Facilities Managers

Facilities managers handle the daily operations of buildings, grounds, and multi-facility campuses. Their primary duties involve making decisions, solving complex problems, and organizing and prioritizing work. On any given day, these managers inspect equipment and structures, monitor their surroundings, and gather information to ensure facilities comply with safety standards. They must communicate regularly with supervisors, peers, and subordinates to keep operations running smoothly.

Success in this role requires strong skills in speaking, active listening, reading comprehension, and critical thinking. Managers must coordinate activities, understand social dynamics, and manage personnel resources effectively. Key knowledge areas include administration and management, building and construction, public safety, and customer service. Because this is an enterprising career, workers need to show initiative, leadership, and dependability. They must also maintain high stress tolerance, attention to detail, and cautiousness to manage building systems and personnel safely.

To enter this career, the typical education level is a bachelor's degree. However, preparation can also include vocational training, an associate degree, or related work experience. Common college majors that prepare students for this field include business administration, hospitality administration, building and construction inspection, engineering-related fields, and parks and facilities management.

Depending on the state, some jurisdictions list a license for this work. Professionals can also earn voluntary industry certifications to advance their careers. Examples include the Aquatics Facility Operator credential from the National Recreation and Park Association, the Certified Healthcare Facility Manager credential from the American Hospital Association, and the Certified Facility Manager or Facility Management Professional credentials from the International Facility Management Association.

In 2025, the median annual pay for facilities managers was $106,660. Earnings can vary significantly based on experience and location; the lowest 10% of workers in this field earn less than $64,480, while the highest 10% earn more than $176,120. With 156,180 people employed in this occupation, the field is projected to grow by 4.6% from 2025 to 2035, which is as fast as the average for all occupations. This growth and normal turnover are expected to result in 14,200 job openings each year.