The ICMA CAO Salary and Compensation survey was designed to reflect many of the items covered in ICMA’s Guidelines for Compensation. Respondents were instructed that only the chief appointed administrator should complete the survey. The survey was sent to all (7,739) chief administrative officers (CAOs) in the United States whom ICMA could identify in its local government database, and the response rate was 41%.

Survey Highlights

• The median base salary is $105,000 compared to $103,000 in 2012.
• Fifty percent of respondents report a car allowance/use of a car.
• A majority of all respondents indicate that their benefits are calculated in the same manner as those of other employees.
• Seventy-six percent report an annual performance evaluation.
• Ninety percent report that all decisions on their compensation and benefits are made by the entire governing body in a public meeting.
• Ninety-five percent of those with an employment agreement report that it documents their compensation package.

A summary of the survey results is available on the website. 

New Member Benefit!

In March, the 2014 CAO Salary and Compensation Survey will be conducted as an online survey sent to ICMA member managers only. Detailed survey results will be offered as a member benefit.