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How much do county administrator jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for county administrator in the United States is $106,942.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $73,000.00 and $141,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between County Administrator vs County Clerk?

AspectCounty AdministratorCounty Clerk
Primary RoleOversees daily county operations, implements policies, manages departmentsMaintains official records, manages elections, issues licenses
Required CredentialsOften requires a master's degree in public administration or related fieldTypically requires a high school diploma or associate degree; some positions prefer experience in record-keeping or administration
Work EnvironmentAdministrative offices, government departmentsClerk offices, government buildings
Employer & Industry UsageCounty governments, public sectorCounty governments, public sector

While both roles serve county governments, the County Administrator focuses on managing operations and policy implementation, whereas the County Clerk handles record-keeping and administrative documentation. They work closely but have distinct responsibilities within local government.

What Does a County Administrator Do?

A county administrator’s job is to oversee the daily operations of a county government. You are the go-between for the county board of directors and the various departments, such as sanitation, water reclamation, and health administration. As a county manager, your duties include creating and reviewing budgets for the different departments; discussing local issues with department heads, clients, and the public; attending public hearings and city council meetings, and being present during emergency situations. You are often at board and department meetings, and you do outreach to secure more investment, such as new construction or job creation, from private industry and the state government.

What are County Administrators and what do they do?

County Administrators are appointed officials responsible for overseeing the daily operations of county government. They implement policies set by the county board or commission, manage county departments, prepare budgets, and ensure that county services are delivered efficiently. County Administrators act as a liaison between elected officials, county staff, and the public, and often play a key role in strategic planning and resource allocation. Their work ensures that local government functions smoothly and meets the needs of residents.

What are some common challenges faced by a County Administrator, and how can they be effectively managed?

County Administrators often encounter challenges such as balancing the interests of various stakeholders, managing tight budgets, and overseeing multiple departments with competing priorities. Effective communication, strong organizational skills, and the ability to build consensus among county commissioners, staff, and the public are essential for success. Administrators can address these challenges by maintaining transparency, fostering teamwork, and staying informed about best practices in local government management.

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

To thrive as a County Administrator, you need a solid background in public administration, finance, and management, typically supported by a relevant bachelor’s or master’s degree. Familiarity with budgeting software, government regulations, and project management tools is essential for the role. Strategic leadership, strong communication, and conflict resolution skills help foster collaboration among departments and with the public. These skills ensure effective governance and the efficient delivery of county services to meet community needs.
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County Administrator jobs near you
Infographic showing various County Administrator job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 5% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 11% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $106,942 per year, or $51.4 per hour.
Deputy County Administrator, Justice & Safety

Deputy County Administrator, Justice & Safety

Harris County, TX

Houston, TX • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 9 days ago

Harris County rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 118 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

