City Manager Salary in 2026
City managers oversee the daily operations of municipal governments, managing budgets, staff, and public services. They implement policies set by elected officials and coordinate city departments.
Median Salary
$115,000
$9,583/mo
Entry Level
$77,000
starting pay
Senior Level
$162,000
experienced
Job Growth
+4%
10-yr outlook
City Manager Overview
City managers oversee the daily operations of municipal governments, managing budgets, staff, and public services. They implement policies set by elected officials and coordinate city departments.
Education
Master's Degree (MPA)
Experience
8-12 years
Industry
Government
Total Jobs (US)
7K
5-Year Growth
+13%
Category
Government
Hourly Rate
$55.29/hr
Monthly Pay
$9,583
City Manager Salary Calculator
Adjust your state and experience level to see the estimated City Manager salary in your area.
Mid Career (5-9 yrs)
Estimated City Manager Salary
$133,000
$11,083/month · $5,115/biweekly · $63.94/hr
City Manager Salary Range
Salary distribution from entry-level to top earners in the City Manager field.
Entry-level City Managers earn around $77,000, while the top 10% earn $181,000 or more.
Top Paying States for City Managers
| State | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| California | $136,000 | +$21,000 |
| Colorado | $121,000 | +$6,000 |
| Texas | $113,000 | $-2,000 |
| Florida | $113,000 | $-2,000 |
| North Carolina | $110,000 | $-5,000 |
Top Paying Cities for City Managers
| City | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles | $129,000 | +$14,000 |
| Denver | $122,000 | +$7,000 |
| Miami | $117,000 | +$2,000 |
| Dallas | $115,000 | $0 |
| Charlotte | $110,000 | $-5,000 |
Required Skills & Certifications
Key Skills
Certifications
City Manager Career Progression
Typical salary growth path for a City Manager from entry level to expert.
$77,000
0-2 years
$120,000
3-7 years
$162,000
8-14 years
$200,000
15+ years
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City Manager Salary FAQ
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