City Manager Salary in Chicago, IL
City Manager salary data for Chicago, IL — 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 Chicago, IL — 2026
The median City Manager salary in Chicago, IL is $123,050 per year ($10,254/month, $59/hr). This reflects the local cost of living index of 107, which is 7% above the national average.
City Manager Take-Home Pay in Chicago
Tax Breakdown (Median Salary)
| Gross Annual | $123,050 |
| Federal Tax | -$18,779 |
| State Tax (5.0%) | -$6,091 |
| FICA (SS + Medicare) | -$9,413 |
| Annual Take-Home | $88,767 |
| Monthly Take-Home | $7,397 |
Living Cost Comparison
City Manager Requirements
Key Skills
Chicago Job Market Overview
Chicago, Illinois has a population of 2,696,555 and an unemployment rate of 4.2%. The top industries are Finance, Technology, Healthcare. The local job growth rate is 1.5%, and the average commute time is 35 minutes.
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City Manager Salary in Nearby Illinois Cities
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average City Manager salary in Chicago, IL?
How much does a City Manager take home in Chicago after taxes?
Is Chicago a good city for City Managers?
What skills are needed for a City Manager in Chicago?
How does City Manager salary in Chicago compare to the national average?
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average City Manager salary in Chicago, IL?
The median City Manager salary in Chicago, IL is $123,050 per year as of 2026. This is adjusted for the local cost of living index of 107. Entry-level City Managers earn around $82,390, while senior-level professionals can earn $173,340 or more.
How much does a City Manager take home in Chicago after taxes?
A City Manager earning the median salary of $123,050 in Chicago, IL takes home approximately $88,767 per year ($7,397/month) after federal, state, and local taxes. The effective tax rate is 27.9%.
Is Chicago a good city for City Managers?
Chicago, IL has a cost of living index of 107 (above national average). City Managers here earn above the city median. The local unemployment rate is 4.2% and top industries include Finance, Technology, Healthcare.
What skills are needed for a City Manager in Chicago?
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 Chicago compare to the national average?
The national median City Manager salary is $115,000. In Chicago, the adjusted salary is $123,050, which is 7.0% higher than the national average, reflecting the local cost of living.