City Job Salary Estimator
Estimate Your City Job Earnings
Find out your potential salary and benefits for top city jobs based on your qualifications.
Key Benefits
If you’re hunting for high paying city jobs, you’ve landed in the right spot. City Jobs are roles offered by municipal governments that keep a city running - from roads and parks to public safety and health. In 2025, several of these positions not only offer solid salaries but also generous benefits, job stability, and clear promotion paths.
Why City Jobs Can Outpay Private‑Sector Roles
Many people assume that government work is low‑pay, but city agencies often compete fiercely to attract top talent. They do this by offering:
- Base salaries that match or exceed market averages for comparable private‑sector jobs.
- Pension plans that guarantee a steady income after retirement.
- Health, dental, and vision coverage for you and your family.
- Paid leave, flexible schedules, and generous overtime pay.
Because municipalities rely on taxpayers, they’re transparent about pay scales, making it easier to see exactly what you’ll earn at each step.
How We Ranked the Best‑Paying City Jobs
We looked at three core criteria:
- Annual base salary (average 2024‑2025 data from Australian municipal budgets).
- Benefits package value (pension, health, leave).
- Career‑growth potential (clear promotion ladder, professional development funds).
Only jobs that scored high on all three made the final list.
Top High‑Paying City Jobs
Below is a quick snapshot of each role, followed by a deeper dive.
Municipal Engineer designs and oversees the construction of roads, bridges, water systems, and public buildings. Typical qualifications include a Bachelor’s in Civil Engineering and registration with Engineers Australia. In 2025 the average base salary sits at AU$115,000, with total compensation (including pension) topping AU$145,000. City Planner shapes land‑use policies, zoning maps, and long‑term growth strategies. A Master’s in Urban Planning or Geography is common, and certification through the Planning Institute of Australia adds a premium. Salary ranges from AU$95,000 to AU$130,000, with senior planners earning up to AU$150,000 when bonuses are included. Police Officer (Senior Rank) starts at AU$78,000, but once you reach Sergeant or Senior Sergeant, the base climbs to AU$115,000. Additional shift‑allowance, firearms duty pay, and a robust pension push total earnings over AU$150,000 for seasoned officers. Firefighter (Chief) begins with a modest AU$80,000 entry pay, but the Chief of Fire Services commands a salary around AU$130,000. Overtime, hazard pay, and a 20‑year pension plan often bring total compensation past AU$155,000. Public Health Officer leads community health programmes, disease surveillance, and emergency response. With a Master’s in Public Health and experience in epidemiology, salaries sit between AU$100,000 and AU$140,000, plus a health‑focused benefits suite worth another AU$15,000. Urban Economist advises city councils on fiscal policy, housing markets, and infrastructure investment. A Ph.D. in Economics or strong experience in a consultancy firm is typical. Base pay ranges from AU$110,000 to AU$160,000, with performance bonuses pushing total earnings above AU$180,000. Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) is the senior manager overseeing all city departments, budget execution, and strategic planning. A background in public administration (MPA) and 10‑plus years of municipal experience are must‑haves. Salary starts at AU$140,000 and can exceed AU$200,000 with allowances and bonuses. City Treasurer manages the city’s finances, investments, and tax collection. A CPA qualification plus experience in government finance are key. Base salaries hover around AU$130,000, with total packages often surpassing AU$170,000 when investment incentives are counted.
Salary Comparison Table
| Job Title | Base Salary | Benefits Value | Total Compensation | Typical Entry Qualification |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Municipal Engineer | 115,000 | 30,000 | 145,000 | Bachelor’s Civil Engineering |
| City Planner | 110,000 | 30,000 | 140,000 | Master’s Urban Planning |
| Senior Police Officer | 115,000 | 40,000 | 155,000 | Police Academy + Experience |
| Fire Chief | 130,000 | 35,000 | 165,000 | Firefighter Training + Leadership |
| Public Health Officer | 120,000 | 25,000 | 145,000 | Master’s Public Health |
| Urban Economist | 150,000 | 30,000 | 180,000 | Ph.D. Economics |
| Chief Administrative Officer | 160,000 | 45,000 | 205,000 | MPA + 10+ yr Experience |
| City Treasurer | 130,000 | 40,000 | 170,000 | CPA + Govt Finance |
How to Prepare for These Roles
Each of the jobs above follows a clear preparation pathway. Below is a step‑by‑step guide that works for most high‑paying city positions.
- Get the right degree or certification. Engineering, planning, public health, economics, law, or finance degrees are the most common.
- Pass the relevant municipal exam. Most Australian cities require the City Service Entry Exam or a specialised test (e.g., Engineering Register, Police Academy).
- Gain relevant experience. Internships with local councils, volunteer fire brigades, or part‑time roles in city departments give you a foot‑in the door.
- Build a professional network. Attend city council meetings, join the Australian Institute of Public Administration, and connect on LinkedIn with current city employees.
- Stay updated on policy changes. Municipal salary scales are adjusted annually; follow the Australian Public Service Gazette for the latest figures.
For exam‑specific prep, consider joining a government jobs preparation course that focuses on the City Service Entry Exam. Structured study plans, past papers, and mock interviews can boost your confidence.
Tips to Accelerate Your Career Progression
- Earn a postgraduate diploma while working - many councils fund further study.
- Volunteer for high‑visibility projects (e.g., major road upgrades, pandemic response) to showcase leadership.
- Seek mentorship from a senior city official; their guidance often shortcuts promotion timelines.
- Register for professional bodies (Engineers Australia, Planning Institute of Australia) to access exclusive job boards.
- Maintain a clean public record - background checks are mandatory for police, fire, and finance roles.
Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them
Even with a solid plan, many candidates stumble. Here are the usual mistakes and quick fixes.
- Ignoring the exam syllabus. City exams are strict; study the exact topics listed in the official guide.
- Over‑relying on a single qualification. Diversify - combine a degree with a professional certification.
- Skipping networking. Applications are often screened by internal references; don’t underestimate the power of connections.
- Underestimating soft skills. Leadership, communication, and crisis management are weighted heavily in promotion panels.
- Neglecting continuous learning. Policies and technology evolve; stay current with webinars and council training modules.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city job pays the most in Australia?
The Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) typically tops the list, with total compensation often exceeding AU$200,000 when bonuses and allowances are included.
Do city jobs require a university degree?
Most high‑paying roles do need a degree or professional certification. However, some positions like entry‑level fire fighter or police constable may start with a diploma and on‑the‑job training.
How can I find the City Service Entry Exam schedule?
State government portals list upcoming exam dates. Subscribe to the Australian Public Service Gazette or check individual council websites for the latest announcements.
Are city salaries taxed differently from private‑sector salaries?
Taxation follows the same Australian tax brackets. The advantage lies in the pension scheme and other non‑taxable benefits that boost overall take‑home pay.
What is the fastest way to get promoted in a city department?
Take advantage of funded postgraduate courses, lead high‑impact projects, and secure a mentor within senior management. Demonstrating measurable results speeds up promotion cycles.