Do Principals of Color Earn Less? An Examination of the Racial Pay Gap Among a First-time School Principal Cohort

Type: Article
Topics: Access & Opportunity, Journal of Scholarship and Practice, Staffing, HR & Talent Development

October 01, 2025

This study examines whether a relationship exists between principals’ racial background and pay after accounting for relevant covariates. The study was conducted with a sample of 90 principals (n = 90) from the state of Georgia (United States) over a five-year timeframe (t=5), representing 450 data points.

The analysis for the study adjusts for regional wage differences and relevant covariates and employs a mixed-effects regression model to address its research question. Results suggest that early career Principals of Color (POC) earn less than their White counterparts. Findings are interpreted from an equity theory and social dominance orientation perspective.

David Buckman and Henry Tran

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