Home / City Job Salaries / City Manager in Helena

City Manager Salary in Helena, MT

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

Median Salary
$129,892
per year in Helena
Entry Level
$76,698
Starting salary
Senior Level
$179,375
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 Helena.

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$76,698$129,892$179,375
Monthly$6,392$10,824$14,948
Biweekly$2,950$4,996$6,899
Weekly$1,475$2,498$3,450
Hourly$37$62$86

Helena vs National Average

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

Helena Salary
$129,892
COL Index: 98
National Average
$154,120
COL Index: 100
Difference
-$24,228
Lower in Helena

Cost of Living in Helena

1-Bedroom Rent
$1,050
per month
Median Income
$54,620
per year
Population
33,124
residents
Rent % of Income
23.1%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 98 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Helena 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
+177%
Los Angeles, CA
$231,500
+78%
Chicago, IL
$181,245
+40%
Houston, TX
$144,950
+12%
Phoenix, AZ
$164,980
+27%

Financial Tools to Explore

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

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 Helena.

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 Helena.

City Manager Salary in Helena, MT — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a city manager in Helena, MT is $129,892 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 98. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Helena's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level city manager professionals in Helena can expect to earn around $76,698 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level city managers earning approximately $179,375 per year. This represents a 134% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Helena's cost of living index of 98 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a lower cost-of-living city, salaries in Helena 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 Helena typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $1,050 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 Helena, 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.