Property, Real Estate, and Community Association Managers

These managers handle the daily operations of real estate properties and community associations. Their primary responsibilities include organizing, planning, and prioritizing tasks, making critical decisions, and solving operational issues. They spend significant time communicating with supervisors, peers, subordinates, and people outside the organization, such as tenants and contractors. Day-to-day tasks involve scheduling work, coordinating the activities of others, and working with computers to manage property records.

To succeed, individuals need strong skills in reading comprehension, active listening, speaking, and negotiation. They must use critical thinking and social perceptiveness to resolve tenant issues and coordinate maintenance. Key knowledge areas include customer and personal service, administration, economics, accounting, and public safety. Because this is an enterprising occupation, managers must show strong leadership, dependability, initiative, and stress tolerance while maintaining high integrity and attention to detail.

While the typical entry-level education listed by the Bureau of Labor Statistics is a high school diploma, most professionals in this field require considerable preparation. This often includes earning a bachelor's degree and gaining several years of related work experience. Students interested in this career often major in real estate or real estate development.

Depending on the state, some managers may need to obtain a license to practice. Professional certifications can also help candidates stand out. Examples of industry credentials include the Accredited Commercial Manager, Certified Apartment Leasing Professional, Certified Apartment Supplier, Certified Community Action Professional, Certified Facility Manager, and Certified Professional of Occupancy.

In 2025, the median annual pay for these managers was $69,990. The lowest 10% of earners made less than $41,010, while the highest 10% earned more than $139,680. With 311,180 people employed in this field, the occupation is projected to grow by 3.7% from 2025 to 2035, which is as fast as the average for all jobs. This growth and normal turnover are expected to create 36,900 job openings each year.