How to hire a city manager

How to hire a city manager, step by step

Here's a step-by-step city manager hiring guide:

• Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
• Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
• Step 3: Make a budget
• Step 4: Write a city manager job description
• Step 5: Post your job
• Step 6: Interview candidates
• Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new city manager
• Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

What does a city manager do?

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1. Identify your hiring needs

   First, determine the employments status of the city manager you need to hire. Certain city manager roles might require a full-time employee, whereas others can be done by part-time workers or contractors.

   Determine employee vs contractor status

   Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

   Yes

   No

   You should also consider the ideal background you'd like them a city manager to have before you start to hire. For example, what industry or field would you like them to have experience in, what level of seniority or education does the job require, and how much it'll cost to hire a city manager that fits the bill.

   Here's a comparison of city manager salaries for various roles:

   Type of City Manager	Description	Hourly rate
   City Manager	Top executives devise strategies and policies to ensure that an organization meets its goals. They plan, direct, and coordinate operational activities of companies and organizations.	$19-68
   Vice President	Vice presidents are usually considered the second-in-command in the organization, depending on the organization structure. They take over when the president is unavailable to fulfill duties... Show more	$51-112
   President	Presidents are usually the highest-level executives in an organization. They oversee the whole company... Show more	$54-155

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • Human Resources
   • Economic Development
   • Oversight
   • Customer Service
   • Public Works
   • Payroll
   • Public Safety
   • Municipal Government
   • Customer Satisfaction
   • Community Development
   • Direct Reports
   • Cash Management
   • General Fund
   • Onsite

   Check all skills

   Responsibilities:

   • Manage debt issuance, debt service, redemptions and tax arbitrage calculations.
   • Interpret and apply GAAP and GASB and other applicable accounting guidelines.
   • Provide assistance in oversight and management of all city operations.
   • Deploy code enforcement oversight to counter deteriorating private properties as well as public infrastructure.
   • Complete major renovations and improvements to the city water plant and negotiate and purchase a new city police station building.
   • Save utility system from financial collapse while completing city wide meter installations with new water rate and tap fee schedules.

   More city manager duties

3. Make a budget

   Including a salary range in your city manager job description is one of the best ways to attract top talent. A city manager can vary based on:

   • Location. For example, city managers' average salary in mississippi is 65% less than in california.
   • Seniority. Entry-level city managers 72% less than senior-level city managers.
   • Certifications. A city manager with certifications usually earns a higher salary.
   • Company. Working for an established firm or a new start-up company can make a big difference in a city manager's salary.

   Average city manager salary

   $76,188yearly

   $36.63 hourly rate

   ---

   Entry-level city manager salary

   $40,000 yearly salary

   Updated January 18, 2026

   Average city manager salary by state

   Rank	State	Avg. salary	Hourly rate
   1	California	$113,360	$55
   2	Washington	$109,178	$52
   3	District of Columbia	$96,841	$47
   4	New York	$94,461	$45
   5	Virginia	$86,830	$42
   6	Connecticut	$85,345	$41
   7	New Mexico	$79,803	$38
   8	Texas	$78,157	$38
   9	Hawaii	$75,827	$36
   10	Oregon	$74,304	$36
   11	Ohio	$73,927	$36
   12	Maryland	$71,029	$34
   13	Minnesota	$68,299	$33
   14	Florida	$68,138	$33
   15	Illinois	$67,994	$33
   16	Michigan	$67,824	$33
   17	Pennsylvania	$66,430	$32
   18	Colorado	$59,171	$28
   19	Montana	$58,480	$28
   20	Georgia	$56,241	$27

