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City Manager Salary in Raleigh, NC

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

Median Salary
$153,257
per year in Raleigh
Entry Level
$90,494
Starting salary
Senior Level
$211,640
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
113
13% above national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

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

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$90,494$153,257$211,640
Monthly$7,541$12,771$17,637
Biweekly$3,481$5,895$8,140
Weekly$1,740$2,947$4,070
Hourly$44$74$102

Raleigh vs National Average

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

Raleigh Salary
$153,257
COL Index: 113
National Average
$154,120
COL Index: 100
Difference
-$863
Lower in Raleigh

Cost of Living in Raleigh

1-Bedroom Rent
$1,700
per month
Median Income
$63,456
per year
Population
467,665
residents
Rent % of Income
32.1%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 113 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Raleigh 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
+135%
Los Angeles, CA
$231,500
+51%
Chicago, IL
$181,245
+18%
Houston, TX
$144,950
-5%
Phoenix, AZ
$164,980
+8%

Financial Tools to Explore

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Cost of Living Calculator

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City Manager Salary in Raleigh, NC — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a city manager in Raleigh, NC is $153,257 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 113. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Raleigh's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level city manager professionals in Raleigh can expect to earn around $90,494 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level city managers earning approximately $211,640 per year. This represents a 134% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Raleigh's cost of living index of 113 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a higher cost-of-living city, salaries in Raleigh 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 Raleigh typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $1,700 per month, housing represents about 13.3% 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 Raleigh, 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.