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City Manager Salary in Lake Forest, IL

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

Median Salary
$213,610
per year in Lake Forest
Entry Level
$126,132
Starting salary
Senior Level
$294,985
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
132
32% above national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

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

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$126,132$213,610$294,985
Monthly$10,511$17,801$24,582
Biweekly$4,851$8,216$11,346
Weekly$2,426$4,108$5,673
Hourly$61$103$142

Lake Forest vs National Average

How Lake Forest's city manager salaries compare to national figures.

Lake Forest Salary
$213,610
COL Index: 132
National Average
$154,120
COL Index: 100
Difference
+$59,490
Higher in Lake Forest

Cost of Living in Lake Forest

1-Bedroom Rent
$1,750
per month
Median Income
$192,821
per year
Population
19,500
residents
Rent % of Income
10.9%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 132 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Lake Forest 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
+8%
Chicago, IL
$181,245
-15%
Houston, TX
$144,950
-32%
Phoenix, AZ
$164,980
-23%

Financial Tools to Explore

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

Salary Breakdown Calculator

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Cost of Living Calculator

Understand your expenses and purchasing power in Lake Forest.

Budget Calculator

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Rent vs Buy Calculator

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City Manager Salary in Lake Forest, IL — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a city manager in Lake Forest, IL is $213,610 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 132. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Lake Forest's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level city manager professionals in Lake Forest can expect to earn around $126,132 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level city managers earning approximately $294,985 per year. This represents a 134% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Lake Forest's cost of living index of 132 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a higher cost-of-living city, salaries in Lake Forest 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 Lake Forest typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $1,750 per month, housing represents about 9.8% 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 Lake Forest, 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.