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City Manager Salary in Anchorage, AK

How much does a city manager make in Anchorage? Explore median, entry-level, and senior salaries adjusted for Anchorage's cost of living.

Median Salary
$170,710
per year in Anchorage
Entry Level
$100,800
Starting salary
Senior Level
$235,742
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
171
71% above national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

See how city manager salaries break down across different pay periods in Anchorage.

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$100,800$170,710$235,742
Monthly$8,400$14,226$19,645
Biweekly$3,877$6,566$9,067
Weekly$1,938$3,283$4,534
Hourly$48$82$113

Anchorage vs National Average

How Anchorage's city manager salaries compare to national figures.

Anchorage Salary
$170,710
COL Index: 171
National Average
$154,120
COL Index: 100
Difference
+$16,590
Higher in Anchorage

Cost of Living in Anchorage

1-Bedroom Rent
$2,450
per month
Median Income
$73,456
per year
Population
290,797
residents
Rent % of Income
40.0%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 171 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Anchorage have been adjusted to account for local cost differences.

About City Manager

Overview

Oversee city government operations and administration.

Education

Bachelor's degree in Public Administration or related field

Key Skills

Public AdministrationBudget ManagementLeadershipStrategic Planning

Growth Rate

Expected job growth: +14% over the next decade

Compare Cities: City Manager Salary

See City Manager salaries in other top cities.

New York, NY
$360,256
+111%
Los Angeles, CA
$231,500
+36%
Chicago, IL
$181,245
+6%
Houston, TX
$144,950
-15%
Phoenix, AZ
$164,980
-3%

Financial Tools to Explore

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Cost of Living Calculator

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Rent vs Buy Calculator

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City Manager Salary in Anchorage, AK — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a city manager in Anchorage, AK is $170,710 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 171. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Anchorage's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level city manager professionals in Anchorage can expect to earn around $100,800 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level city managers earning approximately $235,742 per year. This represents a 134% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Anchorage's cost of living index of 171 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a higher cost-of-living city, salaries in Anchorage are adjusted accordingly. This means that while the nominal salary may appear higher or lower than the national average of $154,120, the actual purchasing power must be considered in context.

Housing and Affordability

A significant portion of a city manager's salary in Anchorage typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $2,450 per month, housing represents about 17.2% of median salary. Financial experts generally recommend keeping housing expenses below 30% of gross income.

Career Growth and Opportunities

City Managers are in growing demand across the United States, with an expected job growth of 14% over the next decade. In Anchorage, this translates to increasing opportunities and potential for salary growth as demand for experienced professionals continues to rise.

Source: BLS OEWS May 2024Metro-level wage data for this occupation and area
Data source: Salary data on this page are sourced from Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program May 2024 estimates. Figures are approximate and intended for informational purposes only. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, education, certifications, and local market conditions. This page does not constitute financial or career advice. For the most current wage data, visit bls.gov.