How much does a facilities manager make?

In the U.S., pay varies with experience, location, and employer: manufacturing, schools, hospitals, and government have different needs, and managing one building is different from overseeing a campus. Optional professional certification may help with job applications, and some managers are on call for urgent problems.

Plan, direct, or coordinate operations and functionalities of facilities and buildings. May include surrounding grounds or multiple facilities of an organization’s campus. Excludes “Administrative Services Managers” (11-3012), “Property, Real Estate, and Community Association Managers” (11-9141), “First-Line Supervisors of Building and Grounds Cleaning and Maintenance Workers” (37-1010), “First-Line Supervisors of Mechanics and Repairers” (49-1011), and “Maintenance and Repair Workers, General” (49-9071).

What's a typical day like?

A facilities manager may inspect a building and grounds, checking safety and equipment while talking with staff. They schedule repairs or renovations, track budgets, and may be called when a system breaks.

U.S. facilities managers often earn a business or related bachelor’s degree and gain building or project experience; some enter with a high-school diploma. IFMA’s optional CFM credential requires an exam and three to five years of experience.

Vocational school or a few years' experience (preparation level 3 of 5)

Good for people who like leading and selling and keeping things organized.

A burst pipe or broken elevator can count as an emergency, so U.S. facility managers may plan for those—not just fires or storms.