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City Manager Salary in Bethesda, MD

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

Median Salary
$255,469
per year in Bethesda
Entry Level
$150,848
Starting salary
Senior Level
$352,790
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
148
48% above national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

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

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$150,848$255,469$352,790
Monthly$12,571$21,289$29,399
Biweekly$5,802$9,826$13,569
Weekly$2,901$4,913$6,784
Hourly$73$123$170

Bethesda vs National Average

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

Bethesda Salary
$255,469
COL Index: 148
National Average
$154,120
COL Index: 100
Difference
+$101,349
Higher in Bethesda

Cost of Living in Bethesda

1-Bedroom Rent
$2,200
per month
Median Income
$142,234
per year
Population
68,270
residents
Rent % of Income
18.6%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 148 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Bethesda 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
+41%
Los Angeles, CA
$231,500
-9%
Chicago, IL
$181,245
-29%
Houston, TX
$144,950
-43%
Phoenix, AZ
$164,980
-35%

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 Bethesda, MD — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a city manager in Bethesda, MD is $255,469 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 148. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Bethesda's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level city manager professionals in Bethesda can expect to earn around $150,848 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level city managers earning approximately $352,790 per year. This represents a 134% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Bethesda's cost of living index of 148 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a higher cost-of-living city, salaries in Bethesda 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 Bethesda typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $2,200 per month, housing represents about 10.3% 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 Bethesda, 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.