City Manager Salary in Cary, NC
City Manager salary data for Cary, NC — adjusted for local cost of living. Entry-level to senior pay ranges, take-home pay calculator, and local job market insights.
City Manager Salary in Cary, NC — 2026
The median City Manager salary in Cary, NC is $126,500 per year ($10,542/month, $61/hr). This reflects the local cost of living index of 110, which is 10% above the national average.
City Manager Take-Home Pay in Cary
Tax Breakdown (Median Salary)
| Gross Annual | $126,500 |
| Federal Tax | -$19,607 |
| State Tax (4.3%) | -$5,376 |
| FICA (SS + Medicare) | -$9,677 |
| Annual Take-Home | $91,840 |
| Monthly Take-Home | $7,653 |
Living Cost Comparison
City Manager Requirements
Key Skills
Cary Job Market Overview
Cary, North Carolina has a population of 174,721 and an unemployment rate of 2.2%. The top industries are Technology, Pharmaceuticals, Finance. The local job growth rate is 3.2%, and the average commute time is 24 minutes.
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City Manager Salary in Nearby North Carolina Cities
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average City Manager salary in Cary, NC?
How much does a City Manager take home in Cary after taxes?
Is Cary a good city for City Managers?
What skills are needed for a City Manager in Cary?
How does City Manager salary in Cary compare to the national average?
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average City Manager salary in Cary, NC?
The median City Manager salary in Cary, NC is $126,500 per year as of 2026. This is adjusted for the local cost of living index of 110. Entry-level City Managers earn around $84,700, while senior-level professionals can earn $178,200 or more.
How much does a City Manager take home in Cary after taxes?
A City Manager earning the median salary of $126,500 in Cary, NC takes home approximately $91,840 per year ($7,653/month) after federal, state, and local taxes. The effective tax rate is 27.4%.
Is Cary a good city for City Managers?
Cary, NC has a cost of living index of 110 (above national average). City Managers here earn above the city median. The local unemployment rate is 2.2% and top industries include Technology, Pharmaceuticals, Finance.
What skills are needed for a City Manager in Cary?
Key skills for City Managers include Public Administration, Budgeting, Policy Development, Community Relations, Staff Management. Typical education requirement is Master's Degree (MPA). Valuable certifications include ICMA Certification, MPA Degree.
How does City Manager salary in Cary compare to the national average?
The national median City Manager salary is $115,000. In Cary, the adjusted salary is $126,500, which is 10.0% higher than the national average, reflecting the local cost of living.