Home / City Job Salaries / City Manager in Waterloo

City Manager Salary in Waterloo, IA

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

Median Salary
$101,103
per year in Waterloo
Entry Level
$59,699
Starting salary
Senior Level
$139,618
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
80
20% below national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

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

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$59,699$101,103$139,618
Monthly$4,975$8,425$11,635
Biweekly$2,296$3,889$5,370
Weekly$1,148$1,944$2,685
Hourly$29$49$67

Waterloo vs National Average

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

Waterloo Salary
$101,103
COL Index: 80
National Average
$154,120
COL Index: 100
Difference
-$53,017
Lower in Waterloo

Cost of Living in Waterloo

1-Bedroom Rent
$650
per month
Median Income
$43,234
per year
Population
67,314
residents
Rent % of Income
18.0%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 80 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Waterloo 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
+256%
Los Angeles, CA
$231,500
+129%
Chicago, IL
$181,245
+79%
Houston, TX
$144,950
+43%
Phoenix, AZ
$164,980
+63%

Financial Tools to Explore

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

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 Waterloo.

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 Waterloo.

City Manager Salary in Waterloo, IA — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a city manager in Waterloo, IA is $101,103 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 80. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Waterloo's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level city manager professionals in Waterloo can expect to earn around $59,699 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level city managers earning approximately $139,618 per year. This represents a 134% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Waterloo's cost of living index of 80 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a lower cost-of-living city, salaries in Waterloo 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 Waterloo typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $650 per month, housing represents about 7.7% 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 Waterloo, 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.