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City Manager Salary in Athens, GA

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

Median Salary
$131,773
per year in Athens
Entry Level
$77,808
Starting salary
Senior Level
$181,971
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
95
5% below national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

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

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$77,808$131,773$181,971
Monthly$6,484$10,981$15,164
Biweekly$2,993$5,068$6,999
Weekly$1,496$2,534$3,499
Hourly$37$63$87

Athens vs National Average

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

Athens Salary
$131,773
COL Index: 95
National Average
$154,120
COL Index: 100
Difference
-$22,347
Lower in Athens

Cost of Living in Athens

1-Bedroom Rent
$1,100
per month
Median Income
$36,520
per year
Population
127,064
residents
Rent % of Income
36.1%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 95 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Athens 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
+173%
Los Angeles, CA
$231,500
+76%
Chicago, IL
$181,245
+38%
Houston, TX
$144,950
+10%
Phoenix, AZ
$164,980
+25%

Financial Tools to Explore

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

Salary Breakdown Calculator

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Cost of Living Calculator

Understand your expenses and purchasing power in Athens.

Budget Calculator

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Rent vs Buy Calculator

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City Manager Salary in Athens, GA — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a city manager in Athens, GA is $131,773 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 95. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Athens's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level city manager professionals in Athens can expect to earn around $77,808 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level city managers earning approximately $181,971 per year. This represents a 134% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Athens's cost of living index of 95 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a lower cost-of-living city, salaries in Athens 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 Athens typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $1,100 per month, housing represents about 10.0% 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 Athens, 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.