Nearly half of the City of Maricopa’s salaried workforce earns at least $100,000 annually — figures that come as the city completes a comprehensive compensation audit that resulted in $1.6 million in pay corrections to mitigate potential legal risks.

Public records released to InMaricopa show that 56 of the city’s 118 salaried employees will make six figures in 2026. The average salary among those employees is $109,797.

That figure represents an increase from last year, when the city employed 116 salaried workers with an average salary of $102,000. The current average is also 12.3% higher than the average Maricopa household income of $97,753.

4 earn more than $200K

As in previous years, the city manager’s office accounts for the highest salaries.

City Manager Ben Bitter is the city’s top earner at $264,264, a $22,264 increase from last year. Assistant City Manager Jennifer Brown earns $214,119 after an $18,035 raise, while Deputy City Manager Matt Kozlowski makes $202,436 following a $17,046 increase.

Police Chief Mark Goodman also earns more than $200,000, with an annual salary of $203,273, a $23,951 raise. Despite the increase, Gallagher’s study found Goodman’s pay remains about 17% below market.

Wide range of hourly wages

The city employs 442 hourly workers, whose pay varies widely.

Hourly wages start at $15.74 for recreation aides and library pages, most of whom work up to 19 hours per week. At the top end is Judge Stephen McCarville, whose contract pays $94.14 per hour.

Full 2026 city employee salary chart

Click here.