Average Head teachers and principals Salary in Sunderland
ONS ASHE 2025 · North East region · Updated October 2025
How Sunderland compares
The going rate for head teachers and principalss in the North East? £71,526 at the median in 2025. That compares to £70,977 nationally — a gap of 0.8% above. The cost of living in the North East is 9.9% below the UK average, so a salary of £71,526 has an effective purchasing power closer to £79,385. To put this alongside local pay more broadly: the average across all jobs in Sunderland is £28,214, so head teachers and principalss sit 153.5% more that benchmark.
Cost of Living Adjustment
After adjusting for the regional cost of living (North East index: 90.1, UK=100), a salary of £71,526 has an effective purchasing power of approximately £79,385 — equivalent to earning that amount in an area with average UK costs. The cost of living in the North East is 9.9% below the UK average.
Head teachers and principals salary across UK regions
Head teachers and principals salary in areas near Sunderland
Salary data is by ONS region. Sunderland is in the North East 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 Sunderland?
The median head teachers and principals salary in the North East (which includes Sunderland) is £71,526 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 Sunderland compare to the UK average?
Head teachers and principals in the North East earn 0.8% above the national median of £70,977. This makes the North East one of the higher-paying regions for this role.
Is head teachers and principals a well-paid job in Sunderland compared to other roles?
The average salary across all jobs in Sunderland is £28,214. Head teachers and principals in the North East earn £71,526, which is 153.5% above the local average across all occupations.
About this data
Salary figures for head teachers and principalss cover the North East region. The all-jobs average is specific to Sunderland. Source: ONS ASHE 2025. Methodology.