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City Manager Salary in Santa Ana, CA

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

Median Salary
$299,856
per year in Santa Ana
Entry Level
$177,057
Starting salary
Senior Level
$414,086
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
152
52% above national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

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

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$177,057$299,856$414,086
Monthly$14,755$24,988$34,507
Biweekly$6,810$11,533$15,926
Weekly$3,405$5,766$7,963
Hourly$85$144$199

Santa Ana vs National Average

How Santa Ana's city manager salaries compare to national figures.

Santa Ana Salary
$299,856
COL Index: 152
National Average
$154,120
COL Index: 100
Difference
+$145,736
Higher in Santa Ana

Cost of Living in Santa Ana

1-Bedroom Rent
$2,150
per month
Median Income
$58,234
per year
Population
310,127
residents
Rent % of Income
44.3%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 152 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Santa Ana 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
+20%
Los Angeles, CA
$231,500
-23%
Chicago, IL
$181,245
-40%
Houston, TX
$144,950
-52%
Phoenix, AZ
$164,980
-45%

Financial Tools to Explore

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

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 Santa Ana.

Budget Calculator

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Rent vs Buy Calculator

Compare the true costs of renting versus buying in Santa Ana.

City Manager Salary in Santa Ana, CA — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a city manager in Santa Ana, CA is $299,856 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 152. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Santa Ana's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level city manager professionals in Santa Ana can expect to earn around $177,057 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level city managers earning approximately $414,086 per year. This represents a 134% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Santa Ana's cost of living index of 152 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a higher cost-of-living city, salaries in Santa Ana 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 Santa Ana typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $2,150 per month, housing represents about 8.6% 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 Santa Ana, 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.