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City Manager Salary in Charlottesville, VA

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

Median Salary
$186,424
per year in Charlottesville
Entry Level
$110,078
Starting salary
Senior Level
$257,442
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
112
12% above national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

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

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$110,078$186,424$257,442
Monthly$9,173$15,535$21,454
Biweekly$4,234$7,170$9,902
Weekly$2,117$3,585$4,951
Hourly$53$90$124

Charlottesville vs National Average

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

Charlottesville Salary
$186,424
COL Index: 112
National Average
$154,120
COL Index: 100
Difference
+$32,304
Higher in Charlottesville

Cost of Living in Charlottesville

1-Bedroom Rent
$1,350
per month
Median Income
$56,120
per year
Population
46,553
residents
Rent % of Income
28.9%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 112 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Charlottesville 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
+93%
Los Angeles, CA
$231,500
+24%
Chicago, IL
$181,245
-3%
Houston, TX
$144,950
-22%
Phoenix, AZ
$164,980
-12%

Financial Tools to Explore

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

Salary Breakdown Calculator

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Cost of Living Calculator

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Budget Calculator

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Rent vs Buy Calculator

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City Manager Salary in Charlottesville, VA — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a city manager in Charlottesville, VA is $186,424 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 112. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Charlottesville's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level city manager professionals in Charlottesville can expect to earn around $110,078 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level city managers earning approximately $257,442 per year. This represents a 134% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Charlottesville's cost of living index of 112 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a higher cost-of-living city, salaries in Charlottesville 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 Charlottesville typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $1,350 per month, housing represents about 8.7% 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 Charlottesville, 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.