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City Manager Salary in Knoxville, TN

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

Median Salary
$188,480
per year in Knoxville
Entry Level
$111,293
Starting salary
Senior Level
$260,281
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
103
3% above national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

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

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$111,293$188,480$260,281
Monthly$9,274$15,707$21,690
Biweekly$4,281$7,249$10,011
Weekly$2,140$3,625$5,005
Hourly$54$91$125

Knoxville vs National Average

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

Knoxville Salary
$188,480
COL Index: 103
National Average
$154,120
COL Index: 100
Difference
+$34,360
Higher in Knoxville

Cost of Living in Knoxville

1-Bedroom Rent
$1,350
per month
Median Income
$54,234
per year
Population
187,603
residents
Rent % of Income
29.9%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 103 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Knoxville 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
+91%
Los Angeles, CA
$231,500
+23%
Chicago, IL
$181,245
-4%
Houston, TX
$144,950
-23%
Phoenix, AZ
$164,980
-12%

Financial Tools to Explore

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

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Cost of Living Calculator

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Rent vs Buy Calculator

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City Manager Salary in Knoxville, TN — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a city manager in Knoxville, TN is $188,480 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 103. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Knoxville's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level city manager professionals in Knoxville can expect to earn around $111,293 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level city managers earning approximately $260,281 per year. This represents a 134% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Knoxville's cost of living index of 103 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a higher cost-of-living city, salaries in Knoxville 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 Knoxville typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $1,350 per month, housing represents about 8.6% 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 Knoxville, 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.