City Government Salary Calculator
Estimate your potential earnings for top city government jobs based on your qualifications and experience. Select your profile below to see projected salary ranges.
Estimated Salary Range
City Manager
$150,000–$200,000
Urban Planner
$90,000–$130,000
Municipal Engineer
$95,000–$140,000
Police Chief
$120,000–$170,000
Fire Chief
$110,000–$155,000
Public Works Director
$100,000–$145,000
City Treasurer
$115,000–$160,000
Quick Takeaways
- The top‑earning city role is the City Manager, often surpassing $180,000 a year.
- Urban planners and municipal engineers regularly pull six‑figure salaries with strong demand.
- Police and fire chiefs rank high, but require years of service and specific certifications.
- Most high‑paying city jobs are accessed through state civil service exams or specialized municipal tests.
- Targeted preparation-study guides, mock exams, and networking-can shave months off your interview timeline.
Ever wondered which positions on a city hall payroll actually pay big bucks? If you’re eyeing a stable, well‑compensated career in local government, you’ve landed in the right spot. Below we break down the best paying city jobs, detail what qualifications you need, and give you a step‑by‑step roadmap for acing the relevant exams.
What Counts as a City Government Job?
City Government Jobs encompass any full‑time role employed by a municipal authority, from administrative leadership to technical specialists. They differ from state or federal positions in that the hiring body is a city council, mayor’s office, or a specific department such as public works or housing.
These jobs typically offer:
- Competitive base salaries backed by local tax revenue.
- Pension plans and robust health benefits.
- Clear career ladders - many start as entry‑level analysts and move up to director‑level roles.
Because funding comes from city budgets, salaries can vary widely between large metros and smaller towns. The figures below focus on major U.S. metros (e.g., New York, Los Angeles, Chicago) where the highest pay scales exist.
Top Seven Highest‑Paying City Roles
Below you’ll find the seven positions that consistently rank at the top of municipal salary surveys conducted by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and city finance reports.
City Manager is the chief executive of a municipality, reporting directly to the elected council. The role blends business acumen with public‑policy oversight.
- Average salary (2025): $150,000-$200,000
- Typical education: Master’s in Public Administration (MPA) or Business Administration (MBA)
- Entry exam: State Civil Service Exam + municipal leadership assessment
Urban Planner shapes land‑use policy, zoning, and long‑range development plans.
- Average salary (2025): $90,000-$130,000
- Typical education: Bachelor’s in Urban Planning or Geography; Master’s preferred
- Certification: American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) exam
Municipal Engineer oversees construction, water systems, and infrastructure maintenance.
- Average salary (2025): $95,000-$140,000
- Typical education: Bachelor’s in Civil Engineering; PE license required
- Exam: State Engineer Licensing Exam + city‑specific technical interview
Police Chief leads the city police department, managing personnel, budgets, and community‑policing initiatives.
- Average salary (2025): $120,000-$170,000
- Typical education: Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice or Law Enforcement; many hold a Master’s
- Certification: Police Executive Research Forum (PERF) leadership program
Fire Chief directs fire protection services, emergency response, and fire safety education.
- Average salary (2025): $110,000-$155,000
- Typical education: Bachelor’s in Fire Science or Public Administration
- Certification: National Fire Academy (NFA) Chief Officer certification
Public Works Director manages streets, sanitation, and utility services.
- Average salary (2025): $100,000-$145,000
- Typical education: Bachelor’s in Public Works Management or Engineering
- Exam: Local government management assessment + technical interview
City Treasurer controls municipal finances, investments, and tax collection.
- Average salary (2025): $115,000-$160,000
- Typical education: Bachelor’s in Accounting, Finance, or Economics; CPA often required
- Exam: State Certified Public Accountant (CPA) exam + city finance competency test
Salary Comparison Table
| Job Title | Average Salary (USD) | Typical Education | Key Certification/Exam |
|---|---|---|---|
| City Manager | $150,000-$200,000 | MPA, MBA | State Civil Service + Leadership Assessment |
| Urban Planner | $90,000-$130,000 | Bachelor’s (Master’s preferred) | AICP Certification |
| Municipal Engineer | $95,000-$140,000 | Bachelor’s (PE required) | State Engineer Licensing |
| Police Chief | $120,000-$170,000 | Bachelor’s (Master’s common) | PERF Leadership Program |
| Fire Chief | $110,000-$155,000 | Bachelor’s (Fire Science) | NFA Chief Officer Certification |
| Public Works Director | $100,000-$145,000 | Bachelor’s (Engineering/Management) | Municipal Management Assessment |
| City Treasurer | $115,000-$160,000 | Bachelor’s (CPA often required) | CPA Exam + City Finance Test |
How to Land These High‑Paying Roles
Below is a practical roadmap that works for any of the jobs listed above.
