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City Manager Salary in Wake Forest, NC

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

Median Salary
$138,338
per year in Wake Forest
Entry Level
$81,685
Starting salary
Senior Level
$191,038
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
102
2% above national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

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

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$81,685$138,338$191,038
Monthly$6,807$11,528$15,920
Biweekly$3,142$5,321$7,348
Weekly$1,571$2,660$3,674
Hourly$39$67$92

Wake Forest vs National Average

How Wake Forest's city manager salaries compare to national figures.

Wake Forest Salary
$138,338
COL Index: 102
National Average
$154,120
COL Index: 100
Difference
-$15,782
Lower in Wake Forest

Cost of Living in Wake Forest

1-Bedroom Rent
$1,200
per month
Median Income
$82,821
per year
Population
53,020
residents
Rent % of Income
17.4%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 102 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Wake Forest 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
+160%
Los Angeles, CA
$231,500
+67%
Chicago, IL
$181,245
+31%
Houston, TX
$144,950
+5%
Phoenix, AZ
$164,980
+19%

Financial Tools to Explore

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

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Cost of Living Calculator

Understand your expenses and purchasing power in Wake Forest.

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Rent vs Buy Calculator

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City Manager Salary in Wake Forest, NC — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a city manager in Wake Forest, NC is $138,338 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 102. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Wake Forest's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level city manager professionals in Wake Forest can expect to earn around $81,685 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level city managers earning approximately $191,038 per year. This represents a 134% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Wake Forest's cost of living index of 102 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a higher cost-of-living city, salaries in Wake Forest 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 Wake Forest typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $1,200 per month, housing represents about 10.4% 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 Wake Forest, 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.