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City Manager Salary in Grand Junction, CO

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

Median Salary
$158,774
per year in Grand Junction
Entry Level
$93,752
Starting salary
Senior Level
$219,260
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
101
1% above national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

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

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$93,752$158,774$219,260
Monthly$7,813$13,231$18,272
Biweekly$3,606$6,107$8,433
Weekly$1,803$3,053$4,217
Hourly$45$76$105

Grand Junction vs National Average

How Grand Junction's city manager salaries compare to national figures.

Grand Junction Salary
$158,774
COL Index: 101
National Average
$154,120
COL Index: 100
Difference
+$4,654
Higher in Grand Junction

Cost of Living in Grand Junction

1-Bedroom Rent
$1,100
per month
Median Income
$48,321
per year
Population
65,991
residents
Rent % of Income
27.3%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 101 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Grand Junction 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
+127%
Los Angeles, CA
$231,500
+46%
Chicago, IL
$181,245
+14%
Houston, TX
$144,950
-9%
Phoenix, AZ
$164,980
+4%

Financial Tools to Explore

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Cost of Living Calculator

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City Manager Salary in Grand Junction, CO — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a city manager in Grand Junction, CO is $158,774 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 101. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Grand Junction's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level city manager professionals in Grand Junction can expect to earn around $93,752 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level city managers earning approximately $219,260 per year. This represents a 134% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Grand Junction's cost of living index of 101 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a higher cost-of-living city, salaries in Grand Junction 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 Grand Junction typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $1,100 per month, housing represents about 8.3% 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 Grand Junction, 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.