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City Manager Salary in Aspen, CO

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

Median Salary
$290,824
per year in Aspen
Entry Level
$171,725
Starting salary
Senior Level
$401,614
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
185
85% above national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

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

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$171,725$290,824$401,614
Monthly$14,310$24,235$33,468
Biweekly$6,605$11,186$15,447
Weekly$3,302$5,593$7,723
Hourly$83$140$193

Aspen vs National Average

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

Aspen Salary
$290,824
COL Index: 185
National Average
$154,120
COL Index: 100
Difference
+$136,704
Higher in Aspen

Cost of Living in Aspen

1-Bedroom Rent
$3,000
per month
Median Income
$72,234
per year
Population
7,590
residents
Rent % of Income
49.8%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 185 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Aspen 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
+24%
Los Angeles, CA
$231,500
-20%
Chicago, IL
$181,245
-38%
Houston, TX
$144,950
-50%
Phoenix, AZ
$164,980
-43%

Financial Tools to Explore

Use these Pulsafi calculators to understand your finances based on a city manager salary in Aspen.

Salary Breakdown Calculator

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Cost of Living Calculator

Understand your expenses and purchasing power in Aspen.

Budget Calculator

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Rent vs Buy Calculator

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City Manager Salary in Aspen, CO — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a city manager in Aspen, CO is $290,824 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 185. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Aspen's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level city manager professionals in Aspen can expect to earn around $171,725 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level city managers earning approximately $401,614 per year. This represents a 134% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Aspen's cost of living index of 185 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a higher cost-of-living city, salaries in Aspen 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 Aspen typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $3,000 per month, housing represents about 12.4% 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 Aspen, this translates to increasing opportunities and potential for salary growth as demand for experienced professionals continues to rise.

Data source: Salary estimates on this page are based on Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program, adjusted for regional cost of living differences. 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.