   Average city manager salary by company

   Company

   Rank	Company	Average salary	Hourly rate	Job openings
   1	Apple	$143,742	$69.11
   2	Uber Technologies	$122,727	$59.00
   3	Mastercard	$110,563	$53.16
   4	Icma-rc	$108,658	$52.24	60
   5	Observable	$103,615	$49.81
   6	UGI	$99,861	$48.01	2
   7	Constellation Energy Partners	$98,082	$47.15
   8	GPAC	$93,775	$45.08
   9	Pacifi	$91,932	$44.20	5
   10	Bank of America	$89,469	$43.01	8
   11	Medical Billing	$87,946	$42.28
   12	Abercrombie & Fitch Co	$79,007	$37.98
   13	Ernst & Young	$78,565	$37.77
   14	Cma	$77,936	$37.47
   15	Victoria's Secret	$75,689	$36.39	1
   16	City of Astoria	$71,957	$34.59
   17	City of Baltimore	$71,703	$34.47	2
   18	Crete Carrier	$68,852	$33.10
   19	1 8 3 Lanes	$68,637	$33.00
   20	Remote Year	$66,573	$32.01

4. Writing a city manager job description

   A city manager job description should include a summary of the role, required skills, and a list of responsibilities. It's also good to include a salary range and the first name of the hiring manager. Below, you can find an example of a city manager job description:

   City manager job description example

   Here at Avis Budget Group we're more than just rentals-although over 70 years of experience and 11,000 locations in 180 countries has taught us a thing or two about that. We're shaping the future of the mobility industry with our innovative, customer-focused solutions. Our globally recognized brands - Avis, Budget, Budget Truck and Zipcar - connect people to more. This means more convenience, more options and more time on the road for our customers. But we also connect our employees to more: opportunities, benefits, support, collaboration and most importantly-power to change the future. Sound your speed? Come join our family.
   Pay: Starting at $80,000 per year
   
   Lead our Fleet Maintenance team to success and ensure our customers are always safe in our fleet of new vehicles! As a technical expert and team manager, you'll oversee preventative maintenance, repair orders, outside vendor support, and warranty submissions.
   
   What you'll do:
   Assign work and supervise associates; ensure all repair orders are completed and processed in accordance with guidelines; approve all maintenance expenditures and submit invoices for approval/payment. Select, manage and inspect outside vendor work to service levels and standards; maintain invoices and insurance policies. Ensure timely and quality completion of recalls and preventative maintenance. Minimize vehicle downtime and units out of service. Ensure warranty submissions meet or exceed business plan and are properly submitted. Guide P&L performance and productivity. Hire, train, engage, energize, set up for success, coach and recognize team members to enable a high-performing culture. Guide the resolution of employee relations issues and maintain professional relationships. Ensure safe work environment and processes in and around our shops.
   
   What we're looking for:
   High school diploma (or equivalent). At least 3 years of hands-on mechanical supervisory experience Ability to travel depending on district/territory to outlying locations and vendors. Valid driver's license and good driving record. Proven ability to engage a team and drive results. Strong communication skills and ability to provide work direction to a team of technicians and staff. Strong time-management, multitasking and problem solving skills. Strong process orientation with a focus on continuous improvement. Excellent analytical, creative problem solving and organizational skills, with strong attention to detail. Ability to learn new technology. Proficient computer skills including Microsoft Excel. Proactive cross-functional team player able to work in a fast paced service-oriented work environment.
   
   Extra points for this:
   Knowledge of the rental vehicle industry, collision estimating, and repair practices. Bachelor's degree or automotive technical school degree or certificate. ASE certifications and/or automotive technical training or experience.
   
   Perks you'll get:
   Access to Medical, Dental, Vision, Life and Disability insurance Eligible to elect other voluntary benefits including: Group Auto Insurance, Group Home Insurance, Pet Insurance, Legal Assistance, Identity Theft Protection, FSA, Accident Insurance, Critical Illness Insurance, and additional life insurance coverages Contribute up to $270 as a tax-free benefit for public transportation or parking expenses 401(k) Retirement Plan with company matched contributions Full training to learn the business and enhance professional skills Employee discounts, including discounted prices on the purchase of Avis/Budget cars Access to an Employee Assistance Program for services including counseling, financial and legal consultation, referrals for care service and more Community involvement opportunities
   
   Who are we?
   
