City Administrator vs. City Manager: What Are the Differences?

A city administrator is responsible for the day-to-day operations of a city, while a city manager oversees the city’s departments and employees. Both positions work to ensure that the city is running smoothly and efficiently. If you’re interested in a career in city government, understanding the difference between these two positions can help you decide which one is right for you. In this article, we compare and contrast city administrators and city managers, and we provide information on what you can expect from each role.

What is a City Administrator?

City Administrators oversee the daily operations of their municipality. They develop long and short-term plans to ensure the city is running smoothly and efficiently. City Administrators also create budgets and manage city personnel. They work with the city council to develop laws and policies and ensure that these laws and policies are enforced. City Administrators typically have a background in public administration, business administration or a related field. They must have excellent communication and organizational skills to be successful in this role.

What is a City Manager?

City Managers are responsible for the day-to-day operations of a city government. They work closely with the Mayor and other city officials to develop and implement policies and programs designed to improve the quality of life for city residents. City Managers oversee the city’s budget and make sure that city departments are run efficiently and effectively. They also negotiate contracts on behalf of the city and oversee the city’s workforce. In some cases, City Managers may also be responsible for economic development initiatives, such as attracting new businesses to the city.

City Administrator vs. City Manager

Here are the main differences between a city administrator and a city manager.

Job Duties

City administrators perform a wide variety of tasks to ensure the smooth operation of their city. They often work with city council members to develop and implement policies that improve city life, such as creating building codes or planning events. City administrators also oversee the day-to-day operations of city departments, which can include hiring and supervising department heads and staff, ensuring equipment is working properly and providing feedback on department performance.

City managers have similar duties but tend to focus more on management than administration. While they assist city officials with policy creation, city managers usually dedicate their efforts to implementing those policies. For example, if city council members create an ordinance requiring all new buildings to be LEED certified, the city manager may lead the effort to make sure the new standards are met. They may also monitor implementation efforts after new policies go into effect to ensure compliance.

Job Requirements

City administrators and city managers typically need at least a bachelor’s degree in public administration, business administration or another related field. Some employers prefer candidates to have a master’s degree as well, but it is not required for entry-level positions. Additionally, many city administrators and city managers pursue certifications through the International City/County Management Association (ICMA) or the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP). These organizations offer training programs that teach professionals how to use planning software and other tools they might need on the job.

Work Environment

City administrators typically work in an office setting, but they may also travel to different locations within the city. They often collaborate with other professionals and attend meetings to discuss important topics related to their cities. City administrators usually work full time during regular business hours, although some may have irregular schedules depending on the needs of their cities.

City managers typically work in an office environment as well, but they may spend more time outdoors than city administrators. For example, a city manager may visit construction sites or meet with police officers to ensure that projects are completed on time and that citizens feel safe. City managers may also travel to different locations within the city for meetings or events. They may work full time during regular business hours, but some may have irregular schedules.

Skills

City administrators and city managers both use a variety of skills in their jobs. Both need to have excellent interpersonal skills to interact with employees, other officials and the public. They also need to be able to effectively communicate, both verbally and in writing.

Organizational skills are important for city administrators and city managers, as they often oversee multiple departments or initiatives at one time. They need to be able to prioritize tasks and ensure that each task receives adequate attention. City administrators and city managers also need to be able to make decisions quickly and under pressure.

While city administrators and city managers share many similarities in terms of the skills they use, there are some differences. City administrators typically need to have strong financial skills, as they are responsible for developing and managing budgets. City managers, on the other hand, may benefit from having experience in human resources, as they often are responsible for hiring and firing employees.

Salary

City administrators can earn an average salary of $76,484 per year, while city managers can earn an average salary of $89,902 per year. Both of these average salaries may vary depending on the size of the city in which you work, your level of experience and the state in which you work.