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City Manager Salary in Burlington, NC

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

Median Salary
$115,282
per year in Burlington
Entry Level
$68,071
Starting salary
Senior Level
$159,198
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
85
15% below national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

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

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$68,071$115,282$159,198
Monthly$5,673$9,607$13,267
Biweekly$2,618$4,434$6,123
Weekly$1,309$2,217$3,062
Hourly$33$55$77

Burlington vs National Average

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

Burlington Salary
$115,282
COL Index: 85
National Average
$154,120
COL Index: 100
Difference
-$38,838
Lower in Burlington

Cost of Living in Burlington

1-Bedroom Rent
$800
per month
Median Income
$42,234
per year
Population
57,303
residents
Rent % of Income
22.7%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 85 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Burlington 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
+212%
Los Angeles, CA
$231,500
+101%
Chicago, IL
$181,245
+57%
Houston, TX
$144,950
+26%
Phoenix, AZ
$164,980
+43%

Financial Tools to Explore

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Cost of Living Calculator

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City Manager Salary in Burlington, NC — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a city manager in Burlington, NC is $115,282 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 85. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Burlington's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level city manager professionals in Burlington can expect to earn around $68,071 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level city managers earning approximately $159,198 per year. This represents a 134% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Burlington's cost of living index of 85 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a lower cost-of-living city, salaries in Burlington 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 Burlington typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $800 per month, housing represents about 8.3% 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 Burlington, 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.