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City Manager Salary in Memphis, TN

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

Median Salary
$178,340
per year in Memphis
Entry Level
$105,305
Starting salary
Senior Level
$246,279
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
89
11% below national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

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

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$105,305$178,340$246,279
Monthly$8,775$14,862$20,523
Biweekly$4,050$6,859$9,472
Weekly$2,025$3,430$4,736
Hourly$51$86$118

Memphis vs National Average

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

Memphis Salary
$178,340
COL Index: 89
National Average
$154,120
COL Index: 100
Difference
+$24,220
Higher in Memphis

Cost of Living in Memphis

1-Bedroom Rent
$1,100
per month
Median Income
$46,123
per year
Population
633,104
residents
Rent % of Income
28.6%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 89 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Memphis 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
+102%
Los Angeles, CA
$231,500
+30%
Chicago, IL
$181,245
+2%
Houston, TX
$144,950
-19%
Phoenix, AZ
$164,980
-7%

Financial Tools to Explore

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

Salary Breakdown Calculator

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Cost of Living Calculator

Understand your expenses and purchasing power in Memphis.

Budget Calculator

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Rent vs Buy Calculator

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City Manager Salary in Memphis, TN — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a city manager in Memphis, TN is $178,340 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 89. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Memphis's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level city manager professionals in Memphis can expect to earn around $105,305 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level city managers earning approximately $246,279 per year. This represents a 134% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Memphis's cost of living index of 89 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a lower cost-of-living city, salaries in Memphis 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 Memphis typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $1,100 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 Memphis, 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.