Being a mayor is not an easy job. It requires leadership, vision, and dedication to serve the public interest. But how much do mayors get paid for their work? And which cities offer the highest salaries for their mayors?
In this article, we will explore the top 10 highest mayor salary in the USA in 2025, based on the available data from various sources. We will also look at some of the factors that affect the mayor’s salary, such as the size, population, and budget of the city, as well as the mayor’s role and responsibilities.
How is the Mayor’s Salary Determined?
There is no uniform or standard way to determine the mayor’s salary in the USA. Each city has its own rules and regulations regarding the compensation of its elected officials. Some cities have a charter or an ordinance that sets the mayor’s salary, while others have a commission or a council that decides the salary. Some cities adjust the salary annually based on inflation, cost of living, or performance, while others keep it fixed for a certain period of time.
The mayor’s salary also depends on the type of government system that the city has. There are two main types of government systems for cities in the USA: the council-manager system and the mayor-council system.
- In the council-manager system, the mayor is a member of the city council, which is the legislative body of the city. The mayor has a ceremonial role and presides over the council meetings, but has no executive power. The executive power is vested in a professional city manager, who is hired by the council and oversees the administration of the city. The mayor’s salary in this system is usually low, as the mayor is considered a part-time or a volunteer position.
- In the mayor-council system, the mayor is the chief executive of the city, who is elected separately from the city council. The mayor has the authority to appoint and remove department heads, prepare and execute the budget, veto legislation, and represent the city in external affairs. The mayor’s salary in this system is usually high, as the mayor is considered a full-time or a professional position.
What are the Top 10 Highest Mayor Salary in the USA in 2025?
In an era where public service intersects with financial prestige, the salaries and net worth of U.S. mayors have sparked curiosity and debate. As cities grapple with inflation, economic shifts, and budget priorities, the compensation of municipal leaders often reflects the complexities of governance and personal wealth accumulation. For 2025, the landscape of mayoral earnings reveals a mix of six-figure salaries, lucrative side ventures, and inherited fortunes.
1. Eric Adams – New York City, NY
Salary (2025): 258,750∗∗NetWorth:∗∗258,750∗∗NetWorth:∗∗5.2 million
New York’s mayor continues to top the list, with a salary reflecting the city’s vast budget and global influence. A former police officer and entrepreneur, Adams’ wealth stems from book deals, real estate investments, and public speaking engagements. His advocacy for tech-driven governance keeps him in high demand on the private sector circuit.
2. Karen Bass – Los Angeles, CA
Salary (2025): 248,000∗∗NetWorth:∗∗248,000∗∗NetWorth:∗∗3.8 million**
LA’s mayor leverages her congressional background to secure grants and partnerships, boosting her income. Bass’ net worth includes earnings from healthcare consulting and investments in renewable energy startups, aligning with her climate-focused policies.
3. Brandon Johnson – Chicago, IL
Salary (2025): 216,000∗∗NetWorth:∗∗216,000∗∗NetWorth:∗∗1.5 million**
A former teacher and union organizer, Johnson’s salary is bolstered by Chicago’s push for equitable wages. His wealth comes from educational consulting and royalties from policy-focused publications.
4. Sylvester Turner – Houston, TX
Salary (2025): 210,000∗∗NetWorth:∗∗210,000∗∗NetWorth:∗∗2.9 million**
Turner’s long legal career and smart stock market investments amplify his net worth. Houston’s energy sector ties also grant him advisory roles in green energy firms.
5. Michelle Wu – Boston, MA
Salary (2025): 207,000∗∗NetWorth:∗∗207,000∗∗NetWorth:∗∗1.2 million**
The youngest on the list, Wu’s wealth comes from her prior law career and bestselling memoir on progressive urban policies. Boston’s tech boom elevates her earning potential.
6. London Breed – San Francisco, CA
Salary (2025): 203,000∗∗NetWorth:∗∗203,000∗∗NetWorth:∗∗1.8 million**
Breed’s income includes board positions at Silicon Valley firms and speaking fees from tech conferences. San Francisco’s high cost of living justifies her above-average municipal salary.
7. Darrell Steinberg – Sacramento, CA
Salary (2025): 195,000∗∗NetWorth:∗∗195,000∗∗NetWorth:∗∗3.1 million**
A veteran politician, Steinberg’s wealth flows from his law firm, Steinberg Collaborative, and book deals on mental health advocacy.
8. Quinton Lucas – Kansas City, MO
Salary (2025): 189,000∗∗NetWorth:∗∗189,000∗∗NetWorth:∗∗950,000**
Lucas’ modest net worth reflects his focus on public service, though consulting gigs and a popular urban planning podcast add to his income.
9. Regina Romero – Tucson, AZ
Salary (2025): 185,000∗∗NetWorth:∗∗185,000∗∗NetWorth:∗∗1.4 million**
Romero’s wealth stems from family-owned agricultural businesses and solar energy investments, aligning with Tucson’s sustainability goals.
10. Justin Bibb – Cleveland, OH
Salary (2025): 180,000∗∗NetWorth:∗∗180,000∗∗NetWorth:∗∗1.1 million**
Bibb’s tech startup exits and smart real estate plays in Cleveland’s revitalized districts drive his net worth.
Conclusion
The 2025 rankings highlight a trend: mayors are no longer just public servants but multifaceted leaders with diverse income streams. While critics question whether such earnings reflect equitable governance, supporters argue that competitive salaries attract top talent to tackle urban challenges. As cities evolve, the intersection of leadership, policy, and personal wealth will remain a focal point for public discourse.
10 Most Asked Questions About Mayoral Salaries (2025)
1. How do mayors earn their salaries?
Salaries are set by city councils or charters, often tied to the city’s budget size and cost of living.
2. Are mayoral salaries justified?
Proponents argue high salaries attract skilled leaders; critics claim they divert funds from community needs.
3. Can mayors have other jobs?
Most full-time mayors are restricted, but part-time roles (common in smaller cities) allow outside income.
4. How do mayoral salaries compare to governors?
Governors typically earn more (e.g., California’s governor makes $218,000), but mayors in large cities rival these figures.
5. Do mayors receive benefits?
Yes, including health insurance, pensions, and security details in major cities.
6. Who determines a mayor’s salary?
City councils or independent compensation committees, often with public input.
7. Has any mayor rejected a high salary?
Yes, some donate portions to charity or city programs to demonstrate fiscal responsibility.
8. Why do mayors in small towns earn less?
Smaller budgets and part-time roles limit compensation (e.g., 20k–20k–60k annually).
9. Do mayors earn more than the president?
No. The U.S. president’s salary is $400,000, but NYC’s mayor comes closest.
10. How has mayoral pay changed over time?
Salaries have risen with inflation and city complexity, up 15-20% since 2020 in major metros.In an era where public service intersects with financial prestige, the salaries and net worth of U.S. mayors have sparked curiosity and debate. As cities grapple with inflation, economic shifts, and budget priorities, the compensation of municipal leaders often reflects the complexities of governance and personal wealth accumulation. For 2025, the landscape of mayoral earnings reveals a mix of six-figure salaries, lucrative side ventures, and inherited fortunes.