Home / City Job Salaries / City Manager in Virginia Beach

City Manager Salary in Virginia Beach, VA

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

Median Salary
$186,424
per year in Virginia Beach
Entry Level
$110,078
Starting salary
Senior Level
$257,442
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
112
12% above national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

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

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$110,078$186,424$257,442
Monthly$9,173$15,535$21,454
Biweekly$4,234$7,170$9,902
Weekly$2,117$3,585$4,951
Hourly$53$90$124

Virginia Beach vs National Average

How Virginia Beach's city manager salaries compare to national figures.

Virginia Beach Salary
$186,424
COL Index: 112
National Average
$154,120
COL Index: 100
Difference
+$32,304
Higher in Virginia Beach

Cost of Living in Virginia Beach

1-Bedroom Rent
$1,650
per month
Median Income
$67,234
per year
Population
459,841
residents
Rent % of Income
29.4%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 112 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Virginia Beach 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
+93%
Los Angeles, CA
$231,500
+24%
Chicago, IL
$181,245
-3%
Houston, TX
$144,950
-22%
Phoenix, AZ
$164,980
-12%

Financial Tools to Explore

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

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 Virginia Beach.

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 Virginia Beach.

City Manager Salary in Virginia Beach, VA — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a city manager in Virginia Beach, VA is $186,424 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 112. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Virginia Beach's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level city manager professionals in Virginia Beach can expect to earn around $110,078 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level city managers earning approximately $257,442 per year. This represents a 134% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Virginia Beach's cost of living index of 112 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a higher cost-of-living city, salaries in Virginia Beach 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 Virginia Beach typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $1,650 per month, housing represents about 10.6% 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 Virginia Beach, 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.