Earnings of managers depend on their educational background and experience, the size and complexity of the local governments employing them, and the economic conditions of the regions where communities are located. The council sets the manager's salary. Detailed information on salaries is compiled annually by ICMA and is available on request. Managers serve at the pleasure of the council or governing body. They can be fired by a majority of the council, consistent with local laws, ordinances, or employment agreements they may have with the council.
Control is always in the hands of the elected representatives of the people.
Sixty-three percent of managers surveyed by ICMA have a master's degree. Respondents indicated that they had spent an average of 10 years as a local government manager. The Code specifies 12 ethical principles of personal and professional conduct, including dedication to the cause of good government. ICMA members believe in the effectiveness of representative democracy and the value of government services provided equitably to citizens within a community. ICMA members also are committed to standards of honesty and integrity more vigorous than those required by the law.