City Manager Salary in San Diego, CA
City Manager salary data for San Diego, CA — 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 San Diego, CA — 2026
The median City Manager salary in San Diego, CA is $184,000 per year ($15,333/month, $88/hr). This reflects the local cost of living index of 160, which is 60% above the national average.
City Manager Take-Home Pay in San Diego
Tax Breakdown (Median Salary)
| Gross Annual | $184,000 |
| Federal Tax | -$33,407 |
| State Tax (9.3%) | -$17,112 |
| FICA (SS + Medicare) | -$13,586 |
| Annual Take-Home | $119,895 |
| Monthly Take-Home | $9,991 |
Living Cost Comparison
City Manager Requirements
Key Skills
San Diego Job Market Overview
San Diego, California has a population of 1,386,932 and an unemployment rate of 3.8%. The top industries are Military, Biotech, Tourism. The local job growth rate is 2.2%, and the average commute time is 25 minutes.
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City Manager Salary in Nearby California Cities
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average City Manager salary in San Diego, CA?
How much does a City Manager take home in San Diego after taxes?
Is San Diego a good city for City Managers?
What skills are needed for a City Manager in San Diego?
How does City Manager salary in San Diego compare to the national average?
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average City Manager salary in San Diego, CA?
The median City Manager salary in San Diego, CA is $184,000 per year as of 2026. This is adjusted for the local cost of living index of 160. Entry-level City Managers earn around $123,200, while senior-level professionals can earn $259,200 or more.
How much does a City Manager take home in San Diego after taxes?
A City Manager earning the median salary of $184,000 in San Diego, CA takes home approximately $119,895 per year ($9,991/month) after federal, state, and local taxes. The effective tax rate is 34.8%.
Is San Diego a good city for City Managers?
San Diego, CA has a cost of living index of 160 (above national average). City Managers here earn above the city median. The local unemployment rate is 3.8% and top industries include Military, Biotech, Tourism.
What skills are needed for a City Manager in San Diego?
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 San Diego compare to the national average?
The national median City Manager salary is $115,000. In San Diego, the adjusted salary is $184,000, which is 60.0% higher than the national average, reflecting the local cost of living.