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Salary

How much does a City Manager make?

The average salary for a City Manager is $128,495 per year in the US.

City managers play a vital role in overseeing the operations of municipal government. They make important decisions that affect the lives of many people. On average, city managers earn about $128,495 per year. This salary can change based on several factors.

Several things can affect how much a city manager earns. These include:

  • City size: Managers in bigger cities often earn more. So do those in places with higher costs of living.
  • Experience: More experienced city managers tend to make more money. They have learned a lot over the years.
  • Education: Higher levels of education can lead to higher pay. Many city managers have a master's degree in public administration or a related field.

City managers work hard to make their communities better. They earn a good salary for the important job they do.

View City Manager jobs nearby

What are the highest paying cities for a City Manager?

City managers often find the best pay in larger urban centers. Portland, OR, leads the pack with an average salary of $157,896. Close behind is Miami, FL, offering $96,675, and Seattle, WA, with $91,954. Other notable cities include Honolulu, HI, at $82,099, and Chicago, IL, at $74,308. Boston, MA, and Austin, TX, also provide competitive salaries for city managers.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for City Manager jobs, highlighting Portland, OR with the highest at $157,896 and Austin, TX with the lowest at $59,078.
  1. Portland, OR
    Average Salary: $157,896
    Managing a city like Portland means leading efforts to improve urban life. The city is known for its green spaces and tech companies. Leading initiatives can make a big impact here.
    Find City Manager jobs in Portland, OR


  2. Miami, FL
    Average Salary: $96,675
    As the city manager in Miami, you will navigate challenges unique to a coastal urban area. The vibrant arts scene and major businesses like Carnival Corp. offer exciting opportunities.
    Find City Manager jobs in Miami, FL


  3. Seattle, WA
    Average Salary: $91,954
    In Seattle, managing the city involves working with tech giants like Amazon and Microsoft. The city values sustainability and innovation, offering dynamic projects to lead.
    Find City Manager jobs in Seattle, WA


  4. Honolulu, HI
    Average Salary: $82,099
    Managing Honolulu means balancing urban growth with preserving natural beauty. The tourism industry and local government work together to enhance the city's appeal.
    Find City Manager jobs in Honolulu, HI


  5. Chicago, IL
    Average Salary: $74,308
    Chicago’s city manager will oversee a diverse urban environment. The city has a strong financial sector and cultural institutions, providing varied projects and leadership roles.
    Find City Manager jobs in Chicago, IL


  6. Boston, MA
    Average Salary: $72,841
    Leading Boston means managing a historic city with a modern edge. The education sector and biotech industry thrive here, offering rich opportunities for collaboration.
    Find City Manager jobs in Boston, MA


  7. Austin, TX
    Average Salary: $59,078
    As the city manager in Austin, you will work in a fast-growing tech hub. The music scene and vibrant culture create a unique environment for urban development.
    Find City Manager jobs in Austin, TX

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

Peckham & McKenney offers one of the highest paying City Manager positions, with an average salary of $267,085. Strategic Government Resources also pays well, with an average salary of $216,718. These companies value skilled managers and provide competitive compensation packages. Another high-paying company is the West Virginia Department of Transportation, offering an average salary of $65,443. OPPIZI and National Storage Affiliates follow with average salaries of $51,130 and $48,105, respectively. These jobs attract professionals who can manage large-scale operations effectively.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for City Manager jobs, highlighting Peckham & McKenney with the highest at $267,085 and National Storage Affiliates with the lowest at $48,105.
  1. Peckham & McKenney
    Average Salary: $267,085
    Peckham & McKenney offers exciting opportunities for City Managers. They focus on providing consulting services to local governments across the United States. Positions are available in major cities such as New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago.


  2. Strategic Government Resources
    Average Salary: $216,718
    Strategic Government Resources looks for skilled City Managers. They provide expertise in urban planning and governance. Opportunities exist in cities like Boston, San Francisco, and Washington D.C.


  3. West Virginia Department of Transportation (WV)
    Average Salary: $65,443
    The West Virginia Department of Transportation offers positions for City Managers focused on infrastructure and city planning. They operate across West Virginia and seek dedicated professionals to manage city services.


  4. OPPIZI
    Average Salary: $51,130
    OPPIZI is a growing company that hires City Managers to oversee community services. They work with municipalities in Florida and are looking for passionate leaders to manage city operations.


  5. National Storage Affiliates
    Average Salary: $48,105
    National Storage Affiliates values City Managers who can handle community service projects. They operate in several states across the U.S. and offer a supportive work environment.

How to earn more as a City Manager?

Becoming a City Manager can lead to a rewarding and lucrative career. This role involves overseeing a city’s operations and ensuring the community runs smoothly. To earn more as a City Manager, focus on key areas that can enhance both your skills and salary potential.

First, gaining experience in different areas of city management can help. Working in roles like public administration or urban planning provides valuable insights. This diverse background makes a candidate more attractive to employers. Second, pursuing higher education can boost earnings. A master’s degree in public administration or a related field often leads to higher-paying positions. Third, obtaining professional certifications adds credibility. Certifications from recognized bodies show a commitment to excellence. Fourth, networking within the industry opens doors to better opportunities. Building strong relationships with peers and mentors can lead to higher-level job offers. Finally, staying informed on the latest trends and technologies in city management can make a manager more effective. Continuous learning helps keep skills sharp and valuable.

By focusing on these factors, City Managers can enhance their career prospects and increase their earnings.

  1. Gain diverse experience in city management roles.
  2. Pursue higher education with relevant degrees.
  3. Obtain professional certifications.
  4. Network within the industry.
  5. Stay updated with the latest trends and technologies.

Currently 152 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.
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City Manager
152 Job Openings