Average Head teachers and principals Salary in Shetland Islands
ONS ASHE 2025 · Scotland region · Updated October 2025
How Shetland Islands compares
According to ONS figures for 2025, the median head teachers and principals salary in the Scotland reached £67,633, sitting 4.7% below the national median of £70,977. This is particularly notable amid well-documented teacher recruitment and retention challenges across the UK. In practical terms, living costs in the Scotland run 7.7% below average. That means £67,633 stretches to roughly £73,275 in real spending power. To put this alongside local pay more broadly: the average across all jobs in Shetland Islands is £35,658, so head teachers and principalss sit 89.7% more that benchmark.
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 Shetland Islands
Salary data is by ONS region. Shetland Islands 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 Shetland Islands?
The median head teachers and principals salary in the Scotland (which includes Shetland Islands) 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 Shetland Islands 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 Shetland Islands compared to other roles?
The average salary across all jobs in Shetland Islands is £35,658. Head teachers and principals in the Scotland earn £67,633, which is 89.7% 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 Shetland Islands. Source: ONS ASHE 2025. Methodology.