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City Manager Salary in Portland, ME

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

Median Salary
$161,394
per year in Portland
Entry Level
$95,299
Starting salary
Senior Level
$222,878
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
119
19% above national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

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

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$95,299$161,394$222,878
Monthly$7,942$13,450$18,573
Biweekly$3,665$6,207$8,572
Weekly$1,833$3,104$4,286
Hourly$46$78$107

Portland vs National Average

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

Portland Salary
$161,394
COL Index: 119
National Average
$154,120
COL Index: 100
Difference
+$7,274
Higher in Portland

Cost of Living in Portland

1-Bedroom Rent
$1,650
per month
Median Income
$59,234
per year
Population
68,408
residents
Rent % of Income
33.4%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 119 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Portland 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
+123%
Los Angeles, CA
$231,500
+43%
Chicago, IL
$181,245
+12%
Houston, TX
$144,950
-10%
Phoenix, AZ
$164,980
+2%

Financial Tools to Explore

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

Salary Breakdown Calculator

See exactly how your salary breaks down into taxes and take-home pay.

Cost of Living Calculator

Understand your expenses and purchasing power in Portland.

Budget Calculator

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Rent vs Buy Calculator

Compare the true costs of renting versus buying in Portland.

City Manager Salary in Portland, ME — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a city manager in Portland, ME is $161,394 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 119. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Portland's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level city manager professionals in Portland can expect to earn around $95,299 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level city managers earning approximately $222,878 per year. This represents a 134% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Portland's cost of living index of 119 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a higher cost-of-living city, salaries in Portland 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 Portland typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $1,650 per month, housing represents about 12.3% 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 Portland, 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.