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City Manager Salary in Modesto, CA

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

Median Salary
$246,592
per year in Modesto
Entry Level
$145,606
Starting salary
Senior Level
$340,531
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
125
25% above national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

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

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$145,606$246,592$340,531
Monthly$12,134$20,549$28,378
Biweekly$5,600$9,484$13,097
Weekly$2,800$4,742$6,549
Hourly$70$119$164

Modesto vs National Average

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

Modesto Salary
$246,592
COL Index: 125
National Average
$154,120
COL Index: 100
Difference
+$92,472
Higher in Modesto

Cost of Living in Modesto

1-Bedroom Rent
$1,800
per month
Median Income
$54,234
per year
Population
229,286
residents
Rent % of Income
39.8%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 125 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Modesto 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
+46%
Los Angeles, CA
$231,500
-6%
Chicago, IL
$181,245
-27%
Houston, TX
$144,950
-41%
Phoenix, AZ
$164,980
-33%

Financial Tools to Explore

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

Salary Breakdown Calculator

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Cost of Living Calculator

Understand your expenses and purchasing power in Modesto.

Budget Calculator

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Rent vs Buy Calculator

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City Manager Salary in Modesto, CA — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a city manager in Modesto, CA is $246,592 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 125. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Modesto's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level city manager professionals in Modesto can expect to earn around $145,606 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level city managers earning approximately $340,531 per year. This represents a 134% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Modesto's cost of living index of 125 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a higher cost-of-living city, salaries in Modesto 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 Modesto typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $1,800 per month, housing represents about 8.8% 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 Modesto, 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.