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City Manager Salary in Ellensburg, WA

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

Median Salary
$169,162
per year in Ellensburg
Entry Level
$99,886
Starting salary
Senior Level
$233,604
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
98
2% below national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

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

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$99,886$169,162$233,604
Monthly$8,324$14,097$19,467
Biweekly$3,842$6,506$8,985
Weekly$1,921$3,253$4,492
Hourly$48$81$112

Ellensburg vs National Average

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

Ellensburg Salary
$169,162
COL Index: 98
National Average
$154,120
COL Index: 100
Difference
+$15,042
Higher in Ellensburg

Cost of Living in Ellensburg

1-Bedroom Rent
$1,050
per month
Median Income
$38,234
per year
Population
21,230
residents
Rent % of Income
33.0%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 98 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Ellensburg 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
+113%
Los Angeles, CA
$231,500
+37%
Chicago, IL
$181,245
+7%
Houston, TX
$144,950
-14%
Phoenix, AZ
$164,980
-2%

Financial Tools to Explore

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Cost of Living Calculator

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City Manager Salary in Ellensburg, WA — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a city manager in Ellensburg, WA is $169,162 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 98. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Ellensburg's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level city manager professionals in Ellensburg can expect to earn around $99,886 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level city managers earning approximately $233,604 per year. This represents a 134% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Ellensburg's cost of living index of 98 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a lower cost-of-living city, salaries in Ellensburg 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 Ellensburg typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $1,050 per month, housing represents about 7.4% 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 Ellensburg, 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.