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City Manager Salary in Milwaukee, WI

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

Median Salary
$133,160
per year in Milwaukee
Entry Level
$78,627
Starting salary
Senior Level
$183,887
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
96
4% below national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

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

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$78,627$133,160$183,887
Monthly$6,552$11,097$15,324
Biweekly$3,024$5,122$7,073
Weekly$1,512$2,561$3,536
Hourly$38$64$88

Milwaukee vs National Average

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

Milwaukee Salary
$133,160
COL Index: 96
National Average
$154,120
COL Index: 100
Difference
-$20,960
Lower in Milwaukee

Cost of Living in Milwaukee

1-Bedroom Rent
$1,300
per month
Median Income
$51,234
per year
Population
577,222
residents
Rent % of Income
30.4%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 96 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Milwaukee 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
+171%
Los Angeles, CA
$231,500
+74%
Chicago, IL
$181,245
+36%
Houston, TX
$144,950
+9%
Phoenix, AZ
$164,980
+24%

Financial Tools to Explore

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

Salary Breakdown Calculator

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Cost of Living Calculator

Understand your expenses and purchasing power in Milwaukee.

Budget Calculator

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Rent vs Buy Calculator

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City Manager Salary in Milwaukee, WI — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a city manager in Milwaukee, WI is $133,160 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 96. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Milwaukee's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level city manager professionals in Milwaukee can expect to earn around $78,627 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level city managers earning approximately $183,887 per year. This represents a 134% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Milwaukee's cost of living index of 96 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a lower cost-of-living city, salaries in Milwaukee 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 Milwaukee typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $1,300 per month, housing represents about 11.7% 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 Milwaukee, 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.