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
Related Government Jobs
City Manager Salary FAQ
How much does a City Manager make in 2026?
The median salary for a City Manager in the United States is $115,000 per year in 2026. Entry-level positions start around $77,000, while senior professionals earn up to $162,000. Top earners in the field can make $200,000 or more annually.
What education is needed to become a City Manager?
A City Manager typically requires a Master's Degree (MPA) with 8-12 years of experience. Key skills include Public Administration, Budgeting, Policy Development. Relevant certifications such as ICMA Certification or MPA Degree can boost earning potential and career advancement.
What is the job outlook for City Managers?
The job market for City Managers is projected to grow by 4% over the next decade. There are currently approximately 7K City Manager positions in the US. Salary growth over the past 5 years has been approximately 13%, reflecting moderate demand for this role.
Which states pay City Managers the most?
The highest-paying states for City Managers include California, Texas, Florida. In California, the median salary is approximately $136,000. However, cost of living varies significantly, so adjusted purchasing power should be considered when comparing salaries across states.
How can I increase my City Manager salary?
To increase your City Manager salary, focus on gaining expertise in high-demand skills like Public Administration and Budgeting. Pursue certifications such as ICMA Certification. Consider relocating to higher-paying markets like Los Angeles. With 8-12 years of experience, you can progress from $77,000 to $162,000 or more.
Methodology & Data Sources — City Manager Salary
How we calculate City Manager salary data: Our figures combine BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) for the national salary baseline, adjusted by cost-of-living multipliers from the C2ER Cost of Living Index. State-level estimates use BLS regional wage survey data weighted by occupation employment counts. We calibrate entry/senior/top-level tiers against BLS percentile distributions (P10, P25, P75, P90) for this occupation.
- National median salary: $115,000 — sourced from BLS OEWS for SOC code corresponding to City Manager in the Government sector.
- Entry-level ($77,000) and senior-level ($162,000) figures reflect BLS P25 and P75 percentile wage estimates adjusted for experience.
- Job outlook: +4% projected growth through 2034, from BLS Employment Projections program. Approximately 7K total positions nationwide.
- 5-year salary growth: 13% over the past 5 years, derived from BLS Employment Cost Index for Government sector wages.
- Education requirement: Master's Degree (MPA), per BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook entry for this occupation.
- State-level estimates use BLS regional CPI-U data and OEWS metropolitan area wage surveys, normalized to the national median of $115,000.
Authoritative US data sources for City Manager compensation:
- BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) — national and metro-area salary data
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook — City Manager job projections, education, and career outlook
- BLS Employment Projections — 10-year occupation growth and decline data
- BLS Employment Cost Index — quarterly compensation trend data for Government
- BLS Consumer Price Index (CPI-U) — regional inflation for cost-of-living wage adjustments
- IRS Revenue Procedure 2025-32 summary — 2026 federal tax brackets and standard deductions
Disclaimer: City Manager salary figures are statistical estimates for general guidance. Actual compensation depends on employer, location, negotiation, specific skills (Public Administration, Budgeting, Policy Development), certifications, and industry conditions. Always verify with multiple sources including current job listings, recruiter data, and direct employer offers before making career decisions.
Reviewed by Brazora Monk · Last updated May 17, 2026 · BLS data current as of latest OEWS annual release
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