   Glad you asked! Avis Budget Group is a leading provider of mobility options, with brands including Avis, Budget & Budget Truck, and Zipcar. With more than 70 years of experience and 11,000 locations in 180 countries, we are shaping the future of our industry and want you to join us in our mission. Apply today to get connected to an exciting career, a supportive family of employees and a world of opportunities.
   
   The fine print:
   
   Avis Budget Group is an equal opportunity employer - M/F/Veterans/Disabled.
   
   This role requires the ability to lift up to 50 pounds and enter and exit vehicles. This advertisement does not constitute a promise or guarantee of employment. This advertisement describes the general nature and level of this position only. Essential functions and responsibilities may change as business needs require. This position may be with any affiliate of Avis Budget Group.
   
   Avis Budget Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.
   
   Orlando
   
   Florida
   
   United States of America

   Copy this example

   

5. Post your job

   To find the right city manager for your business, consider trying out a few different recruiting strategies:

   • Consider internal talent. One of the most important sources of talent for any company is its existing workforce.
   • Ask for referrals. Reach out to friends, family members, and current employees and ask if they know or have worked with city managers they would recommend.
   • Recruit at local colleges. Attend job fairs at local colleges to recruit city managers who meet your education requirements.
   • Social media platforms. LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter now have more than 3.5 billion users, and you can use social media to reach potential job candidates.

   Post your job online:

   • Post your city manager job on Zippia to find and recruit city manager candidates who meet your exact specifications.
   • Use field-specific websites.
   • Post a job on free websites.

6. Interview candidates

   Your first interview with city manager candidates should focus on their interest in the role and background experience. As the hiring process goes on, you can learn more about how they'd fit into the company culture in later rounds of interviews.

   It's also good to ask about candidates' unique skills and talents. You can move on to the technical interview if a candidate is good enough for the next step.

   The right interview questions can help you assess a candidate's hard skills, behavioral intelligence, and soft skills.

7. Send a job offer and onboard your new city manager

   Once you have selected a candidate for the city manager position, it is time to create an offer letter. In addition to salary, the offer letter should include details about benefits and perks that are available to the employee. Ensuring your offer is competitive is vital, as qualified candidates may be considering other job opportunities. The candidate may wish to negotiate the terms of the offer, and it is important to be open to discussion and reach a mutually beneficial agreement. After the offer has been accepted, it is a good idea to formalize the agreement with a contract.

   It's also good etiquette to follow up with applicants who don't get the job by sending them an email letting them know that the position has been filled.

   To prepare for the new city manager first day, you should share an onboarding schedule with them that covers their first period on the job. You should also quickly complete any necessary paperwork, such as employee action forms and onboarding documents like I-9, benefits enrollment, and federal and state tax forms. Finally, Human Resources must ensure a new employee file is created for internal record keeping.

8. Go through the hiring process checklist

   • Determine employee type (full-time, part-time, contractor, etc.)
   • Submit a job requisition form to the HR department
   • Define job responsibilities and requirements
   • Establish budget and timeline
   • Determine hiring decision makers for the role
   • Write job description
   • Post job on job boards, company website, etc.
   • Promote the job internally
   • Process applications through applicant tracking system
   • Review resumes and cover letters
   • Shortlist candidates for screening
   • Hold phone/virtual interview screening with first round of candidates
   • Conduct in-person interviews with top candidates from first round
   • Score candidates based on weighted criteria (e.g., experience, education, background, cultural fit, skill set, etc.)
   • Conduct background checks on top candidates
   • Check references of top candidates
   • Consult with HR and hiring decision makers on job offer specifics
   • Extend offer to top candidate(s)
   • Receive formal job offer acceptance and signed employment contract
   • Inform other candidates that the position has been filled
   • Set and communicate onboarding schedule to new hire(s)
   • Complete new hire paperwork (i9, benefits enrollment, tax forms, etc.)

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How much does it cost to hire a city manager?