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City Manager Salary in Philadelphia, PA

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

Median Salary
$165,448
per year in Philadelphia
Entry Level
$97,693
Starting salary
Senior Level
$228,475
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
113
13% above national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

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

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$97,693$165,448$228,475
Monthly$8,141$13,787$19,040
Biweekly$3,757$6,363$8,788
Weekly$1,879$3,182$4,394
Hourly$47$80$110

Philadelphia vs National Average

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

Philadelphia Salary
$165,448
COL Index: 113
National Average
$154,120
COL Index: 100
Difference
+$11,328
Higher in Philadelphia

Cost of Living in Philadelphia

1-Bedroom Rent
$1,650
per month
Median Income
$55,824
per year
Population
1,603,797
residents
Rent % of Income
35.5%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 113 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Philadelphia 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
+118%
Los Angeles, CA
$231,500
+40%
Chicago, IL
$181,245
+10%
Houston, TX
$144,950
-12%
Phoenix, AZ
$164,980
0%

Financial Tools to Explore

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

Salary Breakdown Calculator

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Cost of Living Calculator

Understand your expenses and purchasing power in Philadelphia.

Budget Calculator

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Rent vs Buy Calculator

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City Manager Salary in Philadelphia, PA — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a city manager in Philadelphia, PA is $165,448 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 113. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Philadelphia's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level city manager professionals in Philadelphia can expect to earn around $97,693 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level city managers earning approximately $228,475 per year. This represents a 134% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Philadelphia's cost of living index of 113 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a higher cost-of-living city, salaries in Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $1,650 per month, housing represents about 12.0% 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 Philadelphia, 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.