Home / City Job Salaries / City Manager in Atlanta

City Manager Salary in Atlanta, GA

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

Median Salary
$153,966
per year in Atlanta
Entry Level
$90,913
Starting salary
Senior Level
$212,619
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
111
11% above national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

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

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$90,913$153,966$212,619
Monthly$7,576$12,831$17,718
Biweekly$3,497$5,922$8,178
Weekly$1,748$2,961$4,089
Hourly$44$74$102

Atlanta vs National Average

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

Atlanta Salary
$153,966
COL Index: 111
National Average
$154,120
COL Index: 100
Difference
-$154
Lower in Atlanta

Cost of Living in Atlanta

1-Bedroom Rent
$1,600
per month
Median Income
$62,348
per year
Population
498,044
residents
Rent % of Income
30.8%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 111 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Atlanta 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
+134%
Los Angeles, CA
$231,500
+50%
Chicago, IL
$181,245
+18%
Houston, TX
$144,950
-6%
Phoenix, AZ
$164,980
+7%

Financial Tools to Explore

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

Salary Breakdown Calculator

See exactly how your salary breaks down into taxes and take-home pay.

Cost of Living Calculator

Understand your expenses and purchasing power in Atlanta.

Budget Calculator

Create a personalized budget based on your income and expenses.

Rent vs Buy Calculator

Compare the true costs of renting versus buying in Atlanta.

City Manager Salary in Atlanta, GA — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a city manager in Atlanta, GA is $153,966 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 111. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Atlanta's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level city manager professionals in Atlanta can expect to earn around $90,913 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level city managers earning approximately $212,619 per year. This represents a 134% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Atlanta's cost of living index of 111 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a higher cost-of-living city, salaries in Atlanta 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 Atlanta typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $1,600 per month, housing represents about 12.5% 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 Atlanta, 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.