Texas Shock: Abilene’s City Manager Earns More Than Most Big-City Leaders

The City of Abilene, Texas, is paying big money for leadership, and it’s turning heads. Can you believe the city manager makes this much?

Why Is Abilene’s City Manager Paid So Much? Let’s Talk About It

It’s no secret that Abilene’s City Manager makes a serious paycheck, but just how serious might surprise you. According to public records, former City Manager Robert Hanna earned $439,305 in 2024, a 27.6% increase from 2022. Good Lord, that's a lot of dough.

That’s more than six times the average city employee salary and over double the median City Manager pay across Texas. I may be in the wrong job.

So, why does Abilene, a city of about 130,000 people, pay like it’s Austin?

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The Job Nobody Notices  Until Something Goes Wrong

Before we break out the pitchforks, it’s worth remembering that being a City Manager isn’t exactly a cushy gig. They oversee everything, including public safety, utilities, budgets, roads, housing, and economic development, and they answer to both the city council and every angry citizen on Facebook.

In cities in Texas like Abilene, that means managing a budget north of $300 million, supervising 1,200+ employees, and keeping vital services running 24/7. The idea is that if you want someone experienced enough to steer that ship without running it aground, you’ve gotta pay captain’s wages.

Texas City Manager Paycheck Showdown

To put it in perspective:

• Abilene (2024) — $439,305
• Lubbock (2024) — around $335,000
• Midland (2024) — roughly $370,000
• Waco (2024) — $347,000
• San Angelo (2024) — $290,000

Even among Texas peers, Abilene’s number stands out. It’s the kind of salary you expect from a booming metro, not a mid-sized city on I-20.

So, Is It Too Much?

That’s the question. Defenders will argue it’s about competitive retention, that a good city manager can save millions by avoiding costly mistakes, so the salary pays for itself. Critics say it’s tone-deaf to pay half a million while city workers, first responders, and teachers fight for cost-of-living bumps.

At the end of the day, transparency matters. Taxpayers deserve to know where their money’s going and why one of Abilene’s highest-paid public servants earns what they do.

READ MORE: Who's At Fault For This Neglected Building In Abilene Texas 

No one’s saying the job isn’t tough, but with that kind of paycheck, you’d think the roads would be smoother and the abandoned buildings cleaned up, right?