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City Manager Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Interim City Manager

Saline, MI · On-site

$110 - $160/hr

The City of Saline, Michigan, is seeking an experienced and collaborative municipal leader to serve as its Interim City Manager for a period of approximately 9 months while the City conducts a search ...

Interim City Manager

Saline, MI · On-site

$110 - $140/hr

Base Pay $110,000.00 - $140,000.00 / Year Interim City Manager City of Saline, Michigan The City of Saline, Michigan, is seeking an experienced and collaborative municipal leader to serve as its ...

Under the general direction of the City Manager, provides assistance and support to the City Manager including analyzing and implementing policies, programs and procedures; serves as staff liaison ...

Oversees the City's property tax collection process. Oversees all facets of fiscal management, including general accounting, payroll, accounts payable, accounts receivable, financial reporting ...

Finance Director

Royal Oak, MI · On-site

$137.39 - $168.30/hr

The Finance Director reports directly to the City Manager and serves as the City's chief financial advisor and a key member of the executive leadership team. The position provides leadership for the ...

City Engineer

Saginaw, MI · On-site

$95K - $108K/yr

The City Engineer leads and manages the Engineering Division within the Department of Public Services, including the Engineering and Traffic Engineering sections. This position plays a key role in ...

Position Summary Under the executive direction of the City Manager, the Fire Chief is in charge of the Fire Department. Responsible for establishing and administering policy and planning for the Fire ...

Fire Chief

Sterling Heights, MI · On-site

$152K - $178K/yr

Position Summary Under the executive direction of the City Manager, the Fire Chief is in charge of the Fire Department. Responsible for establishing and administering policy and planning for the Fire ...

... management Ability to: Meet schedules and deadlines of the work Understand and carry out oral and ... the City Read, analyze, comprehend and apply complex legal decisions published by various tax ...

The Finance Director reports directly to the City Manager and serves as the City's chief financial advisor and a key member of the executive leadership team. The position provides leadership for the ...

City Assessor

Grand Rapids, MI · On-site

$126K - $160K/yr

City Hall 300 Monroe Ave NW Grand Rapids, MI Job Type: Permanent Job Number: 616-0726 Department ... Organization and time management Ability to: * Meet schedules and deadlines of the work

Finance Director

Royal Oak, MI · On-site

$137K - $168K/yr

The Finance Director reports directly to the City Manager and serves as the City's chief financial advisor and a key member of the executive leadership team. The position provides leadership for the ...

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City Manager information

See Michigan salary details

$23.1K

$100.6K

$194.8K

How much do city manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for city manager in Michigan is $100,587.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $57,500.00 and $130,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 much do city managers make?

In Michigan, city managers typically earn an average annual salary between $80,000 and $130,000, depending on the size of the municipality and experience. Larger cities tend to offer higher compensation, and the role often requires strong leadership, budgeting skills, and knowledge of local government operations.

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 also hold a master's degree, such as a Master of Public Administration (MPA), which can enhance job prospects and effectiveness in the role.

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 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.

How much do city managers get paid?

City managers typically earn a median annual salary between $90,000 and $150,000, depending on the size of the city and region. Larger cities or those with more complex administrative needs tend to offer higher compensation, and many city managers hold advanced degrees and certifications in public administration or related fields.

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.

What are the most commonly searched types of City jobs in Michigan? The most popular types of City jobs in Michigan are:
What are popular job titles related to City Manager jobs in Michigan? For City Manager jobs in Michigan, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in Michigan are hiring for City Manager jobs? Cities in Michigan with the most City Manager job openings:
Infographic showing various City Manager job openings in Michigan as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, and 50% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $100,587 per year, or $48.4 per hour.

Interim City Manager

City of St Joseph

Saline, MI • On-site

$110 - $160/hr

Other

Posted 4 days ago


Job description

The City of Saline, Michigan, is seeking an experienced and collaborative municipal leader to serve as its Interim City Manager for a period of approximately 9 months while the City conducts a search for its next permanent City Manager.

Located in southeast Michigan, Saline is a vibrant community of approximately 10,000 residents known for its strong neighborhoods, thriving downtown, excellent schools, and engaged citizenry. The City operates under the Council-Manager form of government with an annual general fund appropriation budget of approximately $17 million.

The Interim City Manager serves as the chief administrative officer of the City and is responsible for the day-to-day management of municipal operations under the direction of the City Council as a body. The successful candidate will provide stable leadership, maintain continuity of operations, support City staff, and work collaboratively with elected officials, community stakeholders, and regional partners.

The Interim City Manager will oversee approximately 64 full‑time employees with additional part‑time, seasonal and temporary employees and provide executive leadership for all municipal departments and operations.

Please see the City's website for complete job posting.

Minimum Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Public Administration, Business Administration, Political Science, or a closely related field. A Master's degree (MPA or related discipline) is preferred.
  • 7 - 10 years of progressively more responsible experience in local government administration, policy administration, or another related field in a comparably complex environment.
  • At least 5 years as a department head, executive level director, or chief executive; preferably with prior local government manager experience.
  • Previous experience serving as a City Manager, Assistant City Manager, Interim City Manager, or equivalent executive municipal leadership position is strongly preferred.
  • Demonstrated experience managing municipal budgets, personnel, and public infrastructure and utilities.
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