Position
Salary

How much does a City Manager make?

The average salary for a City Manager is $123,736 per year in the US.

City managers play a vital role in the smooth operation of local governments. They oversee daily operations and help plan for the future. Job seekers interested in this role may want to know how much they could earn. The average yearly salary for a city manager is $123,736. This figure provides a good starting point for understanding potential earnings.


The salary range for city managers can vary widely. This variation often depends on the size of the city and the manager’s experience. Here are the earnings at different points along the salary scale:

  • 10th percentile: $37,000
  • 25th percentile: $63,182
  • 50th percentile: $89,364
  • 75th percentile: $141,727
  • 90th percentile: $194,091
  • 95th percentile: $246,455
City managers at the top of the scale can earn up to $298,818 or more annually.

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What are the highest paying cities for a City Manager?

Cities like Portland, Miami, and Seattle offer top salaries for City Manager jobs. Portland ranks highest, with an average salary of $167,705. Miami and Seattle follow closely, offering competitive pay at $96,675 and $90,224 respectively. These locations provide excellent opportunities for those seeking rewarding careers in city management.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for City Manager jobs, highlighting Portland, OR with the highest at $167,705 and Denver, CO with the lowest at $58,182.
  1. Portland, OR
    Average Salary: $167,705
    Leading this vibrant city involves overseeing city services and managing public projects. Key firms in the area include Nike and Intel, contributing to a dynamic work environment.
    Find City Manager jobs in Portland, OR


  2. Miami, FL
    Average Salary: $96,675
    Managing Miami means balancing economic growth with environmental concerns. With companies like Carnival Corporation, the role presents unique challenges and opportunities.
    Find City Manager jobs in Miami, FL


  3. Seattle, WA
    Average Salary: $90,224
    Here, urban planning and tech innovation go hand in hand. Overseeing cities like Seattle involves working closely with tech giants such as Microsoft and Amazon.
    Find City Manager jobs in Seattle, WA


  4. Honolulu, HI
    Average Salary: $82,099
    In this tropical paradise, managing city operations means dealing with unique challenges like tourism and environmental preservation.
    Find City Manager jobs in Honolulu, HI


  5. Boston, MA
    Average Salary: $72,841
    A historic city rich in education and healthcare. Working as a city manager involves collaborating with top universities and medical centers.
    Find City Manager jobs in Boston, MA


  6. Chicago, IL
    Average Salary: $72,708
    Known for its architecture and finance, this role involves overseeing a diverse urban landscape with a focus on economic development.
    Find City Manager jobs in Chicago, IL


  7. Austin, TX
    Average Salary: $59,078
    A fast-growing tech hub, managing this city means fostering innovation while addressing rapid growth and infrastructure needs.
    Find City Manager jobs in Austin, TX


  8. Denver, CO
    Average Salary: $58,182
    In the heart of the Rockies, this position involves balancing outdoor recreation and urban development. Close ties with outdoor companies are common.
    Find City Manager jobs in Denver, CO

What are the best companies a City Manager can work for?

Peckham & McKenney offers some of the highest-paying jobs for City Managers, with an average salary of $278,923. This company provides a competitive environment for those aiming to advance their career. The West Virginia Department of Transportation (WV) also presents opportunities, with an average salary of $66,413, catering to those willing to relocate. OPPIZI, while offering a lower average salary of $51,259, still provides a chance for City Managers to grow and develop in a supportive setting.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for City Manager jobs, highlighting Peckham & McKenney with the highest at $278,923 and OPPIZI with the lowest at $51,259.
  1. Peckham & McKenney
    Average Salary: $278,923
    Peckham & McKenney is a top-tier consultancy that offers city management services. It partners with cities to improve their operations and efficiency. The company operates across various states and provides high-paying roles for City Managers.


  2. West Virginia Department of Transportation (WV)
    Average Salary: $66,413
    The West Virginia Department of Transportation is responsible for managing the state’s transportation network. It seeks experienced City Managers to oversee transportation projects and ensure smooth operations. This role comes with a good salary and benefits.


  3. OPPIZI
    Average Salary: $51,259
    OPPIZI is a well-established company offering urban planning and management services. It operates in several cities and looks for City Managers to guide development projects. The company provides competitive salaries and growth opportunities.

How to earn more as a City Manager?

Becoming a City Manager can be a rewarding career. It also offers the chance to earn a good salary. To increase earnings in this role, consider these factors:

First, gaining experience is key. City Managers with more years in the field and a strong track record often earn more. Each year brings new challenges and skills that improve your value.

Second, advancing to a larger city can lead to higher pay. Larger cities often offer higher salaries to attract experienced managers. Stepping into a role in a bigger city can open the door to greater earnings.

Next, earning advanced degrees can boost income. Degrees in public administration, business, or a related field can lead to higher positions and pay. Continuing education shows a commitment to professional growth.

Additionally, taking on extra responsibilities can lead to higher pay. Serving as a deputy or assistant before becoming a City Manager can help you gain the necessary experience. It also shows your ability to handle more duties.

Lastly, negotiating your salary is important. Prepare well for negotiations by researching average salaries in your area. Being informed can help you secure a higher offer.

  1. Gain experience in the field
  2. Advance to a larger city
  3. Earn advanced degrees
  4. Take on extra responsibilities
  5. Negotiate your salary

Currently 90 City Manager job openings, nationwide.

How's the job market for a City Manager in the US?

Learn what a City Manager does, how to become one, and understand the job outlook. Get simple steps to start your career as a City Manager today.
Position
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City Manager
90 Job Openings