The Cleveland City Council salary is $87,465 per year for each of the 15 ward members, and $103,426 for the council president. The positions are full-time under Section 27 of the city charter, and the pay figures are public record.
What the President Earns and Why
The council president is paid roughly $16,000 more than a standard member. The premium covers presiding over sessions, setting committee assignments, coordinating public hearings, and acting as the main link between the council and the mayor’s office. No other leadership role on the council carries a separate pay bump above the standard member rate.
How Raises Are Capped
Council raises are not automatic. In April 2020, Cleveland voters approved Issue 6, a charter amendment that limits any annual salary increase for council members to the same percentage received by a majority of city-recognized unions.1Ballotpedia. Cleveland, Ohio, Issue 6, City Council Salary Limit Charter Amendment Before the amendment, members voted themselves raises that tracked city employee cost-of-living adjustments by custom. Issue 6 made that ceiling binding.
Any adjustment still requires an ordinance introduced and voted on in an open public meeting. If city unions negotiate a 3% raise in a given year, that is the ceiling for council pay in the same year.
Mileage and Expense Reimbursement
Members can claim mileage reimbursement for using personal vehicles on official business, paid at the IRS standard mileage rate.2American Legal Publishing. Cleveland Code 173.071 – Reimbursement of Expense for Members of Council The city’s general vehicle mileage ordinance sets that IRS rate as the ceiling and gives the Director of Finance authority to publish specific rules.3American Legal Publishing. Cleveland Code of Ordinances 171.43 – Vehicle Mileage Allowance Requests go in monthly, in writing, to the Clerk of Council, with documentation meeting federal tax code standards for employee expense programs. Standard office supplies and ward-related operating costs are also covered through council budgets.
Ward Money and Staff That Come With the Seat
The 2026 city budget gives each of the 15 wards $300,000 through the Neighborhood Equity Fund, plus $75,000 to help fund a major community event. The 2026 budget also funds a Junior Executive Assistant position in every council member’s office.4Cleveland City Council. Cleveland City Council Passes 2026 Budget These allocations sit on top of the council’s own operating budget, so each member controls real spending authority beyond personal salary.
Can Council Members Hold Outside Jobs?
Yes. Under Section 171.10 of Cleveland’s codified ordinances, council members are permitted to receive compensation from outside employment or other authorities.5American Legal Publishing. Cleveland Code 171.10 – Acceptance of Outside Employment That treats them differently from full-time administrative employees, who need written approval from the mayor before taking outside work and lose their city position if they accept outside pay without it.
Outside employment does not override Ohio ethics law. State law prohibits any public official from having an unlawful interest in a public contract, and violations of the most serious provisions are fourth-degree felonies punishable by up to $5,000 in fines and up to 18 months in prison. Less severe conflicts of interest under Ohio Revised Code Sections 102.03 and 102.04 are first-degree misdemeanors carrying fines up to $1,000 and up to 180 days in jail.6Ohio Ethics Commission. Investigation – Section: Penalties for Violation Complaints against public officials can be referred to the Ohio Ethics Commission by anyone.