ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

City Manager Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

City of Thornton

Utilities Director

Denver, CO · On-site

$182K - $241K/yr

Under general direction of the Assistant City Manager; leads, directs and manages all activities of the Utilities Department, including all functions of the water, sewer, and solid waste utilities.

Raftelis

Town Manager

Erie, CO · On-site

Reporting directly to the City Manager, this hands-on leader oversees the full spectrum of municipal finance functions, including budgeting, accounting, financial reporting, investments, debt ...

City of Thornton, CO

Utilities Director

Thornton, CO · On-site

$182K - $241K/yr

Under general direction of the Assistant City Manager; leads, directs and manages all activities of the Utilities Department, including all functions of the water, sewer, and solid waste utilities.

City of Fountain

City Planner I-II

Fountain, CO · On-site

$23.75 - $35.25/hr

Description Job Summary The City Planner I-II performs professional planning, development review ... Processes, manages and conducts review of planning applications and permits such as signs ...

City of Fountain

City Planner I-II

Fountain, CO · On-site

$23.75 - $35.25/hr

Job Summary The City Planner I-II performs professional planning, development review, project ... Processes, manages and conducts review of planning applications and permits such as signs ...

Gulfshoresal

Economic Development Manager

Craig, CO · On-site

$60 - $80/hr

City Manager Salary: $72,173/year ($34.70/hour) - $103,748/year ($49.88/hour) Revision Date: 6/2026 About Us: The City of Craig provides a wide range of essential services designed to ensure the ...

CITY OF GRAND JUNCTION

VOLUNTEER

Grand Junction, CO

The City Manager provides a State of the City Update and answers Ambassador questions, which always includes "when is Costco coming." * You receive a birthday card each year, personally signed by ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsCity JobsCity Manager JobsCity Manager Jobs in Colorado

City Manager information

See Colorado salary details

$27.9K

$121.4K

$235K

How much do city manager jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for city manager in Colorado is $121,351.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $69,400.00 and $157,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a city manager?

City Managers are appointed officials responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of a city or municipality. They implement policies set by the city council, manage city staff and departments, prepare budgets, and ensure that services are delivered efficiently to the community. City Managers serve as the chief executive officers for cities that use the council-manager form of government, acting as a liaison between elected officials and city employees. Their role is to provide professional management and leadership to help the city run smoothly and achieve its goals.

What does a city manager do?

As a city manager, you have a host of official political and administrative duties carried out at the instruction of a city council or mayor. In smaller municipalities, a city manager may directly implement a wide range of governmental policies, while in larger towns and cities, you generally head up different departments within city government, such as the budget office, human resources, or public works. Regardless of the size of the city, you have a role with significant responsibilities related to budgetary, managerial, and operational strategies and goals.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a city manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as a City Manager, you need expertise in public administration, budgeting, and policy development, usually backed by a master's degree in public administration or a related field. Familiarity with municipal management software, financial systems, and compliance regulations is typically required. Exceptional leadership, negotiation, and interpersonal skills help foster collaboration with city officials, staff, and the community. These abilities are crucial for effectively managing city operations, ensuring fiscal responsibility, and achieving community goals.

How does a city manager typically interact with city council members and department heads on a daily basis?

A City Manager regularly collaborates with city council members to implement policy decisions, provide updates on ongoing initiatives, and offer professional recommendations on municipal matters. Daily, they also work closely with department heads across various sectors—such as public works, finance, and public safety—to coordinate operations, address challenges, and ensure efficient delivery of city services. This role requires strong communication skills and the ability to balance the priorities of elected officials with the needs of city staff and residents.

What is the difference between City Manager vs City Clerk?

AspectCity ManagerCity Clerk
Required CredentialsTypically a master's degree in public administration or related field, with experience in local governmentOften a high school diploma or associate degree; some positions prefer certification in municipal clerkship
Work EnvironmentOversees daily city operations, manages staff, and implements policiesHandles records management, public notices, and official documentation
Employer & Industry UsageMunicipal governments, city administrationsCity governments, municipal offices
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared for leadership roles in city managementCompared for administrative and record-keeping responsibilities

The City Manager is responsible for overseeing city operations and implementing policies, requiring advanced education and management experience. The City Clerk focuses on maintaining official records and ensuring transparency. While both roles are vital in city government, they serve different functions and require distinct skill sets.

How much money does a city manager make?

The average salary of a city manager varies depending on the size and location of the city, but typically ranges from $70,000 to over $150,000 annually. Larger cities and those with more complex budgets tend to offer higher compensation, and city managers often need a background in public administration or related fields.

What degree is needed to be a city manager?

A city manager typically needs at least a bachelor's degree in public administration, political science, or a related field. Many city managers also hold a master's degree, such as a Master of Public Administration (MPA), which can enhance job prospects and effectiveness in the role.
More about City Manager jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of City jobs in Colorado?

The most popular types of City jobs in Colorado are:

What are popular job titles related to City Manager jobs in Colorado?

For City Manager jobs in Colorado, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching City Manager jobs in Colorado look for?

The top searched job categories for City Manager jobs in Colorado are:

What cities in Colorado are hiring for City Manager jobs?

Cities in Colorado with the most City Manager job openings:

City Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various City Manager job openings in Colorado as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 81% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 17% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $121,351 per year, or $58.3 per hour.

City Manager

CPS HR Consulting (Client Recruitments)

Englewood, CO • On-site

$250K - $322K/yr

Full-time

Retirement

Posted 6 days ago

Job description

About the Position City Manager City of Englewood Salary $224,000 to $322,000 (Starting Salary $250,000-290,000 DOQ) The City of Englewood, Colorado is searching for its next City Manager. This is more than a management position. It is an opportunity to lead a community of 36,000 investing in its future through: Downtown redevelopment Critical water infrastructure improvements Affordable housing initiatives A $41.5 million parks and recreation investment program Englewood combines the advantages of metro Denver access with the character and connectivity of a close-knit community

The City Council seeks a strategic partner who can inspire teams, build trust, and turn vision into results. Attractive executive benefits package including a 10% City contribution to a 401(a) retirement account. Apply online by October 2, 2026: https://www.cpshr.us/recruitment/2664 Contact: David Niemeyer, Executive Recruiter 916-471-3366 dniemeyer@cpshr.us Gloria Timmons, Executive Recruiter 916-471-3461 gtimmons@cpshr.us

Apply