City Manager Salaries

Position

Salary

How much does a City Manager make?

The average salary for a City Manager is $130,782 per year in the US.

Graph depicting the yearly salary distribution for City Manager positions, showing an average salary of $130,782 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.

Graph depicting the monthly salary distribution for City Manager positions, showing an average salary of $130,782 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.

Graph depicting the weekly salary distribution for City Manager positions, showing an average salary of $130,782 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.

Graph depicting the hourly salary distribution for City Manager positions, showing an average salary of $130,782 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.

A City Manager plays a key role in overseeing city operations. This leader manages city staff and budgets, and works with city council members. City Managers can earn a good salary. The average yearly salary is about $130,782. This is a rewarding career for someone ready to take on big responsibilities.

Salaries for City Managers can vary based on experience, location, and city size. Some top earners make over $300,000 a year. Most City Managers fall between $63,000 and $278,000 annually. These numbers show the potential for growth in this field. Higher salaries often come with more experience and bigger cities to manage.

What are the highest paying cities for a City Manager?

Job seekers aiming to pursue a City Manager position can look into several high-paying cities. Portland, OR, leads with an average salary of $163,635, making it a top contender for those seeking higher compensation. Following closely is Miami, FL, with an average salary of $112,013, offering another lucrative option for City Managers. Additionally, Seattle, WA, Kansas City, MO, and Honolulu, HI, also provide attractive salaries, ranging from $93,367 to $82,099. These cities present excellent opportunities for professionals in the field.

Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for City Manager jobs, highlighting Portland, OR with the highest at $163,635 and Austin, TX with the lowest at $58,066.

Portland, OR
Average Salary: $163,635
Manage Portland's urban growth while promoting sustainability. The city is known for its green spaces and progressive policies, creating a dynamic environment for leadership. Key organizations like Nike and Portland State University offer collaborative opportunities.
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Miami, FL
Average Salary: $112,013
Lead Miami in addressing diverse community needs. The city's vibrant culture and economic diversity provide a unique backdrop for city management. Major firms like American Airlines and the Port of Miami add to the dynamic work environment.
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Seattle, WA
Average Salary: $93,367
Guide Seattle through its tech-driven growth. The city's innovative spirit, fostered by companies like Microsoft and Amazon, creates a forward-thinking atmosphere. Emphasizing community and environmental sustainability is key.
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Kansas City, MO
Average Salary: $90,843
Drive Kansas City's urban development with a focus on quality of life. The city's mix of historic charm and modern growth offers a balanced setting. Leading sectors include health care and logistics.
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Honolulu, HI
Average Salary: $82,099
Manage Honolulu's unique blend of urban and natural environments. The city's tropical setting offers a serene backdrop for leadership. Key sectors include tourism and defense.
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Chicago, IL
Average Salary: $75,083
Lead Chicago's diverse communities with a focus on economic development. The city's rich history and cultural variety create a vibrant work environment. Major firms like Boeing and the Chicago Mercantile Exchange provide robust opportunities.
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Boston, MA
Average Salary: $72,932
Guide Boston's historic and academic urban landscape. The city's educational institutions and healthcare sector offer a rich backdrop for leadership. Boston's vibrant culture enhances community engagement.
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Austin, TX
Average Salary: $58,066
Manage Austin's tech-driven growth and cultural vibrancy. The city's innovation hub status, home to companies like Dell and Apple, creates a dynamic work environment. Emphasizing quality of life and community is essential.
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What are the best companies a City Manager can work for?

Peckham & McKenney offers the highest average salary for City Manager positions, which stands at $268,440 annually. This leading firm is renowned for its competitive compensation packages and excellent benefits. Strategic Government Resources is another top employer in this field, with an average salary of $218,184 for City Managers. Choosing a company with strong financial backing and a commitment to employee well-being can make a significant difference in career advancement. National Storage Affiliates and OPPIZI also offer good compensation, although these positions may not match the high salaries found at Peckham & McKenney and Strategic Government Resources.

Graph displaying best paying company salaries for City Manager jobs, highlighting Peckham & McKenney with the highest at $268,440 and National Storage Affiliates with the lowest at $48,136.

Peckham & McKenney
Average Salary: $268,440
Peckham & McKenney offers top positions for City Managers. They work across the country, in places like Atlanta, San Francisco, and Chicago. The role involves overseeing city operations and ensuring smooth governance. The company values professional development and offers a competitive salary.
Strategic Government Resources
Average Salary: $218,184
At Strategic Government Resources, City Managers play a key role in managing city services. They operate in major cities like New York, Los Angeles, and Dallas. The job includes policy-making and community engagement. The company is known for its supportive work environment and attractive compensation packages.
OPPIZI
Average Salary: $49,632
OPPIZI provides opportunities for City Managers in several locations, including Miami and Phoenix. The role involves coordinating municipal activities and enhancing public services. The company focuses on innovation and offers a fair salary for qualified candidates.
National Storage Affiliates
Average Salary: $48,136
National Storage Affiliates has openings for City Managers in cities like Seattle and Denver. They manage urban development and city planning. The company emphasizes team collaboration and offers a competitive salary for the position.

How to earn more as a City Manager?

City managers oversee city operations and aim to improve the quality of life in their communities. To boost earnings, city managers can take several steps. They should focus on professional growth, expand their skill set, and seek leadership roles. Engaging in continuous learning and networking with other professionals in the field also helps. Pursuing advanced degrees or certifications can lead to higher-paying positions.

City managers can also increase their earnings by working in larger or more financially robust cities. These cities often have larger budgets and can offer higher salaries. Experience plays a crucial role as well. Managers with more years of experience often command higher salaries. Seeking out roles in areas with a high demand for city management skills can also lead to better compensation.

Here are five key factors to consider:

Pursue advanced degrees or certifications.
Network with other professionals in the field.
Seek positions in larger or financially strong cities.
Gain more years of experience.
Look for roles in areas with high demand for city management skills.

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 120 City Manager job openings, nationwide.

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

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