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City Manager Salary in Raleigh, NC

City Manager salary data for Raleigh, 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 Raleigh, NC — 2026

The median City Manager salary in Raleigh, 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.

Entry Level
$79K
$38/hr
Median
$117K
$56/hr
Senior
$165K
$79/hr
Top Earner
$204K
$98/hr

City Manager Take-Home Pay in Raleigh

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

Median Rent$1,500/mo
Rent-to-Income Ratio15.3%
Median Home Price$380,000
Cost of Living Index102
City Median Salary$72,000
City Manager vs City Median+$45,300

City Manager Requirements

Education
Master's Degree (MPA)
Experience
8-12 years
Job Growth
4.0% (2024-2034)

Key Skills

Public AdministrationBudgetingPolicy DevelopmentCommunity RelationsStaff Management

Raleigh Job Market Overview

Raleigh, North Carolina has a population of 467,665 and an unemployment rate of 2.8%. The top industries are Technology, Government, Education. The local job growth rate is 3.0%, and the average commute time is 24 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average City Manager salary in Raleigh, NC?
The median City Manager salary in Raleigh, 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 Raleigh after taxes?
A City Manager earning the median salary of $117,300 in Raleigh, 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 Raleigh a good city for City Managers?
Raleigh, 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 2.8% and top industries include Technology, Government, Education.
What skills are needed for a City Manager in Raleigh?
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 Raleigh compare to the national average?
The national median City Manager salary is $115,000. In Raleigh, the adjusted salary is $117,300, which is 2.0% higher than the national average, reflecting the local cost of living.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average City Manager salary in Raleigh, NC?

The median City Manager salary in Raleigh, 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 Raleigh after taxes?

A City Manager earning the median salary of $117,300 in Raleigh, 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 Raleigh a good city for City Managers?

Raleigh, 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 2.8% and top industries include Technology, Government, Education.

What skills are needed for a City Manager in Raleigh?

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 Raleigh compare to the national average?

The national median City Manager salary is $115,000. In Raleigh, the adjusted salary is $117,300, which is 2.0% higher than the national average, reflecting the local cost of living.