Home / City Job Salaries / City Manager in Columbus

City Manager Salary in Columbus, OH

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

Median Salary
$212,690
per year in Columbus
Entry Level
$125,588
Starting salary
Senior Level
$293,714
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
99
1% below national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

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

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$125,588$212,690$293,714
Monthly$10,466$17,724$24,476
Biweekly$4,830$8,180$11,297
Weekly$2,415$4,090$5,648
Hourly$60$102$141

Columbus vs National Average

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

Columbus Salary
$212,690
COL Index: 99
National Average
$154,120
COL Index: 100
Difference
+$58,570
Higher in Columbus

Cost of Living in Columbus

1-Bedroom Rent
$1,350
per month
Median Income
$56,102
per year
Population
898,553
residents
Rent % of Income
28.9%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 99 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Columbus 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
+69%
Los Angeles, CA
$231,500
+9%
Chicago, IL
$181,245
-15%
Houston, TX
$144,950
-32%
Phoenix, AZ
$164,980
-22%

Financial Tools to Explore

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

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 Columbus.

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 Columbus.

City Manager Salary in Columbus, OH — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a city manager in Columbus, OH is $212,690 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 99. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Columbus's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level city manager professionals in Columbus can expect to earn around $125,588 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level city managers earning approximately $293,714 per year. This represents a 134% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Columbus's cost of living index of 99 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a lower cost-of-living city, salaries in Columbus 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 Columbus typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $1,350 per month, housing represents about 7.6% 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 Columbus, 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.