How much does a community manager make?
a year · about $39 an hour
A typical community manager in the United States makes $80,390 a year, about $39 an hour, about 1.6× a typical US worker (median, May 2025, US Bureau of Labor Statistics).
What do they do?
They might meet neighbors and funders, check whether a program is helping, and plan outreach or write a funding request. They also guide staff, review budgets, and solve problems so services reach people.
Did you know? Surprise: part of the job is proving that a community program works. Managers check results and use them to improve services.
Is that a lot?
Compared with jobs you knowIf 100 people had this job
Most earn between $53,150 and $132,260How do you become one?
In the US, earn a bachelor's in social work, public policy, or a related field; some jobs ask for a master's. Then gain related experience, perhaps as a social worker or substance-use counselor, before moving into management.
School needed: Usually a bachelor's degree
Good for people who like leading and selling and helping and teaching
Why does pay differ?
Experience, location, and employer type can all affect pay in the US: wages differ by state and across government, nonprofit, and care employers. Program specialty and work hours can matter too; larger agencies may divide work into specialties, and some managers work over 40 hours.
Where does it pay most?
Highest in District of Columbia ($106,700), lowest in Arkansas ($56,100).
See every state
Top 5 and bottom 3 states, typical (median) yearly pay.
Jobs like this
Data table and sources
| Lower earner (10th from bottom) | Typical person (median) | Higher earner (10th from top) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|---|
| $53,150 | $80,390 | $132,260 | about 209,000 |
| State | Typical person (median) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|
| District of Columbia | $106,700 | about 640 |
| Washington | $103,000 | about 4,000 |
| Alaska | $98,370 | about 830 |
| Colorado | $97,440 | about 3,000 |
| New York | $95,980 | about 19,000 |
Official definition: Plan, direct, or coordinate the activities of a social service program or community outreach organization. Oversee the program or organization’s budget and policies regarding participant involvement, program requirements, and benefits. Work may involve directing social workers, counselors, or probation officers.
Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025 (bls.gov); descriptions and related jobs from O*NET 31.0. Figures as of May 2025, full-time yearly pay (hourly × 2,080 hours). bls.gov/oes · O*NET OnLine
Pages used for the text
- www.bls.gov/ooh/management/social-and-community-service-managers.htm
- www.onetonline.org/link/details/11-9151.00
- www.bls.gov/oes/2023/may/oes119151.htm
Data: US BLS OEWS, May 2025 · 1 USD = 150 JPY