Home / City Job Salaries / City Manager in Chattanooga

City Manager Salary in Chattanooga, TN

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

Median Salary
$172,780
per year in Chattanooga
Entry Level
$102,022
Starting salary
Senior Level
$238,601
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
102
2% above national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

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

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$102,022$172,780$238,601
Monthly$8,502$14,398$19,883
Biweekly$3,924$6,645$9,177
Weekly$1,962$3,323$4,588
Hourly$49$83$115

Chattanooga vs National Average

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

Chattanooga Salary
$172,780
COL Index: 102
National Average
$154,120
COL Index: 100
Difference
+$18,660
Higher in Chattanooga

Cost of Living in Chattanooga

1-Bedroom Rent
$1,400
per month
Median Income
$52,234
per year
Population
181,099
residents
Rent % of Income
32.2%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 102 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Chattanooga 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
+109%
Los Angeles, CA
$231,500
+34%
Chicago, IL
$181,245
+5%
Houston, TX
$144,950
-16%
Phoenix, AZ
$164,980
-5%

Financial Tools to Explore

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

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 Chattanooga.

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 Chattanooga.

City Manager Salary in Chattanooga, TN — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a city manager in Chattanooga, TN is $172,780 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 102. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Chattanooga's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level city manager professionals in Chattanooga can expect to earn around $102,022 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level city managers earning approximately $238,601 per year. This represents a 134% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Chattanooga's cost of living index of 102 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a higher cost-of-living city, salaries in Chattanooga 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 Chattanooga typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $1,400 per month, housing represents about 9.7% 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 Chattanooga, this translates to increasing opportunities and potential for salary growth as demand for experienced professionals continues to rise.

Source: BLS OEWS May 2024Metro-level wage data for this occupation and area
Data source: Salary data on this page are sourced from Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program May 2024 estimates. 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.