- Identify the target exam. Most city positions require a state civil service exam, while specialized roles (e.g., engineer, treasurer) need professional licenses.
- Gather study materials. Official test guides, past papers, and free resources from the State Personnel Board are gold. For AICP or CPA, use the respective协会’s practice exams.
- Enroll in a prep course. Community colleges, online platforms like Coursera, or local government training centers offer focused modules.
- Tip: Choose a course that mirrors the exact exam format - multiple‑choice, situational judgment, and essay sections.
- Schedule mock exams. Simulate test day conditions at least three times before the real exam.
- Network inside the city department. Attend town hall meetings, join municipal employee groups on LinkedIn, and volunteer for city projects to gain insider insights.
- Tailor your resume. Highlight relevant certifications, internships with local agencies, and any community‑service leadership roles.
- Example: For a Municipal Engineer role, list your PE license, any city‑led road‑rehab projects, and budget‑management experience.
- Prepare for the interview. Expect scenario‑based questions (e.g., "How would you address a budget shortfall?"), and be ready to discuss local codes or policy impacts.
- Negotiate salary wisely. Use the salary snapshot table above as leverage. Cite city budget reports and comparable private‑sector salaries.
Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them
- Skipping the licensing step. An engineering or accounting license is non‑negotiable. Begin the licensing process early; some states take six months for approval.
- Relying only on generic test prep. City exams often include local‑law sections. Get the most recent municipal code handbook for your target city.
- Underestimating the interview. Many candidates ace the written test but stumble on behavioral questions about community engagement. Prepare stories that show collaboration with elected officials.
- Neglecting continuing education. Certifications (AICP, CPA, PE) require periodic renewal. Staying current boosts promotion chances and salary bumps.
Future Outlook: Which City Jobs Will Grow?
Urbanization isn’t slowing down. The U.S. Census predicts an additional 15 million people will live in cities by 2035. This drives demand for:
- Smart‑City Data Analysts. Salary range: $85,000-$115,000 (newly emerging, often requires a data‑science bootcamp).
- Climate Resilience Coordinators. Focus on flood mitigation and green infrastructure; starting salaries near $95,000.
- Affordable Housing Program Managers. With housing crises, these managers command $90,000-$130,000.
While not yet in the top‑pay bracket, early entry into these fields can position you for rapid salary growth.
Next Steps Checklist
- Choose your target city and job title.
- Download the latest State Civil Service Exam Guide and any city‑specific manuals.
- Enroll in a prep course by the end of the month.
- Schedule your first mock exam within two weeks of starting the course.
- Update your resume with relevant certifications and volunteer city projects.
- Reach out to a current city employee for an informational interview.
- Apply for the exam once registration opens (usually March‑May for most metros).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the highest‑paying city job right now?
The City Manager consistently tops the list, with salaries ranging from $150,000 to $200,000 in major metros.
Do I need a Master’s degree for every high‑paying city role?
Not always. Technical positions like Municipal Engineer require a Bachelor’s plus a Professional Engineer (PE) license. Roles focused on policy or finance often benefit from a Master’s, but it’s not mandatory.
How often are city civil service exams offered?
Most states run them twice a year, typically in spring and fall. Check your state’s Personnel Board calendar for exact dates.
Can I apply for a city job without passing the exam?
A few entry‑level positions (e.g., administrative assistants) may be hired directly, but most senior and professional roles require the exam or a recognized certification.
What study resources give the best ROI?
Official state test guides, past exam papers, and targeted prep courses from community colleges are the most cost‑effective. For certifications, use the official practice exams offered by AICP, CPA, or PE boards.
How long does it take to become a City Manager?
Typically 10-15 years of progressive experience in public administration, plus a relevant graduate degree and successful completion of the civil service exam.