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Salary and Benefits

City Manager
$78K-$95K / yr. (est.)
$78K
$86,709 / year
$95K
Average base salary
The salary information provided is based on data collected from various reliable sources and may vary depending on individual qualifications and other factors.

About City Manager

What does a City Manager do?

Acting as City Managers, we are the principal executives and administrative officers of the city government. The setup of local governments may influence the responsibilities of a City Managers, however, we generally focus on the practical, everyday responsibilities of running a city as well as programs that benefit residents. We are appointed by the city council. Our primary function is to administer municipal affairs. These include budget preparation and control; appointing, dismissing, and supervising personnel; directing the work of municipal departments; managing policies; and advising the city council.

Core tasks:

  • ensure that the municipality operates within the budget
  • oversee city personnel
  • work with the public on a regular basis: external meetings, respond to citizens’ emails and phone calls, address questions from the media
  • make recommendations on various issues to the mayor and other city leaders
  • complete reports and studies
  • oversee important public services
  • work on development projects

Insights

How Many Years of Experience Do Professionals Need Before Becoming City Manager?
On average, people work 7+ years in other positions prior to becoming a City Manager.
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City ManagerMiami, FL - A year ago
😱 Wow! I guess I still have a long way to go before I can become a City Manager.
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City ManagerSeattle, WA - A year ago
This is saddening. It feels like I've wasted so much time in other positions just to get here.
How Long Do City Manager Employees Typically Stay in Their Roles?
On average, City Managers works in this position for 5+ years across multiple employers.
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Community LiaisonMiami, FL - A year ago
How do City Managers make decisions that truly benefit our communities when they have to deal with multiple employers and their interests?
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Assistant Professor OF Political ScienceWashington, D.C. - A year ago
City Managers bring immense value to our local governments, ensuring efficiency and stability in their multifaceted roles.
What Is the Job Hopper Score for City Manager Employees?
Frequent job changes in City Manager, indicating a willingness to change companies and roles more frequently.
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Finance AnalystHouston, TX - A year ago
I agree with the infographic. The financial industry is fast-paced, and it's common for Finance Analysts to seek better opportunities or specialize in different areas. 💸
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Environmental ScientistPhiladelphia, PA - A year ago
This infographic fails to consider the unique demands of being an Environmental Scientist. Job changes can come from pursuing research and projects that align with personal values! 🌿

Career path

Path to job

Discover a City Manager's areas of knowledge sorted by their majors.
Explore the list of higher education institutions that a City Manager typically studied at.
Arizona State University-Tempe
Brigham Young University-Idaho

Path after job

Community

Demographics

What Is the Age and Gender Ratio of City Manager Employees?
Gender ratio in City Manager position: 0.752247943370958 Male and 0.247752056629042 Female. Age ratio in City Manager position: 16-20: 3%, 21-30: 36%, 31-40: 32%, 41-50: 19%, 51-60: 8%, 60+: 2%. City Manager position is predominantly male (75.2%) with the largest age group being 21-30 years old, followed by 31-40 years old.
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City ManagerHouston, TX - A year ago
I bet the predominantly male representation in the City Manager position has an impact on policy-making. We need diverse perspectives to tackle the challenges our cities face! 💪
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City ManagerSeattle, WA - A year ago
It's concerning that the age group of 16-20 is nearly non-existent in the City Manager position. We should encourage the next generation to step forward and lead! 👶

Workplaces

Who Are the Top Employers for City Manager?
Top employers of City Manager position: Avis Budget Group, Brinks, Frontier Communications. People who work in City Manager position most typically go on to work for the Avis Budget Group.
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City ManagerPhoenix, AZ - A year ago
Frontier Communications being listed as a top employer for City Managers is laughable! They have a reputation for poor customer service and high turnover.
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City ManagerDenver, CO - A year ago
I must disagree. Frontier Communications has shown commitment to improving their services. They can be a great employer for City Managers looking to make a difference.
Avis Budget Group
Brinks
Frontier Communications
What Industries Does City Manager Typically Have Experience In?
Industry Background: The most typical industries of City Manager: Public Administration, Retail, Professional / Scientific / Technical, Information Technology, Administrative & Support. City Manager employees most likely come from a Public Administration industry background.
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City ManagerMiami, FL - A year ago
I love being a City Manager because I get to see the direct impact of my work on the community. It's challenging, but incredibly rewarding when you can make a real difference.
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City ManagerNew York City, NY - A year ago
This job requires constant juggling of responsibilities and demands from various stakeholders. It's difficult, but if done right, it can lead to positive change and progress.

Find your job as City Manager

Discussion about City Manager

Want to know more about City Manager position?
Share your thoughts and ideas about City Manager position with others in our community.
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How balanced is the gender diversity among people working as a City Manager?
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Isabella Holmes3 years ago
More men than women work as a City Manager.
What is the typical age of people who work as a City Manager?
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Sophie Hayes3 years ago
The typical age is 35 for a City Manager.
How much experience do you need to work as a City Manager?
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Benjamin Gardner3 years ago
You should work for 7 years on average to become a City Manager.
Which industries are highly likely to employ a City Manager?
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Isabella Holmes3 years ago
For a City Manager it’s the most likely to work in the Public Administration.
Is a degree needed to work as a City Manager?
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Isabella Holmes3 years ago
Most people have a Bachelor of Arts degree
Where are you working as a City Manager?
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Sophie Hayes3 years ago
Avis Budget Group, Brinks, Frontier Communications, Sherwin-Williams and Verizon employs the most people in the City Manager role.
How many years do people work as a City Manager before changing their role?
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Benjamin Gardner3 years ago
A City Manager typically changes positions after more than 5 years.
Is it frequent for people to switch companies and still work as a City Manager?
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Liam Brown3 years ago
A City Manager is likely to work for multiple companies as a City Manager.
What occupations do people usually work in before becoming a City Manager?
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Liam Brown3 years ago
Typical prior positions for a City Manager are City Administrator, Public Works Director or Town Manager
What are the typical next steps for someone working as a City Manager?
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Sophie Hayes3 years ago
Changing from a City Manager to City Administrator, Executive Director or Town Manager is a typical career path.
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Disclaimer

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