300th of 649 rated public administrative organizations

Job description

Salary: Depends on Qualifications
Location : Houston, TX
Job Type: Regular Full-time
Job Number: 16664
Department: Office of County Administration
Opening Date: 05/04/2026
Closing Date: 6/16/2026 11:59 PM Central
Position Description
Position Overview:
The Deputy County Administrator (DCA), Justice & Safety is responsible for supporting Harris County Commissioners Court's priorities related to the justice system and public safety while working closely with the County Administrator, selected department heads, and elected and other appointed officials. This role also works with Commissioners Court offices, other members of the Office of County Administration (OCA) Executive Team, and other OCA team members to drive key projects forward and design and implement systems that improve Harris County government.
Harris County seeks a mission- and data-driven, service-oriented leader who will help drive Harris County's success and support efforts to achieve Commissioners Court's priorities, including but not limited to those outlined in the as well as the Fiscal Year Priorities defined by Commissioners Court each year. The position will serve as the County Administrator's central executive-level coordination point for work primarily relating to Goal 1 (Make Harris County safer and more just) of the Strategic Plan.
Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Execution: Works with the County Administrator, selected department heads, elected and other appointed officials, and other OCA leadership and staff to support the successful execution of projects and other County efforts. Build strong and collaborative relationships between Commissioners Court and other Elected Officials and justice system professionals.
  • Project Management: Works with the County Administrator to prioritize and plan projects and other tasks within OCA, selected departments, and countywide (as appropriate). Manages Justice & Safety projects in response to Commissioners Court directives. Manage special projects that improve criminal legal system and justice outcomes.
  • Management: Collaboratively manages several Justice & Safety department heads and directly manages the OCA Justice Innovation Team to ensure the successful execution Justice & Safety Court Directives, the Strategic Plan and additional priorities to address legal and statutory requirements.
  • Communication: Writes or edits key documents and presentations for Commissioners Court. Supports OCA's internal and external communications as needed.
  • Budget: Works closely with the County Administrator and selected department heads to develop annual budgets in alignment with County priorities.
  • Strategy: Supports efforts to implement, oversee, and regularly update the County's Strategic Plan. Drives OCA's work with selected County departments to develop their own department-specific strategic direction and performance measures in alignment with the Strategic Plan.
  • Collaboration: Facilitates collaboration between assigned departments and external partners, shared goals, and continuous improvement across County operations to ensure the success of initiatives and move the County closer to achieving specified Goals and Objectives. Liaise with offices led by elected and appointed officials whenever needed in addition to day-to-day work with selected departments.
  • Leadership: Ability to lead leaders; set direction; align goals, objectives, and operational measures; create a cohesive, impactful, culture; ensure adequate performance management and 360 (or two-way) communication to support others' ability to drive results.
  • Engaging Partners: Engaging with communities, local partners, and all levels of government to improve their understanding of the County's programs, as well as obtaining input and feedback on these programs to improve mutual understanding and relationships
  • Accountability: Demonstrates clear communication, accountability, and responsiveness, while promoting the same from department heads to Commissioners Court and the County Administrator.
  • Performance: Supports the department head performance evaluations in collaboration with the County Administrator (who retains hiring and firing authority with respect to heads of departments within the DCA's purview) and engender a culture of continuous improvement-to include six Sigma concepts where relevant-ensuring assessments reflect the Court's expectations and priorities, including the Goal, Objectives, and Guiding Principles laid out in the
  • Performs other duties as assigned.
Other Duties:
  • This Job Description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this position. Management may, at its discretion, assign, or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.

Harris County is an Equal Opportunity Employer
If you need special services or accommodations, please call (713) 274-5445 or email
This position is subject to a criminal history check. Only relevant convictions will be considered and, even when considered, may not automatically disqualify the candidate.
Requirements
Encouraged Supporting Documents:
  • Cover Letter
  • Resume
Education and Experience:
  • Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.
  • At least ten (10) years of relevant experience.
  • Minimum of seven (7) years in a senior managerial role managing complex administrative functions.
    • Relevant experience may be substituted for required education on a year-for-year basis.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
  • Advanced knowledge of public policy, Texas county government operations, laws, statutes, functions, programs, and best practices for county operations.
  • Knowledge of change management, project management, and team building principles, as well as budget and finance practices.
  • Ability to prioritize assignments to meet Commissioners Court's directives in a timely manner while managing staff workload levels.
  • Ability to establish positive relationships, maintain the highest standard of professional and personal ethics and behavior, and accept and provide supervision.
  • Ability to drive organizational culture and build/manage high-performing, multidisciplinary teams as they are formed for specific projects.
  • Ability to provide counsel to, interface with, and obtain feedback from a diverse range of stakeholders, including at the leadership level.
  • Ability to continuously learn about County operations and Commissioners Court's priorities to ensure the department is providing the appropriate service support to other County departments and offices, applying learnings and best practices as appropriate.
  • Ability to work amidst ambiguity with a high level of emotional intelligence, curiosity, integrity, ethics, and transparency.
  • Ability to multitask and manage multiple projects at once while prioritizing and allocating resources in accordance with priorities aligned with Commissioners Court and the County Administrator.
  • Strong customer/client service mindset focused on better serving the people of Harris County.
  • Ability to foster a culture of continuous learning and accountability.
  • Strong commitment to mission-driven, service-oriented, and data-informed leadership.
  • High ethical standards and commitment to transparency and accountability.
  • Proficient in strategic planning, policy development, and program evaluation.
  • Highly skilled in oral and written communication, with excellent ability to review and edit memos, policy documents, reports, and other documents, rendering complex information understandable and relatable.
  • Skilled in the use of Microsoft Office and project management applications.
NOTE: Qualifying education, experience, knowledge and skills must be documented on your job application. You may attach a resume to the application as supporting documentation but ONLY information stated on the application will be used for consideration. "See Resume" will not be accepted for qualifications.
Preferences
  • Master's, professional, or other postgraduate degree in Criminal Justice, Public Safety, Public Policy, Government, Law, or a related field.
  • Ten (10) years of experience working with or in county government or other local, state, or federal government entities.
  • Multiple years of experience working in a large organization.
  • Demonstrated experience collaborating with elected officials.

