The current mayor is Vincenzo Napoli (PD), who took office on 14 June 2016.

[1] According to the Italian Constitution, the mayor of Salerno is member of the city council.

The mayor is elected by the population of Salerno, who also elect the members of the city council, controlling the mayor's policy guidelines and is able to enforce his resignation by a motion of no confidence.

The mayor is entitled to appoint and release the members of his government.

Since 1993, under provisions of new local administration law, the Mayor of Salerno is chosen by direct election, originally every four, then every five years.