A mayor in Chile earns between about 4.4 and 9.6 million pesos gross a month, depending on the size of the municipality. There is no single salary: the law assigns each municipality a grade, from 1 to 6, and the grade defines the pay. The figures in this article are from 2024, the most recent we found municipality by municipality.
How much a mayor earns by municipal grade
According to the Chilean Association of Municipalities, pay is determined mainly by the number of inhabitants and is regulated by the municipal staffing law (Law 20,922). These are examples gathered by The Clinic:
| Municipality | Grade | Gross monthly salary (CLP, 2024) |
|---|---|---|
| Santiago | 1 | 9,609,586 |
| Las Condes | 1 | 9,450,011 |
| Antofagasta | 1 | 8,751,535 |
| Puente Alto | 1 | 8,486,753 |
| Quinta Normal | 1 | 8,022,025 |
| Río Hurtado | 6 | 4,960,916 |
| La Higuera | 6 | 4,446,619 |
Grade 6, the lowest, covers 79 municipalities. The highest-paid mayor earns more than twice as much as the lowest-paid.
Why a mayor earns a different amount in each municipality
- The municipality's grade: it depends above all on population.
- Allowances: seniority and location can add to the base salary.
- Remote areas: posts at the far ends of the country carry extra bonuses.
How much a mayor earns compared with other officials
| Post | Gross monthly amount (CLP) | Data from |
|---|---|---|
| Mayor of Santiago | 9,609,586 | 2024 |
| Regional governor | 7.2 to 9 million | 2024 |
| Deputy | 8,239,091 | 2026 |
| President of the Republic | 11,070,064 | 2026 |
| Councillor (maximum allowance) | 998,415 | 2024 |
In 2024 several mayors and all 15 regional governors earned more than the then president. That was one of the reasons for raising the presidential salary from 2026, as we explain in how much the president of Chile earns. For the other end of the municipal scale, see how much a city councillor earns.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a mayor earn in Chile?
Between about 4.4 and 9.6 million pesos gross a month, depending on the municipality's grade (2024 data).
Which mayor earns the most?
In 2024, the mayor of Santiago: CLP 9,609,586.
Where can a mayor's salary be checked?
In the transparency section of each municipality's website, which must publish salaries.
