City Manager Salary in Seattle, WA
How much does a city manager make in Seattle? Explore median, entry-level, and senior salaries adjusted for Seattle's cost of living.
Salary Breakdown by Experience Level
See how city manager salaries break down across different pay periods in Seattle.
| Period | Entry Level | Median | Senior |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annual | $149,829 | $253,743 | $350,407 |
| Monthly | $12,486 | $21,145 | $29,201 |
| Biweekly | $5,763 | $9,759 | $13,477 |
| Weekly | $2,881 | $4,880 | $6,739 |
| Hourly | $72 | $122 | $168 |
Seattle vs National Average
How Seattle's city manager salaries compare to national figures.
Cost of Living in Seattle
About City Manager
Overview
Oversee city government operations and administration.
Education
Bachelor's degree in Public Administration or related field
Key Skills
Growth Rate
Expected job growth: +14% over the next decade
Compare Cities: City Manager Salary
See City Manager salaries in other top cities.
Financial Tools to Explore
Use these Pulsafi calculators to understand your finances based on a city manager salary in Seattle.
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 Seattle.
Budget Calculator
Create a personalized budget based on your income and expenses.
Rent vs Buy Calculator
Compare the true costs of renting versus buying in Seattle.
City Manager Salary in Seattle, WA — Complete Guide
Median Salary Overview
The median salary for a city manager in Seattle, WA is $253,743 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 147. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Seattle's unique economic conditions.
Salary Range and Experience Levels
Entry-level city manager professionals in Seattle can expect to earn around $149,829 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level city managers earning approximately $350,407 per year. This represents a 134% increase from entry to senior level.
Cost of Living Adjustment
Seattle's cost of living index of 147 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a higher cost-of-living city, salaries in Seattle 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 Seattle typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $2,100 per month, housing represents about 9.9% 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 Seattle, this translates to increasing opportunities and potential for salary growth as demand for experienced professionals continues to rise.