General Information
Position Type and Typical Hours of Work:
  • Regular Full-time
  • Monday - Friday | Must be available at all times
    • Works nights and weekends as required.
    • Eligible for a limited hybrid work schedule as workload allows.
Salary:
  • Depends on Qualifications
  • Based on 26 Pay Periods
    • Plus benefits
Work Environment and Physical Demands:
  • This position is based in an office environment, where the use of standard office equipment such as computers, phones, scanners, and filing cabinets are routine.
  • This is largely a sedentary role. However, requirements include the ability to lift up to 10 pounds, open filing cabinets and bend or stand as necessary.
  • Some travel may be required.
Reporting Relationship:
  • Reports To Position: County Administrator
  • Supervises Positions: Selected County department heads and Office of County Administration staff

Employment may be contingent on passing a drug screen and meeting other standards.
Due to a high volume of applications positions may close prior to the advertised closing date or at the discretion of the Hiring Department.
HARRIS COUNTY EMPLOYEE BENEFITS
Harris County offers a highly competitive benefits program, featuring a comprehensive group health plan and defined benefit retirement plan.
The following benefits are offered only to Harris County employees in regular (full-time) positions:
Health & Wellness Benefits
  • Medical Coverage
  • Dental Coverage
  • Vision Coverage
  • Wellness Plan
  • Life Insurance
  • Long-Term Disability (LTD) Insurance
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • Healthcare Flexible Spending Account
  • Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account

Paid Time Off (PTO)
  • Ten (10) days of vacation leave per year (accrual rate increases after 5 years of service)
  • Eleven (11) County-observed holidays
  • One (1) floating holiday per year
  • Paid Parental Leave*
  • Sick Leave

Retirement Savings Benefit
  • 457 Deferred Compensation Plan

The following benefits are available to Harris County employees in full-time and select part-time positions:
  • Professional learning & development opportunities
  • Retirement pension (TCDRS defined benefit plan)
  • Flexible work schedule*
  • METRO RideSponsor Program*

* Participation may vary by County department. The employee benefits plans of Harris County are extended to all eligible participants across various departments with the exception of the Harris County Community Supervision and Corrections Department, for which the cited Health & Wellness Benefits are administered through the State of Texas.
In accordance with the Harris County Personnel Regulations, group health and related benefits are subject to amendment or discontinuance at any time. Harris County Commissioners Court reserves the right to make benefit modifications on the County's behalf as needed.
For plan details, visit the Harris County Benefits & Wellness website:
01
Which of the following best describes your highest level of education completed as it relates to this position?
  • High School Diploma or G.E.D. equivalent
  • Associates Degree
  • Bachelor's Degree
  • Master's Degree or higher
  • None of the above

02
Which of the following best describes your verifiable years of relevant experience?(To be considered, qualifying experience must be documented in your application's employment history)
  • Less than eight (8) years
  • Eight (8) years but less than nine (9) years
  • Nine (9) years but less than ten (10) years
  • Ten (10) years but less than eleven (11) years
  • Eleven (11) years but less than twelve (12) years
  • Twelve (12) years but less than thirteen (13) years
  • Thirteen (13) years but less than fourteen (14) years
  • Fourteen (14) years or more
  • I do not have this experience.

03
Which of the following best describes your verifiable years of experience in a senior managerial role managing complex administrative functions?(To be considered, qualifying experience must be documented in your application's employment history)
  • Less than seven (7) years
  • Seven (7) years but less than eight (8) years
  • Eight (8) years but less than nine (9) years
  • Nine (9) years but less than ten (10) years
  • Ten (10) years or more
  • I do not have this experience.

04
Do you have ten (10) years of experience working with or in county government or other local, state, or federal government entities?
  • Yes
  • No

05
Do you have demonstrated experience collaborating with elected officials?
  • Yes
  • No

Required Question

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About Harris County

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Harris County is the third largest county in the United States with more than 4.7 million residents. There are four precincts in Harris County. The four elected commissioners, along with an elected county judge, serve as members of the Harris County Commissioners Court, the administrative head of the county's government.

Industry

Public administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Houston, TX, US

Year founded

2000

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