A city's geographic region also affects pay levels, as trends continue to show that the highest salaries nationwide are found in the West. In addition, cities that maintain ports, military bases, high levels of union representation, universities or are full-service jurisdictions will typically pay higher salaries. For example, a 2007 survey of librarian salaries reveals that the salaries of librarians with a Masters of Library Science range from $22,048 to $225,000. The data cover twenty-three positions that are presented here in alphabetical order.
| Chief admin officer / city manager |
$106,408 |
| Chief elected official |
$51,918 |
| Chief financial officer |
$87,173 |
| Chief law enforcement official |
$82,015 |
| Chief librarian |
$67,101 |
| Clerk |
$56,565 |
| Economic development advisor |
$83,261 |
| Engineer |
$90,570 |
| Fire chief |
$83,009 |
| Health officer |
$71,247 |
| Human resources director |
$80,336 |
| Human services director |
$76,683 |
| Information services director |
$88,312 |
| Parks and recreation director |
$76,587 |
| Parks superintendent |
$58,946 |
| Planning director |
$80,852 |
| Primary assistant manager / CAO |
$98,439 |
| Public safety director |
$87,997 |
| Public works director |
$80,214 |
| Purchasing director |
$69,037 |
| Recreation director |
$64,926 |
| Risk manager |
$73,751 |
| Treasurer |
$60,576 |
For more information about individual professions, consult professional associations. For example, the American Library Association provides many resources, including the responsibilities and salaries of librarians.
Sources
American Libraray Association. "Survey of Librarian Salaries 2007." Accessed March 25, 2011. http://www.ala.org/ala/research/initiatives/salarysurvey/index.cfm.
Waters, Rollie O. and Joyce C. Powell. "Salaries of Municipal Officials, 2009." In The Municipal Year Book 2010. Washington, DC: International City/County Management Association, 2010.