City Manager Salary in Houston, TX
City Manager salary data for Houston, TX — 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 Houston, TX — 2026
The median City Manager salary in Houston, TX is $110,400 per year ($9,200/month, $53/hr). This reflects the local cost of living index of 96, which is 4% below the national average.
City Manager Take-Home Pay in Houston
Tax Breakdown (Median Salary)
| Gross Annual | $110,400 |
| Federal Tax | -$15,902 |
| State Tax (0.0%) | -$0 |
| FICA (SS + Medicare) | -$8,446 |
| Annual Take-Home | $86,052 |
| Monthly Take-Home | $7,171 |
Living Cost Comparison
City Manager Requirements
Key Skills
Houston Job Market Overview
Houston, Texas has a population of 2,304,580 and an unemployment rate of 3.8%. The top industries are Energy, Healthcare, Aerospace. The local job growth rate is 2.5%, and the average commute time is 28 minutes.
Related Government Salaries in Houston
City Manager Salary in Nearby Texas Cities
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average City Manager salary in Houston, TX?
How much does a City Manager take home in Houston after taxes?
Is Houston a good city for City Managers?
What skills are needed for a City Manager in Houston?
How does City Manager salary in Houston compare to the national average?
Calculate Your Exact Take-Home Pay
Use our free paycheck calculator to see your after-tax income based on your specific salary, deductions, and filing status.
Calculate NowExplore More
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average City Manager salary in Houston, TX?
The median City Manager salary in Houston, TX is $110,400 per year as of 2026. This is adjusted for the local cost of living index of 96. Entry-level City Managers earn around $73,920, while senior-level professionals can earn $155,520 or more.
How much does a City Manager take home in Houston after taxes?
A City Manager earning the median salary of $110,400 in Houston, TX takes home approximately $86,052 per year ($7,171/month) after federal, state, and local taxes. The effective tax rate is 22.1%.
Is Houston a good city for City Managers?
Houston, TX has a cost of living index of 96 (below national average). City Managers here earn above the city median. The local unemployment rate is 3.8% and top industries include Energy, Healthcare, Aerospace.
What skills are needed for a City Manager in Houston?
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 Houston compare to the national average?
The national median City Manager salary is $115,000. In Houston, the adjusted salary is $110,400, which is 4.0% lower than the national average, reflecting the local cost of living.