City Manager Salaries

Position

Salary

How much does a City Manager make?

The average salary for a City Manager is $118,545 per year in the US.

Graph depicting the yearly salary distribution for City Manager positions, showing an average salary of $118,545 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.

Graph depicting the monthly salary distribution for City Manager positions, showing an average salary of $118,545 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.

Graph depicting the weekly salary distribution for City Manager positions, showing an average salary of $118,545 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.

Graph depicting the hourly salary distribution for City Manager positions, showing an average salary of $118,545 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.

A City Manager plays a key role in overseeing the operations of a city. This important job comes with a good salary. On average, a City Manager earns about $118,545 each year. This salary can vary based on experience, location, and the size of the city.

City Managers in larger cities often earn more. For example, those in the top 10% of earners make over $257,000 annually. The lowest 10% earn around $37,000. Most City Managers fall somewhere in the middle, earning between $61,000 and $183,000 each year. This range shows that experience and the city's needs can greatly affect the salary. A City Manager's job is demanding, but the pay reflects the responsibility and importance of the role.

What are the highest paying cities for a City Manager?

City managers in Portland, OR, earn the highest average salary among the listed cities. This makes it an attractive location for those seeking top compensation. Other cities like Miami, FL, and Honolulu, HI, also offer competitive salaries for city managers.

Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for City Manager jobs, highlighting Portland, OR with the highest at $158,704 and Denver, CO with the lowest at $58,182.

Portland, OR
Average Salary: $158,704
In Portland, leading the city involves managing urban growth and sustainability. The city is known for its vibrant culture, supported by companies like Nike and Intel.
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Miami, FL
Average Salary: $88,340
Miami offers a dynamic environment for city leadership. The city thrives on tourism and finance, with major players like American Airlines and Carnival Corporation.
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Honolulu, HI
Average Salary: $82,099
Honolulu provides a unique setting for city management, blending urban life with natural beauty. The city is home to companies like Hawaiian Airlines and Alexander & Baldwin.
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Seattle, WA
Average Salary: $81,062
Seattle is a tech hub, making city management both challenging and exciting. The city is known for companies like Amazon and Microsoft, driving innovation.
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Chicago, IL
Average Salary: $72,708
Chicago offers a rich history and diverse culture for city leaders. The city is a financial center, with major firms like JPMorgan Chase and Boeing.
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Boston, MA
Average Salary: $71,754
Boston provides a blend of education and innovation for city management. The city is home to prestigious institutions like Harvard and MIT.
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Austin, TX
Average Salary: $60,001
Austin offers a vibrant tech scene and a growing population for city leaders. The city is known for companies like Dell and Apple, fostering a dynamic environment.
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Denver, CO
Average Salary: $58,182
Denver provides a mix of urban and outdoor opportunities for city management. The city is known for its outdoor lifestyle and companies like Lockheed Martin.
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What are the best companies a City Manager can work for?

Peckham & McKenney offers the highest salary for City Manager jobs, making it a top choice for professionals. BASE and West Virginia Department of Transportation also provide competitive pay, with salaries above average. Azuma Leasing and OPPIZI follow closely, offering attractive compensation packages.

Graph displaying best paying company salaries for City Manager jobs, highlighting Peckham & McKenney with the highest at $267,167 and OPPIZI with the lowest at $53,642.

Peckham & McKenney
Average Salary: $267,167
Peckham & McKenney offers City Manager jobs with a strong focus on urban development. They operate in major cities across the U.S. and provide opportunities for professionals to lead and manage city projects effectively.
BASE
Average Salary: $71,462
BASE provides City Manager jobs with a focus on sustainability and community development. They work in various cities, offering a chance to lead initiatives that improve urban living standards.
West Virginia Department of Transportation (WV)
Average Salary: $67,056
The West Virginia Department of Transportation offers City Manager jobs with a focus on infrastructure and transportation. They operate in West Virginia, providing opportunities for professionals to manage city transportation projects.
Azuma Leasing
Average Salary: $54,455
Azuma Leasing provides City Manager jobs with a focus on real estate and property management. They operate in several cities, offering a chance to manage urban real estate projects.
OPPIZI
Average Salary: $53,642
OPPIZI offers City Manager jobs with a focus on urban planning and development. They operate in various cities, providing opportunities for professionals to lead city planning initiatives.

How to earn more as a City Manager?

A City Manager plays a crucial role in the smooth operation of a city. They oversee various departments and ensure that the city runs efficiently. To earn more in this role, consider these key factors. Each one can help increase your salary and job satisfaction.

First, gaining experience in different areas of city management can lead to higher pay. Managers with a broad range of skills often command higher salaries. Second, obtaining a master’s degree in public administration or a related field can make you more competitive. This advanced education can open doors to higher-paying positions. Third, developing strong leadership skills can set you apart. Effective leaders can improve department performance and city operations, which can lead to salary increases. Fourth, networking with other professionals in the field can provide opportunities for advancement. Building a strong professional network can lead to job offers with better pay. Lastly, staying informed about the latest trends and technologies in city management can make you more valuable. Continuous learning can help you earn more and advance your career.

Consider these factors to increase your earning potential as a City Manager. Each one plays a role in your career growth and salary.

Gain experience in various areas of city management.
Obtain a master’s degree in public administration.
Develop strong leadership skills.
Network with other professionals.
Stay informed about trends and technologies.

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 142 City Manager job openings, nationwide.

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

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