK average, so a salary of £67,633 has an effective purchasing power closer to £73,275. The all-jobs average in North Ayrshire is £35,473. By comparison, head teachers and principalss earn 90.7% more than the typical worker locally.
Cost of Living Adjustment
After adjusting for the regional cost of living (Scotland index: 92.3, UK=100), a salary of £67,633 has an effective purchasing power of approximately £73,275 — equivalent to earning that amount in an area with average UK costs. The cost of living in the Scotland is 7.7% below the UK average.
Head teachers and principals salary across UK regions
Head teachers and principals salary in areas near North Ayrshire
Salary data is by ONS region. North Ayrshire is in the Scotland region. Below are neighbouring regions — click to explore salaries there.
Head teachers and principals Salary Guide
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average head teachers and principals salary in North Ayrshire?
The median head teachers and principals salary in the Scotland (which includes North Ayrshire) is £67,633 per year, based on ONS ASHE 2025 data. The mean salary is typically higher due to top earners pulling the average up.
How does head teachers and principals pay in North Ayrshire compare to the UK average?
Head teachers and principals in the Scotland earn 4.7% below the national median of £70,977. Other regions such as London and the South East typically offer higher salaries for this role.
Is head teachers and principals a well-paid job in North Ayrshire compared to other roles?
The average salary across all jobs in North Ayrshire is £35,473. Head teachers and principals in the Scotland earn £67,633, which is 90.7% above the local average across all occupations.
About this data
Salary figures for head teachers and principalss cover the Scotland region. The all-jobs average is specific to North Ayrshire. Source: ONS ASHE 2025. Methodology.