As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for a County Administrator in California is $166,860 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $80.
However, a County Administrator's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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County Administrator Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $169,539 | $14,128 | $3,260 | $82 |
| Average | $166,860 | $13,905 | $3,209 | $80 |
| 25th Percentile | $151,713 | $12,643 | $2,918 | $73 |
Rexford Industrial - Costa Mesa, CA
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Focus Staff - KEENE, NH
A County Administrator's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a County Administrator's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Governmen... Level County Administrator | $100,181 |
| Governmen... Level County Administrator | $117,166 |
| County Ad... Level County Administrator | $166,663 |
| Governmen... Level County Administrator | $199,998 |
| Governmen... Level County Administrator | $168,907 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract County Administrators. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:
For County Administrator roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 80% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Financial Services and Aerospace & Defense sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 40% above the average. In contrast, County Administrator positions in Telecom or MFG Durable typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view County Administrator as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Financial Services | $233,603 | $112.0 | 40% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $216,918 | $104.0 | 30% |
| Internet | $208,575 | $100.0 | 25% |
| Biotechnology | $200,232 | $96.0 | 20% |
| Business Services | $191,889 | $92.0 | 15% |
Understanding how a County Administrator's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $169,539 | $14,128 | $3,260 | $82 |
| Average | $166,860 | $13,905 | $3,209 | $80 |
| 25th Percentile | $151,713 | $12,643 | $2,918 | $73 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current County Administrator job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
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