City Manager Salaries

Position

Salary

How much does a City Manager make?

The average salary for a City Manager is $128,958 per year in the US.

Graph depicting the yearly salary distribution for City Manager positions, showing an average salary of $128,958 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.

Graph depicting the monthly salary distribution for City Manager positions, showing an average salary of $128,958 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.

Graph depicting the weekly salary distribution for City Manager positions, showing an average salary of $128,958 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.

Graph depicting the hourly salary distribution for City Manager positions, showing an average salary of $128,958 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.

City Managers oversee the operations of a city or municipality. They work on budgets, manage city staff, and implement city policies. According to recent data, the average yearly salary for a City Manager is $128,958. This number can change based on the city’s size, location, and budget.

City Managers earn different salaries based on their experience and the city’s size. The data shows that City Managers in larger cities tend to earn more. For example, those managing larger cities make between $144,001 and $333,500 a year. This range reflects the varying responsibilities and needs of different city administrations. Salaries also depend on local economic conditions and the city’s budget allocations for its management team.

What are the highest paying cities for a City Manager?

Portland, Oregon, offers the highest average salary for City Manager positions at around $162,668 annually. This can provide a strong financial incentive for professionals to consider relocating to this vibrant city. Similarly, Miami, Florida, ranks second with an average salary of about $113,981, making it a competitive option for those seeking both a high salary and warm weather.

Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for City Manager jobs, highlighting Portland, OR with the highest at $162,668 and Austin, TX with the lowest at $58,194.

Portland, OR
Average Salary: $162,668
As a city leader in Portland, you'll focus on urban growth and sustainability. The city boasts tech giants like Intel and Nike, offering a dynamic environment.
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Miami, FL
Average Salary: $113,981
In Miami, city management involves leading a vibrant, diverse community. The presence of major firms like Carnival Corp. adds to the exciting urban landscape.
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Seattle, WA
Average Salary: $93,367
Seattle's city management combines tech innovation with community engagement. Companies like Amazon and Microsoft make it a leading tech hub.
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Kansas City, MO
Average Salary: $90,843
Kansas City offers a balanced approach to city management, focusing on economic growth and community well-being. The city's strong agricultural roots support diverse industries.
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Honolulu, HI
Average Salary: $82,099
As a city manager in Honolulu, you'll enjoy managing a picturesque, tourism-driven city. The presence of major companies like Hawaiian Airlines enriches the local economy.
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Chicago, IL
Average Salary: $75,083
Chicago's city management involves overseeing a major metropolitan hub. The city's strong financial sector and cultural institutions provide a rich environment for leadership.
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Austin, TX
Average Salary: $58,194
In Austin, city management merges tech innovation with a vibrant cultural scene. The city's booming tech industry, led by companies like Dell and Apple, offers exciting opportunities.
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What are the best companies a City Manager can work for?

Peckham & McKenney, Strategic Government Resources, and OPPIZI are top choices for City Manager roles, offering competitive salaries. These companies recognize the value of experienced managers, which results in attractive compensation packages. National Storage Affiliates also provides good salaries, making it a solid option for those looking for this career path.

Graph displaying best paying company salaries for City Manager jobs, highlighting Peckham & McKenney with the highest at $273,073 and National Storage Affiliates with the lowest at $47,650.

Peckham & McKenney
Average Salary: $273,073
Peckham & McKenney is a renowned firm known for its expertise in municipal consulting. They offer City Manager positions across various cities in the U.S. Their roles focus on improving city operations and community services. Notable cities include New York and Chicago.
Strategic Government Resources
Average Salary: $219,583
Strategic Government Resources specializes in providing strategic management services to municipalities. They seek City Managers to enhance city governance and citizen engagement. They operate in major cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco, focusing on delivering effective public services.
OPPIZI
Average Salary: $50,118
OPPIZI is a smaller firm that offers consulting services to cities, helping them modernize their operations. They have City Manager positions available in mid-sized cities. Their focus is on technology and innovation to improve city management.
National Storage Affiliates
Average Salary: $47,650
National Storage Affiliates is a company that provides storage services to cities. They hire City Managers to oversee storage facilities and city logistics. Their services are available in cities across the country, aiming to improve city infrastructure.

How to earn more as a City Manager?

Increasing your earnings as a City Manager involves several key strategies. Focus on developing the right skills and experiences. Gaining advanced degrees or certifications in public administration or a related field can help. Seek positions in larger cities or those with growing economies. These cities often have more resources and higher salaries. Experience also plays a vital role. Working in various city management roles can provide valuable insights and qualifications.

Networking and professional development can lead to higher-paying opportunities. Attend industry conferences and join professional organizations. Building connections with other city managers and industry leaders can open doors to better jobs. Engaging with community leaders and stakeholders can also improve your standing. Consider earning additional certifications or licenses. These can make you more competitive for higher-level positions. Developing a strong portfolio of successful projects and initiatives can also help. Showing proven results can attract employers willing to offer higher salaries.

Here are five key factors to increase your salary as a City Manager:

Pursue advanced education and certifications.
Gain experience in larger or growing cities.
Network with industry professionals.
Earn additional certifications or licenses.
Build a portfolio of successful projects.

How much does a City Manager make?

What are the highest paying cities for a City Manager?

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

How to earn more as a City Manager?

Currently 136 City Manager job openings, nationwide.

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

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