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City Manager Salary in Cambridge, MA

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

Median Salary
$315,884
per year in Cambridge
Entry Level
$186,522
Starting salary
Senior Level
$436,220
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
168
68% above national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

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

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$186,522$315,884$436,220
Monthly$15,544$26,324$36,352
Biweekly$7,174$12,149$16,778
Weekly$3,587$6,075$8,389
Hourly$90$152$210

Cambridge vs National Average

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

Cambridge Salary
$315,884
COL Index: 168
National Average
$154,120
COL Index: 100
Difference
+$161,764
Higher in Cambridge

Cost of Living in Cambridge

1-Bedroom Rent
$2,700
per month
Median Income
$103,154
per year
Population
118,403
residents
Rent % of Income
31.4%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 168 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Cambridge 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
+14%
Los Angeles, CA
$231,500
-27%
Chicago, IL
$181,245
-43%
Houston, TX
$144,950
-54%
Phoenix, AZ
$164,980
-48%

Financial Tools to Explore

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Cost of Living Calculator

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City Manager Salary in Cambridge, MA — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a city manager in Cambridge, MA is $315,884 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 168. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Cambridge's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level city manager professionals in Cambridge can expect to earn around $186,522 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level city managers earning approximately $436,220 per year. This represents a 134% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Cambridge's cost of living index of 168 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a higher cost-of-living city, salaries in Cambridge 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 Cambridge typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $2,700 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 Cambridge, 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.