Average Head teachers and principals Salary in Rochdale
ONS ASHE 2025 · North West region · Updated October 2025
How Rochdale compares
In 2025, head teachers and principalss working in the North West took home a median salary of £74,657 — that's 5.2% above the national average of £70,977. The cost of living in the North West is 8.8% below the UK average, so a salary of £74,657 has an effective purchasing power closer to £81,861. To put this alongside local pay more broadly: the average across all jobs in Rochdale is £29,036, so head teachers and principalss sit 157.1% more that benchmark.
Cost of Living Adjustment
After adjusting for the regional cost of living (North West index: 91.2, UK=100), a salary of £74,657 has an effective purchasing power of approximately £81,861 — equivalent to earning that amount in an area with average UK costs. The cost of living in the North West is 8.8% below the UK average.
Head teachers and principals salary across UK regions
Head teachers and principals salary in areas near Rochdale
Salary data is by ONS region. Rochdale is in the North West 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 Rochdale?
The median head teachers and principals salary in the North West (which includes Rochdale) is £74,657 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 Rochdale compare to the UK average?
Head teachers and principals in the North West earn 5.2% above the national median of £70,977. This makes the North West one of the higher-paying regions for this role.
Is head teachers and principals a well-paid job in Rochdale compared to other roles?
The average salary across all jobs in Rochdale is £29,036. Head teachers and principals in the North West earn £74,657, which is 157.1% above the local average across all occupations.
About this data
Salary figures for head teachers and principalss cover the North West region. The all-jobs average is specific to Rochdale. Source: ONS ASHE 2025. Methodology.