Home / City Job Salaries / City Manager in Columbia

City Manager Salary in Columbia, TN

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

Median Salary
$120,522
per year in Columbia
Entry Level
$71,165
Starting salary
Senior Level
$166,435
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
92
8% below national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

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

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$71,165$120,522$166,435
Monthly$5,930$10,044$13,870
Biweekly$2,737$4,635$6,401
Weekly$1,369$2,318$3,201
Hourly$34$58$80

Columbia vs National Average

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

Columbia Salary
$120,522
COL Index: 92
National Average
$154,120
COL Index: 100
Difference
-$33,598
Lower in Columbia

Cost of Living in Columbia

1-Bedroom Rent
$980
per month
Median Income
$50,821
per year
Population
42,280
residents
Rent % of Income
23.1%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 92 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Columbia 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
+199%
Los Angeles, CA
$231,500
+92%
Chicago, IL
$181,245
+50%
Houston, TX
$144,950
+20%
Phoenix, AZ
$164,980
+37%

Financial Tools to Explore

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

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 Columbia.

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 Columbia.

City Manager Salary in Columbia, TN — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a city manager in Columbia, TN is $120,522 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 92. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Columbia's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level city manager professionals in Columbia can expect to earn around $71,165 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level city managers earning approximately $166,435 per year. This represents a 134% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Columbia's cost of living index of 92 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a lower cost-of-living city, salaries in Columbia 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 Columbia typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $980 per month, housing represents about 9.8% 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 Columbia, 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.