City Manager Salary in Durham, NC
City Manager salary data for Durham, 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 Durham, NC — 2026
The median City Manager salary in Durham, NC is $117,300 per year ($9,775/month, $56/hr). This reflects the local cost of living index of 102, which is 2% above the national average.
City Manager Take-Home Pay in Durham
Tax Breakdown (Median Salary)
| Gross Annual | $117,300 |
| Federal Tax | -$17,420 |
| State Tax (4.3%) | -$4,985 |
| FICA (SS + Medicare) | -$8,973 |
| Annual Take-Home | $85,921 |
| Monthly Take-Home | $7,160 |
Living Cost Comparison
City Manager Requirements
Key Skills
Durham Job Market Overview
Durham, North Carolina has a population of 283,506 and an unemployment rate of 3.0%. The top industries are Technology, Healthcare, Education. The local job growth rate is 3.2%, and the average commute time is 23 minutes.
Related Government Salaries in Durham
City Manager Salary in Nearby North Carolina Cities
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average City Manager salary in Durham, NC?
How much does a City Manager take home in Durham after taxes?
Is Durham a good city for City Managers?
What skills are needed for a City Manager in Durham?
How does City Manager salary in Durham compare to the national average?
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average City Manager salary in Durham, NC?
The median City Manager salary in Durham, NC is $117,300 per year as of 2026. This is adjusted for the local cost of living index of 102. Entry-level City Managers earn around $78,540, while senior-level professionals can earn $165,240 or more.
How much does a City Manager take home in Durham after taxes?
A City Manager earning the median salary of $117,300 in Durham, NC takes home approximately $85,921 per year ($7,160/month) after federal, state, and local taxes. The effective tax rate is 26.8%.
Is Durham a good city for City Managers?
Durham, NC has a cost of living index of 102 (above national average). City Managers here earn above the city median. The local unemployment rate is 3.0% and top industries include Technology, Healthcare, Education.
What skills are needed for a City Manager in Durham?
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 Durham compare to the national average?
The national median City Manager salary is $115,000. In Durham, the adjusted salary is $117,300, which is 2.0% higher than the national average, reflecting the local cost of living.